Philosophy Major, BA - Legal and Political Philosophy Concentration

The Legal and Political Philosophy Concentration provides focused study of foundational issues in law, justice, rights, and political authority. Students explore both historical and contemporary debates in legal and political theory while developing skills in critical reasoning, argumentation, and writing. The concentration offers excellent preparation for law school, public policy, graduate study in political or social philosophy, and careers that demand analytical rigor and clear communication.

College Requirements

Arts and Sciences

Concentration Requirements

The philosophy major with concentration in legal and political philosophy consists of 30 hours of courses. At least 6 hours must be taken at the 400-level or above; PHIL 407 may not be used to satisfy this 6-hour requirement.

I. Complete: (9 Credit Hours)

PHIL 235* - Formal Logic 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 391* - Social and Political Philosophy 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 392* - Philosophy of Law 3 Credit Hours

II. Select one course from each area:

III. Select three courses, including one course from each area: (9 Credit Hours)

A. Epistemology, Metaphysics, Logic

PHIL 360* - Philosophy of Science 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 365* - Philosophy of Social Science 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 370* - Philosophy of Religion 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 371* - Epistemology 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 372* - Metaphysics 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 373* - Philosophy of Mind 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 375* - Philosophy of Action 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 435 - Intermediate Formal Logic 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 463* - Race, Science, and Medicine 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 464* - Feminist Philosophy of Science 3 Credit Hours

B. Value Foundations: Policy, Politics, Law

PHIL 345* - Bioethics 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 346* - Environmental Ethics 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 348* - Honors: Environmental Ethics 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 365* - Philosophy of Social Science 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 382* - Philosophy of Feminism 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 383* - Philosophy of Disability 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 390* - Philosophical Foundations of Democracy 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 441* - Global Justice and Human Rights 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 463* - Race, Science, and Medicine 3 Credit Hours
PHIL 464* - Feminist Philosophy of Science 3 Credit Hours

IV. Select one additional Philosophy course (3 Credit Hours)

V. Proficiencies

Students are required to complete a 0-credit course, typically at the end of the student’s degree program.

PHIL 499 - Philosophical Proficiency 0 Credit Hours
* Meets Volunteer Core Requirement.

Undergraduates

Graduate Students