Philosophy Department

Major- Philosophy
Minor- Philosophy

For Course Offerings and Program Requirements see The Hiram College Catalog.

   1. Which courses are for first year students who wish to explore new areas of interest, but have no clear intent to major in this area?

      There are many, including the following: Philosophy 101 (Intro), 118 (Intro to Ethics), 121 (Logic), 210 (Ancient), and 212 (Early Modern).
   2. What is the desirable course work a prospective major/minor should complete by the end of their first year and the end of their second year?

      Majors: Taking the two required History of Philosophy courses (210 and 212) by the end of the second year is helpful, though not necessary. We also encourage majors to take Logic and their language requirement sooner rather than later.

      Minors: Same as above, though 121 and language aren’t required for minors.
   3. What is the minimum a prospective major/minor must do by the end of their first and second year?

      Majors and Minors: It is possible to complete a major or minor during the last two years at Hiram, though just barely. There are no specific course requirements, but students should have taken at least a couple of classes by their junior year.
   4. How important is it for a student with some interest in majoring in your area to make contact with a member of your department?

      It is a good idea to talk with a member of the department prior to the end of the sophomore year. We’re nice guys.
   5. What are the major pitfalls a student should avoid during their first year and how can an advisor help the student to avoid them?

      Not taking any philosophy classes would condemn students to an unexamined life, perhaps the greatest pitfall of them all.