Academic Catalogs

Philosophy, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer

Banner Code: 2_AAT_PHIL

Control Number: 32098

Financial Aid Eligible


The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer degree focuses on a critical analysis of philosophical history, ideas, and concepts as well the development of analytical, critical thinking, writing, and reading skills. Students choosing this major will study a range of philosophical subjects including metaphysics, epistemology, logic, and ethics. In addition, students will learn how to identify philosophical principles and concepts, critically analyze texts, and generate proper arguments. Completion of this major will provide students with a well-rounded understanding of Philosophy and equip them with the skills of a philosopher. Students will be prepared to enter a baccalaureate degree program in Philosophy.

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the basic problems in philosophy and traditional approaches to the issues.
  2. Employ critical thinking and analytic skills to better evaluate and understand arguments in many disciplines.
  3. Evaluate philosophical concepts as they pertain within and outside of the discipline and across cultures and belief systems.

Associate Degree for Transfer Graduation Requirements

Associate Degrees for Transfer require students to meet the following requirements:

  • Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable courses,
  • Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0,
  • Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and
  • Completion of IGETC and/or CSU GE-Breadth.

Students should consult a GWC counselor in order to select the best pathway to meet their educational goals. For students who intend to transfer, the choice of general education will be specific to both their major and transfer institution.

Course Title Units
Required Core
PHIL G115Logic and Critical Thinking3
PHIL G100Introduction to Philosophy3
or PHIL G120 Ethics
List A
Select one of the following:3
Any course from Required Core not already used
PHIL G102History of Ancient Philosophy3
List B
Select two of the following:6
Any course from Required Core or List A not already used
PHIL G110Philosophy Of The East3
PHIL G111Philosophy of Religion - Western3
HIST G180Western Civilization 13
HIST G185Western Civilization 23
List C
Select any course from List A or List B not already used3
Major Total18
GE Pattern (CSU GE-Breadth or IGETC)37-39
Total units that may be double-counted12
Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 units)15-17
Total Units60

Recommended Program Sequence

These sequences are general course maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, completion of short-term certificates, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. However, this may not be an appropriate path for all students.  The two-year sequence is based on English and Math placement and meeting other course prerequisites. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Year 1:

Course Title Units
Semester 1
PHIL G100Introduction to Philosophy3
ENGL G100Freshman Composition ^4
Area C1: Arts course3
Area E: Lifelong Learning & Self-Development course3
Area A1: Oral Communication course3
Units16
Course Title Units
Semester 2
PHIL G115Logic and Critical Thinking3
PHIL G120Ethics3
HIST G170History Of The United States To 1876 (Area D: Social & Behavioral Science course)3
or HIST G175 History of the United States Since 1876
Area B1: Physical Science course (with or without lab) *3-4
Select one of the following:3
MATH G100Liberal Arts Mathematics (UC or CSU transferable)3
ECON G105Consumer and Financial Math (CSU transferable only)3
Units15-16

Year 2:

Course Title Units
Semester 3
PHIL G102History of Ancient Philosophy3
Area B: Life Science course (with or without lab) *3-4
CSU Transferable elective coursework for a total of 3 units3
Area F: Ethnic Studies course3
Select one of the following: 3
PHIL G110Philosophy Of The East3
PHIL G111Philosophy of Religion - Western3
HIST G180Western Civilization 13
HIST G185Western Civilization 23
Units15-16
Course Title Units
Semester 4
PSCI G180American Government (Area D: Social & Behavioral Science course)3
or PSCI G181 American Government: The Politics of Race and Ethnicity
Area D: Social & Behavioral Science course3
CSU Transferable elective coursework to reach a minimum of 60 units3-6
Select one of the following NOT already taken: 3
PHIL G110Philosophy Of The East3
PHIL G111Philosophy of Religion - Western3
HIST G180Western Civilization 13
HIST G185Western Civilization 23
Units12-15
Total minimum units required60
^

Program sequence may not be recommended for students who self-place into ENGL G100S. Students should see a Counselor for appropriate advisement.

*

Either B1 or B2 must include a lab.