SUNY-Oneonta
Philosophy Department
Programs
SUNY-Oneonta
Philosophy Department
Programs
If you find yourself turning again and again to the Philosophy section of the Schedule of Classes, we encourage you to consider a structured program of study. A minor is possible with a few as six classes. A major can be had with no more than nine or ten. For students with interdisciplinary interests, Philosophy provides an exciting range of options for dual majors. It is a particularly good choice for those contemplating Law School. For students majoring in Elementary Education, there is a special Philosophy Concentration.
As discussed in the section titled "Why Philosophy?", philosophical study is traditionally divided into four areas: metaphysics, epistemology, logic, and value clarification. To provide foundation, majors are required to take at least one course from each area. In all cases, several choices are provided. (We gain little from strong-arming a student into a course they would rather not take.) To add depth and dimension, the student must complete five additional courses chosen in consultation with their faculty advisor (reduced to four for dual majors). Finally, as a capstone experience, each major completes an independent study which culminates in a senior thesis (generally 30-40 pages).
For many students, it is that final requirement -- the senior thesis -- which causes most concern. Their concern is natural but typically unfounded. By the time they reach their senior year, it is a task for which they are well prepared. Many regard it as the high point of their entire educational experience.
Requirements for the minor parallel those for the major but omit the senior thesis, the epistemology requirement, and 6 s.h. of electives. The Elementary Education Concentration has a similar structure, but incorporates several sophistications specifically designed for students preparing for a career as a teacher.
For further information, select a link to move directly to that section of the document -- or stop by the department office to discuss any specific concerns or questions you may have.
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The major in Philosophy can develop not only philosophical skills and sophistications but also intellectual abilities that are readily applicable to pursuits in other academic areas, useful in careers far removed from Philosophy, and valuable in everyday social and personal life. The study of Philosophy can profoundly affect both the thinking one does and the kind of person one is.Value Studies - Choose one (3 s.h.)Perhaps the most important outcome of philosophical study ... is the ability to engage in thinking that is at once disciplined and imaginatively creative. It goes to the heart of the nature of Philosophy; but it is a highly general capacity, needed for success in any complex intellectual or practical endeavor. [The Philosophy Major, 1992, pp. 11, 13.]
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Because it encourages broad-based understanding and creative problem solving, and because it enjoys historically close relationships with most other academic disciplines, Philosophy provides an excellent foundation for students who find traditional structures and expectations a bit too limiting.
Students interested in human values and expression often combine Philosophy with Art, Literature, Music, or Theatre. Those interested in human thought and cognition may combine Philosophy and Psychology. Students whose concerns have a more social or cultural focus are usually attracted to combinations like Philosophy and Anthropology, Philosophy and Political Science, or Philosophy and Sociology. And, naturally, those who are attracted to the natural sciences find important and interesting ways to combine Philosophy with Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, etc.
Obviously, the requirements for a dual major vary greatly according to the fields which one chooses to combine. Interested students should come by the department office as early as possible to ensure adequate advisement. The basic Philosophy portion of the requirement is presented below, but flexibility is possible according to individual needs and circumstances.
Value Studies - Choose one (3 s.h.)
Logic - Choose one (3 s.h.)
Metaphysics - Choose one (3 s.h.)
Epistemology - Choose one (3 s.h.)
Senior Thesis (3 s.h.)
Additional Selections (12 s.h.)
TOTAL: 27 s.h.
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Value Studies - Choose one (3 s.h.)
Logic - Choose one (3 s.h.)
Metaphysics - Choose one (3 s.h.)
Additional Selections (9 s.h.)
TOTAL: 18 s.h.
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Philosophical Foundations (6 s.h.)
Value Studies (6 s.h.)
History of Western Philosophy - Choose one (3 s.h.)
Multi-Cultural Awareness - Choose one (3 s.h.)
Knowing and Being - Choose one (3 s.h.)
Application (3 s.h.)
TOTAL: 24 s.h.
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The Oneonta Pre-Law Society brings together these students with their colleagues in political science, history, business economics, and related disciplines. The society sponsors speakers, panels, films, and other law-related activities.
Internships can be arranged with local law firms as well as ones in major metropolitan areas. Government offices in Albany have proved very receptive to students who prefer an internship with a civic or political focus.
Oneonta graduates are accepted into some of the country's top schools. In recent years, for instance, Oneonta alumni have studied successfully at Tulane, Cornell, Harvard, Boston, the University of Virginia, Rutgers, St. John's, Pepperdine University, and many others. Their success is solid proof that Oneonta is a good place to start.
Interested students are encouraged to stop by the department office to discuss program options with Professor Shrader.
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Douglas Shrader / Department Chair / Shradedw@Oneonta.edu
