Undergraduate Major in Philosophy

For a Major in Philosophy

Director of Undergraduate Studies: Professor David Albert, 706 Philosophy Hall, [email protected]

All classes offered within the Philosophy Department may be taken to fulfill the requirements of the major. The Columbia and Barnard Philosophy Departments function together as a unit. All courses offered by the Columbia-Barnard joint philosophy curriculum count toward the major at Columbia, excluding those courses specifically designed for Barnard students (PHIL BC4050/51 Senior Seminar and BC4052 Senior Essay).

Requirements for Philosophy Majors

At least 30 points in philosophy, chosen from courses prefixed with UN, GU, or GR*, including:

  • PHIL UN2101 History of Philosophy I or another course in ancient or medieval philosophy (e.g. UN3131 Aristotle, UN3121 Plato).*
  • PHIL UN2201 History of Philosophy II or another course in the history of late medieval or early modern philosophy (e.g. PHIL UN3222 Descartes-Spinoza-Leibniz or PHIL UN3237 Late Medieval and Modern Philosophy).*
  • PHIL UN3411 Symbolic Logic or, in exceptional cases, a more advanced course in logic.
  • At least one course in metaphysics; epistemology; philosophy of language; philosophy of science; phenomenology and existentialism, or a related course.*
  • At least one course in social and political philosophy; ethics/moral philosophy; aesthetics/philosophy of art; or a related course.*
  • At least one major seminar (PHIL UN3912).

*All substituted or related courses must be selected in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS)

* Students may register for a GR-prefixed course only with instructor permission. Because these courses are capped, students should register early.

PHIL UN3912 registration is taken in order of the following preference:

  • Senior majors who have not taken a previous Majors Seminar
  • Junior majors who have taken 5 or more philosophy courses and have NOT taken a Majors Seminar
  • Senior majors who have taken a previous Majors Seminar
  • Junior majors who have taken 5 or more philosophy courses
  • Senior concentrators who have taken 5 or more philosophy courses

Students considering a major in philosophy should meet with the (DUS) early in their sophomore year. Once majoring in philosophy, students are advised to consult with the DUS each term before registering for classes to plan and update their individual programs of study.

Students planning to major in philosophy often begin with PHIL UN1010 Methods and Problems of Philosophical Thought, or with UN1001 Introduction to Philosophy or 2000-level courses. More advanced students should take 3000- and 4000-level courses. All majors must take at least one Majors Seminar (PHIL UN3912). 

Courses offered by other departments do not count toward the major unless the course is cross-listed. In some cases, the DUS may grant an exception to this restriction. Please consult with the DUS ahead of time.

Transfer students and dual-degree students should consult with the DUS as to whether classes they have taken elsewhere can count toward the major. No more than 5 courses taken at another institution can count toward the major. 

Notes:

  • PHIL UN1401 Introduction to Logic and Core Courses (Literature Humanities and Contemporary Civilization) do not count towards the undergraduate philosophy major.
  • No more than one course at the 1000-level can be counted toward the major.
  • With rare exceptions, students must take at least four courses in philosophy before enrolling in a 4000-level course.
  • A maximum of two philosophy courses taken during the School of Professional Studies Summer Session can count towards the major.
  • Courses in which a grade of D or below has been received do not count toward the major or minor.
  • Except in unusual cases, no courses can be taken pass/fail to fulfill major requirements.