Philosophy Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the requirements?
Major in Philosophy:
Students majoring in philosophy must complete at least thirty-six (36) credit hours in philosophy. At least twenty-four (24) of these credit hours must be above the 1000 level, and of these twenty-four (24) credit hours, at least twelve (12) credit hours must be above the 2000 level.
Minor in Philosophy:
A minor in philosophy requires a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours, at least twelve (12) of which must be above the 1000 level.
Honors Program:
It is desirable, but not essential, to have completed at least eighteen (18) credit hours in Philosophy. You must have a minimum Cumulative QPA (Quality Point Average) of 3.0. The Cumulative QPA is calculated on the basis of all courses taken at Saint Mary's. (Faculty of Arts Regulation 12)
Requirements For Continuance
Maintain a Cumulative QPA of at least 3.0.
Requirements For Graduation
Meet the “Group 3" requirement for the B.A. (Faculty of Arts Regulation 3)
Obtain a minimum of sixty (60) credit hours in Philosophy, of which no more than twelve (12) credit hours are at the 1000 level, and no fewer than tweny-four (24) credit hours must be above the 2000 level. ( Note: no credit with a grade below “C” can be included among the 60.)
A minimum QPA of 3.0 (“B”) in 36 of the 60 Philosophy credit hours used to meet the Philosophy requirement.
A minimum Cumulative QPA of 3.0.
For more information contact:
Dr. Shelagh Crooks (MN526), the Undergraduate Advisor.
Email: shelagh.crooks@smu.ca
Phone: 420-5254
Disclaimer: Where there is a conflict between the requirements as set out above and the Academic Calendar, the Academic Calendar shall prevail.
Q: What is Philosophy About?
At turns throughout our lives, we are all assailed by philosophical perplexity. We wonder, is there a God? Why is there evil and suffering? Are morals and knowledge a matter of preference and perspective, or are there such things as objective values and truths? What indeed is worth valuing? What is the mind? Is it reducible to, or something over and above, the physical? How ought we to organize ourselves in society? Is individual liberty more vital than equality, or should considerations of the latter constrain the former?
The ultimate aim of a philosophy course is not merely to assist students in understanding the writings of those thinkers who have addressed these important issues, but also to equip students with the means by which they themselves can profitably grapple with the same questions.
Q: What can I do with a Philosophy Degree?
Because of the inherent interest of the issues it addresses, Philosophy ought to be studied and valued for its own sake. However, students are understandably concerned about what a degree in Philosophy might prepare them for--beyond, say, a career as a university professor. A number of years ago, the respected magazine, THE ECONOMIST, noted that Philosophy students "do better in examinations for business and management schools than anybody except mathematicians--better even than those who study economics, business or other vocational subjects." It proceeded to observe that Philosophy students routinely outperform those from other disciplines on admission tests to professional and graduate schools. Given the emphasis in Philosophy on argument and analysis, there is perhaps no better preparation for a career in law. And since Philosophy places a premium on precision of thought and expression, it provides an excellent background for a career in journalism or publishing. In the American Philosophical Association's publication, A NON-ACADEMIC CAREER?, a number of Philosophy graduates attest to the indispensable value of their education to their careers in research and planning, technical services, management and medicine. Career prospects aside, of course, Philosophy can also furnish a good grounding for adulthood and citizenship, since it contributes so significantly to the development of inquisitive and independent minds.
Q: What would my oportunities be as a Philosophy student?
The Department of Philosophy at Saint Mary's University offers a full range of undergraduate courses. Students may do a major (36 credit hours) or minor (24 credit hours) in philosophy or obtain an honours (60 credit hours) degree. The Department also offers a pre-law option. In order to arrange a selection of courses that best fits their individual needs and meets Department requirements, students are encouraged to consult with the undergraduate advisor, Dr. Mark Mercer.
Q: What success have graduates of the department had in entering post-graduate programs?
Graduates of the Saint Mary's University Philosophy Department are enrolled in Master's and Doctoral Programs at the Universities of Alberta, Dalhousie, Queen's, Waterloo, and Western Ontario, as well as at universities in the United States and Britain. Many more have been accepted into premier law programs across Canada.
Q: What is the current enrolment in Philosophy at Saint Mary's?
As of September 1, 2010, the Department has three honours students, 18 majors, 6 minors, and one MA student.
This page last modified Wednesday, 02-Nov-2011 09:22:37 ADT