Philosophy Major | 2018

This major is available for students stuyding the Bachelor of Arts.

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.

Students may also like to complement their Philosophy studies with the electives PHIL106 Media, Art and Society and/or PHIL151 Logic: The Art of Reasoning.

Timetables

Click on subject codes in the above table for information on sessions of offer for each subject.

To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials, and classes, visit the Timetable page.

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.

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning (WIL) experience during your university education is now a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting.

Students are also encouraged to consider CRLP200 (6cp). CRLP200 includes a quality assured workplace internship or industry project to give you that competitive edge by developing your professional skills through authentic learning in a real world context. You will focus on your career goals and receive career direction guidance, strengthen your resume and gain skills to navigate the rapidly changing world of work, develop your communication skills and begin to build a professional network.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the UOW Course Finder

Other Information

For further information email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au