Are there prerequisites for Philosophy courses?

Virtually all PHIL 0000 through PHIL 2998 courses may be profitably taken with no prior experience in philosophy. Indeed, apart from advanced logic courses, advanced philosophy courses tend not to assume much by way of prior knowledge though students are encouraged to take two or three lower-level (PHIL 0000-2998) courses before enrolling in advanced courses. Such prerequisites as there are can usually be readily acquired by dint of some extra reading. Advanced philosophy courses do presuppose possession in some measure of general reading and writing skills. Your study of philosophy will be enhanced if you do not delay plunging into advanced courses after completing two or three introductory courses. 

How does the course numbering work?

Courses numbered 0000 through 2998 are introductory courses. (PHIL 2982 is reserved for transfer credit courses. PHIL 2999 is independent study: see below.) Apart from PHIL 4723 (006), none of these courses assumes any prior acquaintance with philosophy.

Courses in the 3000-level are especially designed for philosophy majors. These topical courses cover in depth important issues which arise in central areas of philosophy and are often taught in a seminar format. At least one 3000-level course is offered every term. Each year, we aim to offer one such course in each of contemporary theoretical philosophy (e.g. philosophy of mind, of language, of science etc), value theory (e.g. ethics, socio-political philosophy), and history of philosophy.

Courses numbered 4000-4995 are courses for undergraduate and graduate students. Generally speaking, completion of three undergraduate courses with a grade of B+ or better should prepare you for these courses. You may, however, wish to consult with the instructor of a 4000-level course before enrolling in it.

5000-level courses are graduate seminars. Undergraduates must obtain the instructor's permission before registering for these courses. Such permission is routinely and enthusiastically granted to advanced undergraduates.

Phil 2999 is the Department's independent study course. Students wishing to undertake individually supervised study should make arrangements directly with a faculty member or consult with the Undergraduate Chair concerning the choice of a supervisor for a project.

The Philosophy department offers a number of courses in Liberal and Professional Studies in addition to regular course offerings in the School of Arts & Sciences. LPS courses carry regular SAS credit and may be used to satisfy the distribution requirement of the Majors. 

How do I declare a major in philosophy?

Please book an appointment with the Undergraduate Chair to discuss the major and our four possible concentrations as well as course selection. You may fill out the Declare/Update Field of Study form through Path Forms at that time.

Who advises undergraduate philosophy majors?

The Undergraduate Chair is the official advisor for all philosophy majors. However, we encourage all of our students to consult with any member of the Department they choose for academic advising. Each term majors are advised to consult with the Undergraduate Chair concerning changes in their proposed plan of study. It is particularly important that the Undergraduate Chair be informed of changes of Philosophy Majors, e.g., a switch from General Major to Philosophy and Science. Should you transfer from Philosophy to another major field, take a leave of absence, or withdraw from The College, we would appreciate your informing the Department office. You may schedule an appointment with the Undergraduate Chair via email: qspencer@sas.upenn.edu.

May I petition major requirements?

Philosophy majors may petition the Department for exemption from any of the requirements of a major.

Examples of routinely granted petitions include petitions to count a course outside of philosophy toward the General Major and petitions to replace one 3000-level course with a 5000-level course toward satisfaction of the level requirement. Examples of routinely denied petitions include petitions for exemption from the logic requirement and petitions to count courses outside of philosophy toward the distribution requirements.

Students must present their petitions to the Undergraduate Chair, who will either give them a decision directly, or submit the petition to a meeting of the Department faculty. A student may appeal any decision of the Undergraduate Chair to the entire Department. A written record is kept of petitions and the action taken on them. Only written records of agreements made with students concerning their Major Program will be honored. Any suggestions, commendations, complaints, or grievances concerning the Department's undergraduate program should be addressed to either the Chair or the Undergraduate Chair.

Does Philosophy have a sub-matriculation program?

Yes. Submatriculation in Philosophy enables outstanding students to earn an M.A. in Philosophy while completing a B.A. Application for submatriculation should be filed by mid-January in the year prior to the year one expects to receive the submatriculation, a student must have completed at the time of application at least two philosophy courses above 3000, and must have a grade point average of 3.5 in all completed philosophy courses above 3000. (These are necessary but insufficient conditions for admission into submatriculation). The application for this submatriculation program should include the names of two standing faculty members who have instructed the applicant in philosophy courses above 3000, and who are willing to provide a recommendation that the student be admitted to the MA. Applications for submatriculation are carefully scrutinized by the Philosophy Department as a whole. Students interested in submatriculation should see the Undergraduate Chair for further details concerning application to the program. The applicant will typically be a student doing a major in Philosophy. Non-philosophy majors will be considered only in exceptional cases. 

How do I prepare for graduate study in Philosophy?

Our undergraduate Major Programs are not designed specifically as preparation for graduate study in philosophy, but any of them can serve that end. The best preparation for graduate study in philosophy is a well-rounded liberal arts education with significant concentration of work outside philosophy. Students considering graduate study in philosophy are advised to consult with the Undergraduate Chair or any faculty member about a course of studies suitable for that purpose.

Does the department allow credit to be transferred from other colleges and universities?

The Philosophy Department routinely grants transfer credit for equivalents of PHIL 1000 (001): Introduction to Philosophy, PHIL 0700 (007): Critical Thinking, PHIL 2330 (073): Ethical Questions, and PHIL 1342 (072): Bioethics. Frequently transfer credit is also given for PHIL 1330 (002): Ethics, PHIL 1110 (003): Ancient Greek Philosophy, and PHIL 1170 (004): History of Modern Philosophy. Because of the unique nature of Penn's PHIL 1710 (005): Introduction to Logic, transfer credit is rarely given for this course. 

Students should apply through Penn's XCAT system for transfer credit. Applicants should provide as much information about the course as possible, at minimum a catalog description. A syllabus is particularly helpful. Examinations, assignments, texts, and class notes are also useful. Normally, transfer credit will be given only for courses instructed by someone with a Ph.D. in philosophy.

Students planning to transfer summer school courses from other institutions should apply for transfer credit before enrolling in the course. The same applies to students studying abroad, especially in programs not sponsored by the University. Transfer credit is given at the discretion of the Department and is NOT automatic. Transfer credit for study away (or credit away) courses will not be granted for courses taken at a 2-year community college.