Philosophy

Bachelor of Arts

Introduction

Congratulations on being accepted into a Bachelor of Arts degree program! You are embarking on an academic journey that will offer you the best of a broad liberal education with the ability to specialize in various fields of study.

In philosophy we ask fundamental questions about ourselves and the world, as well as practical questions about how to live a good life and how to construct a just society. As an academic discipline, philosophy is subdivided into areas such as ethics and political philosophy, aesthetics, epistemology (the theory of knowledge), metaphysics (the theory of reality or being), logic and the philosophy of logic, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, and the history of philosophy. Philosophy graduates pursue careers in business, law, the arts, and politics.

The Bachelor of Arts degree is offered as either a B.A. or B.A. (Honours), both requiring the completion of 120 units and normally four years of full-time study.

Courses required in your first year

Winter semester

Philosophy 279 or Open Option1

Science Option or Open Option

Open Option

Open Option

Language Option2

Fall semester

Philosophy 279 or Open Option1

Science Option or Open Option

Open Option

Open Option

Language Option2

Note

1. It is strongly recommended to select at least one of Philosophy 201, 249, 259, or 264 as their Arts Option. Philosophy is a required course that’s recommended for the first year but can be taken later in the program.

2. Students wishing to fulfill their language requirement with one of Hebrew, Sanskrit, Tibetan, or Classical Chinese should substitute an Arts Option, as these courses are not ordinarily available to first-year students. Courses taught in English cannot be used to meet this requirement. Students are required to complete two courses in the same language. Fluency in a language other than English may be considered as a substitute for the language requirement; please contact the Undergraduate Program Director to discuss options.

Courses in Mathematics, Psychology, or Biological or Physical Sciences are useful for the student interested in Philosophy of Science; courses in Political Science for students interested in Ethics and Political Philosophy; courses in Fine Arts or Literature for students interested in Aesthetics; courses in Linguistics for students interested in Philosophy of Language.

Tip

Tip:
Remember to register for both fall and winter semesters at the same time.

For further information please contact:
Telephone: 403.220.3580
Email: [email protected]
Website: arts.ucalgary.ca/philosophy

Studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree means that you are a student in the Faculty of Arts.

The major that you choose refers to the subject area you’d like your Bachelor of Arts degree to focus on (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, major in History). This is something that you will have indicated when you applied for admission.

To see your major program, log into your online Student Centre and under the Admissions menu and within the "My Applications" box, click on "status". You will then be able to see your faculty and major program.

From Archeology to Visual Studies, there are numerous majors and programs to choose from within the Faculty of Arts. If you'd like to see the different majors and programs that the Faculty of Arts has to offer, visit the faculty website.

If you are coming to the University of Calgary with Advanced Placement credit or International Baccalaureate credit, you will follow the same registration process as any first time university student. You may be eligible to use your transfer credit in your degree program depending on the program you have entered and whether or not the courses are applicable. Look for International Baccalaureate credit information at ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/a-12-1.html and Advanced Placement information at ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/a-12-2.html.

You may view your transfer credit by logging in to your online Student Centre. Once you know the transfer credit you have received, you may contact the academic advisor in your faculty to get advice on course selection.

Generally, students must complete 18 units at the junior (200-level) before they are allowed to register in 300-level courses.

Co-op and Internship: Get a head start on your career through our co-operative education and internship opportunities. You will gain valuable work experience in your industry—all before you graduate.

Study Abroad: Experience different cultures, gain a better understanding of world issues, and travel around the globe, all while earning credit towards your degree. The University of Calgary offers exchanges and study abroad programs in 61 different countries.

Community Service-Learning: Combine your classroom learning with volunteer work that achieves community goals, and see first-hand how your academic learning relates to social issues.

Co-Curricular Record: The first of its kind in Western Canada, have your out-of-classroom experiences such as volunteer work, leadership training and club involvement documented on an official record.

Arts and Science Honours Academy: Be part of a unique program that combines collaborative study, global opportunities and academic challenge. The ASHA program brings together 25 like-minded high achieving students to learn and study in six distinct scholars courses. As an Arts and Science Honours Academy student, you will be one of a class of the best and brightest at the University of Calgary.