Coursework in philosophy is designed to introduce students to a range of profound and stimulating philosophical questions, and to develop the skills necessary for independent thinking. It also provides a broadening perspective for the various areas of specialization in the natural and social sciences, in literature and the arts, and in the various professional programs. A major in philosophy thus provides excellent preparation for a professional career in law, government, business, teaching, the media, higher education and related areas.
Four Major Fields of Concentration
Basic Track
The basic track in the major requires a lower-division Foundations in Ethics course, 21 upper-division philosophy hours, and 12 hours of related upper-division coursework in other disciplines. If a student has taken the Cornerstone course in the discipline of Philosophy, this course will count as two credits towards the major (or the basic minor), and the student will then fulfill a one-credit capstone requirement in their last semester to reach the total of 21 hours. A student who has not taken the Cornerstone course in the discipline of Philosophy will take an additional elective to satisfy the major and will be exempt from the capstone requirement. Courses will be selected in consultation with the student’s departmental advisor. The major is completed with an oral exam completed during the final semester of study (see below for more on the oral exam requirement).
For more information, see the full Basic Track description in the catalog.
Professional Track
The Philosophy Department offers a professional track in the major which provides more rigorous preparation for graduate school or for a professional career (e.g., in law). This track enhances the basic major with a total of 27 philosophy hours, including two required courses in the history of philosophy. In addition, two courses in a foreign language are strongly recommended, as is a course in logic. Also, 12 semester hours of related upper-division courses are required.
For more information, see the full Professional Track description in the catalog.
Social Justice Track
The Department offers a Social Justice Track in the Philosophy major to facilitate the development of contemplatives-in-action. The Social Justice Track prepares students to direct their knowledge and skills toward the work of social change. Students will engage in the Catholic and Jesuit traditions of service to others, build a strong foundation of philosophical knowledge and moral deliberation, investigate the causes and consequences of contemporary social issues, and develop skills to be leaders advocating for the advancement of human dignity.
The Social Justice Track is attractive to students who intend on pursuing service and justice-oriented careers who want a strong philosophical and ethical foundation in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition for their social justice work. It is also a very good fit for career paths relating to non-profit leadership, social work, legislative and legal advocacy, human rights and peace organizations, immigration, environmental advocacy, education, law enforcement, and politics. This track requires 12 philosophy hours, 6 hours in Leadership Courses, 12 hours in related courses from several disciplines, and a Capstone Philosophy course, for a total of 33 hours. There is also a required service component.
The track requires a lower-division Foundations in Ethics course, followed by 15 specified philosophy hours, 12 hours of related upper-division coursework in other disciplines, and a capstone for a total of 33 hours (minimum). This track also has a service component.
For more information, see the full Social Justice Track description in the catalog.
Bioethics Track
The aim of the Bioethics Track in the Philosophy Major is to help students confidently apply ethical principles to medical, health care, and research activities; intelligently discuss ethical dilemmas in health care, medicine, and life science research; think critically about emerging ethical issues in medicine, scientific research, and biotechnology; and, contribute to public debates regarding bioethical issues in contemporary society.
Career Options: A bachelor's degree in Philosophy with a Bioethics focus provides an excellent foundation for numerous career pathways, such as pursuing a theological or philosophical graduate-level program in bioethics; physician; physician-assistant; nursing; nurse practitioner; physical, occupational, or speech therapy; or any other health care related field; bio-medical research, especially genetics or molecular biology; law or social work with a focus in medicine, research, or health care.
The Bioethics track reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field of bioethics, thus offering our students an opportunity to integrate diverse coursework around this central theme of ethics in medicine, health care, and the life sciences. The track requires a lower division Foundations in Ethics course, 15 specified philosophy hours, 15 hours in related courses (from at least two different disciplines), and a capstone course, for a total of 33 hours (minimum).
For more information, see the full Bioethics Track description in the catalog.
- A grade of C or better is required in each upper-division course of the major. (A grade of C- will not satisfy the requirement.)
- A complete list and description of philosophy courses can be found on the online catalog web pages.
Senior Oral Examination for all Philosophy Majors
All philosophy majors are required to take a Senior Oral Examination (0 credits). The purpose of the exam is to give philosophy majors the opportunity to show they have gained the ability to carry out independent philosophical analysis of a philosophical work. The work is chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor and the exam consists of an oral discussion of the work. The exam is usually taken toward the end of the student’s last semester. The completion of a capstone course for the major also fulfills the oral exam requirement.
Minor Field of Concentration
The Philosophy Minor requires a minimum of 15 hours of coursework in philosophy, including a lower-division Foundations in Ethics course (3 credits). A grade of C or better is required in each upper-division course of the minor. (A grade of C- will not satisfy the requirement.)
For more information, see:
Faculty
There are six full-time and several part-time faculty members in the Department, specializing in the history of philosophy, political philosophy, medieval philosophy, modern philosophy, ethics, philosophy of religion, contemporary European philosophy, medical ethics, philosophy of justice, philosophy or art, philosophy and literature and other areas. Members of the department are devoted to both teaching excellence and scholarly activity. Departmental members have a high number of scholarly publications in their fields, and are active in professional philosophy organizations.
Student Opportunities
The Philosophy Department sponsors the Missouri Beta chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, the international philosophy honor society, and has had several students contribute articles to Dialogue, the journal of Phi Sigma Tau. The Department awards various student scholarships from time to time, and holds the Rossner Philosophy Essay Competition every spring (which carries a $500 prize and inscription on the Rossner plaque on display in the Department). (Full details available in the Department.) In addition, the Department sponsors the LaCroix Lecture Series, which brings nationally recognized scholars to Rockhurst to speak to our students. We also host annually the Rossner Visiting Scholar Lecture in Philosophy, as part of the Rockhurst Visiting Scholars Lecture Series. The Department also sponsors, and funds, student participation in undergraduate philosophy conferences.
Graduate School
Most of our students double major in philosophy, and a very high percentage of these go on to graduate school in their areas of interest. In recent years, our majors have gone on to do graduate work in philosophy, psychology, computer science, government, law, medicine, business, health care, and related areas. Those students who do not go to graduate school usually pursue a professional career, e.g. in nursing, physical or occupational therapy, health or educational administration and related areas.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. John F. Morris
Chair, Department of Philosophy
john.morris@rockhurst.edu
Tel: 816-501-4694