Perspectives Program FAQs

You appreciate an integrated, philosophical approach to enduring questions about intellectual, spiritual, and moral life. In the rest of the Perspectives Program, we take the same, year-long, 12-credit approach with the social science, fine arts, literature, natural science and/or math core.

• Perspectives on Western Culture: 6 credits theology core, 6 credits philosophy core (First-year students; some sophomores) (PHIL 1090/THEO 1090)
• Modernism and the Arts: 3 credits literature core, 3 credits arts core, 6 credits philosophy core (Closed to first-year students) (UNAS 1104/1105)
• Horizons of the New Social Sciences (6 credits social sciences core, six credits philosophy core (Closed to first-year students) (UNAS 1109/1110)
• New Scientific Visions: 6 credits natural science core (or 3 credits natural science, 3 credits mathematics core), 6 credits philosophy core. (Closed to first-year students) (UNAS 1119/1120)

Yes, but we would not recommend taking the first-year course, Perspectives on Western Culture.

Perspectives Program philosophy credits count towards a major or a minor in philosophy.

If you don’t need the credits for other core requirements, you may count the additional 6 credits toward a minor or major in Philosophy.

That decision rests with the department in question. Please direct all inquiries to the relevant department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS).

No. Perspectives courses are designed to be year-long courses, and to earn core credits in literature, art and mathematics, you must complete both semesters of the course, preferably with the same professor. However, after consultation with the leadership of the program, it may be possible to take semesters out of order, or have a gap year between the parts of a course. In the case of New Scientific Visions, however, the semesters must be taken in order. Students who are forced to drop the course halfway through the year will have their credits distributed, after consultation with the Perspectives Program administration and the relevant department(s).

The Perspectives Major is a major track in the philosophy department. Students in the Perspectives Program declare a philosophy major, which they complete, partially or in whole, by taking courses in the Perspectives Program. Perspectives Program majors who have completed 3 courses in the Program are eligible for senior capstone experiences: senior seminars, a senior essay, and a senior retreat (though these are not required).

Contact the Administrator of Undergraduate Studies in the Philosophy Department.

Most Perspectives majors have other majors or minors in other disciplines. This becomes difficult only with plans to study abroad, particularly for a full year, but usually we can work out an accommodation.

In 2021-22, there will be one section of P1 open to sophomores (PHIL1090/THEO1090 28).