2017 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Philosophy Major | 2017

This information is for students commencing their course in 2017. Students follow the rules and requirements for the year they commenced their course. Please refer to the Archives link in the menu for years prior to 2017.

Philosophy engages with the most  fundamental questions and puts you into dialogue with the greatest thinkers who have tried to answer them. It asks: What is the good life? How should we treat others and the environment? What makes an action morally good? What is a person? How do minds fit in nature? Can we know anything with certainty? What is social justice? Which rights matter in a fair society? 

By studying Philosophy you will improve your analytical reasoning skills, broaden and deepen your understanding of  foundational topics and learn how  to respect and value diverse points of view. You will acquire skills in independent thinking and gain experience in analysing and carefully assessing arguments and ideas on a wide range of topics. These are highly marketable graduate qualities, sought after by employers.

Major areas of study at UOW  include ethics; political philosophy; theory of knowledge; philosophy of mind; phenomenology and existentialism; metaphysics; philosophy of language and philosophy of science.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this major students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of central concepts and arguments in philosophy including contemporary problems in mind, ethics, politics, and science;
  2. Evaluate and critically assess arguments, and evidence for and against different philosophical points of view;
  3. Describe and critically reflect upon a range of alternative perspectives and recognise their underlying assumptions;
  4. Articulate the relationship between philosophical and practical problems;
  5. Engage in responsible and informed debate and decision-making. 

Subjects Required for Major Study

Philosophy consists of at least 48 credit points as outlined below.

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Core
PHIL107Introduction to Philosophy6Autumn
PHIL218Ethics: Good, Bad and Evil6Autumn
PHIL219Knowledge, Science and Understanding6Spring
PHIL304Key Thinkers, Big Questions6Not available in 2017
PHIL328Philosophy at Work (Capstone)6Not available in 2017
Plus at least ONE from the following:
PHIL106Media, Art and Society6Spring
PHIL151Logic: The Art of Reasoning6Spring
PHIL235International Studies in Philosophy6Autumn, Spring
PHIL226Global Ethics6Spring
PHIL227The Meaning of Life: Absurdity and Existence6Spring
PHIL228Theories of Emotion and Imagination6Not available in 2017
PHIL256Environmental Philosophy: Animals, Nature and Ethics6Spring
PHIL234Mind, Body and World6Autumn
PHIL236Philosophy in Film and Literature6Autumn
Plus at least TWO from the following:
PHIL327Special Philosophical Questions6Not available in 2017
PHIL318Narratives in Mind, Self and Psychosis6Not available in 2017
PHIL319Political Philosophy: Justice, Equality and Rights6Not available in 2017
PHIL320Philosophy of Health and Happiness6Not available in 2017
PHIL326Bioethics6Not available in 2017
PHIL336Philosophy: East and West6Spring

Minor Study

A minor in Philosophy is available and consists of at least 24 credit points of subjects from the schedule of the Philosophy major. At least 12 credit points must be at 200 level or higher.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 20 December, 2017