Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy - Ethics and Public Policy

Virginia Commonwealth University

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 30 of those credits in philosophy. Fifteen of these credits must be selected from upper-level philosophy courses. Students whose main interests in philosophy are ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of law or public policy (and who may wish to pursue graduate work in law, political science, economics and related areas) will probably want to choose the ethics and public policy concentration. Student learning outcomes Philosophy core outcomes Upon completing this program, students will be able to: Demonstrate a good knowledge of and facility with the methods and concepts of modern, analytic philosophy Demonstrate a good knowledge of the current state of academic discussion of some of the central philosophical topics Demonstrate some knowledge of the history of philosophy, including both major themes and movements and some specific figures and systems Demonstrate the ability to think critically and systemically about philosophical problems, both abstract and practical, and to write clearly and cogently about them Demonstrate the ability to construct and analyze arguments clearly and cogently, independently of their subject matter Ethics and public policy concentration-specific outcomes Demonstrate a good knowledge of public policy in areas such as politics, economics and law Demonstrate a good knowledge of philosophical questions about public policy in areas such as politics, economics and law

College of Humanities and Sciences