Nov 28, 2024

Catalog 2021-2022

Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Philosophy, Humanities and Social Sciences Area of Concentration

Important Information

Short Description

In Philosophy, students study the greatest thinkers in human history and learn to question all assumptions and to think objectively in the pursuit of truth. By studying the ideas of great philosophers, students will develop the skills required to analyze competing positions and advance cogent arguments. The goal of all philosophy instruction at CCBC is to improve the lives of students by making them more effective critical thinkers and more compassionate decision makers.

Type of Credential

Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Humanities and Social Sciences
Area of Concentration – Philosophy

Program Code

A 240

Contacts and Additional Information

For more information on the Philosophy Program, please contact:

Coordinators:

Nicholas VanHorn
CCBC-Essex - AHUM 239
443-840-2085 or nvanhorn@ccbcmd.edu

Rhonda Amenu-El
CCBC-Catonsville - HUMN 011H
443-840-4377 or ramenuel@ccbcmd.edu

Additional Information:

Opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) - Several General Education classes offer PLA. See DSST, and International Baccalaureate.
Articulation and Transfer Agreements

Semester Sequence

This is a suggested full-time schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits. Refer to the College catalog for specific requirements in selecting General Education Courses .

Semester 1*

CMNS 101 - Fundamentals of Communication 3 Credit(s).
ENGL 101 - College Composition I 3 Credit(s).
PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy 3 Credit(s).
Gen. Ed. Elective - Mathematics (MATH 125 recommended) 3-4 Credit(s).
Gen. Ed. Elective - Wellness and Health 3 Credit(s).

Semester 2

ENGL 102 - College Composition II 3 Credit(s).
HIST 101 - Western Civilization I: Ancient and Medieval History 3 Credit(s).
PHIL 103 - Critical Thinking 3 Credit(s).
PHIL 240 - Ethics 3 Credit(s).
Gen. Ed. Elective - Information Technology 3 Credit(s).

Semester 3

HIST 102 - Western Civilization II: Modern History 3 Credit(s).
Gen. Ed. Elective - Biological and Physical Sciences with lab 4 Credit(s).
Program Elective - (PHIL 131 strongly recommended) 3 Credit(s).
Program Electives - (History or Literature courses recommended) 6 Credit(s).

Semester 4

Gen. Ed. Elective - Biological and Physical Sciences 3 Credit(s).
Gen. Ed. Elective - Social and Behavioral Sciences (SOCL 101 or SOCL 102 recommended) 3 Credit(s).
Program Elective - (PHIL 290 strongly recommended) 3 Credit(s).
Program Electives - (History or Literature courses recommended) 6 Credit(s).

Courses Needed for this Area of Concentration*

General Education Requirements and Electives - 34-36 Credits

General Education Requirements:

CMNS 101 - Fundamentals of Communication 3 Credit(s).
ENGL 101 - College Composition I 3 Credit(s).
ENGL 102 - College Composition II 3 Credit(s).
HIST 101 - Western Civilization I: Ancient and Medieval History 3 Credit(s).
PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy 3 Credit(s).

General Education Electives:

Choose courses in each category from the list of approved General Education Courses . One course must be a Diversity course.

Students must have at least 60 credits for an associate degree. Students who choose to take 3 credits of Mathematics and 7 credits of Biological and Physical Sciences, rather than 4 and 8, may need to take an additional class in order to reach at least 60 credits.

Biological and Physical Sciences (at least one course must have a lab) 7-8 Credits.
Information Technology 3 Credits.
Mathematics (MATH 125 recommended) 3-4 Credits.
Social and Behavioral Sciences (SOCL 101 or SOCL 102 recommended) 3 Credits.
Wellness and Health 3 Credits.

Concentration Requirements and Electives - 24-26 Credits

Required Courses:

Two-Semester Sequence

HIST 101 - Western Civilization I: Ancient and Medieval History 3 Credit(s). **
HIST 102 - Western Civilization II: Modern History 3 Credit(s). **

Critical Thinking

PHIL 103 - Critical Thinking 3 Credit(s). **
PHIL 240 - Ethics 3 Credit(s). **

Program Electives:

Select 18-23 credits from the following list of electives to attain 60 credits for the degree. A student’s selection of General Education electives will determine the total elective credits required to reach 60 credits. Additional courses beyond those listed below may be used to complete the degree requirements with the approval of the Program Coordinator/Academic Dean. Electives should be chosen based on requirements of the transfer institution.

ENGL 160 - Studies in Mythology 3 Credit(s).
ENGL 205 - World Literature I 3 Credit(s).
ENGL 206 - World Literature II 3 Credit(s).
HIST 116 - African-American History Overview 3 Credit(s).
HIST 211 - Social and Cultural History of American Warfare: 1775-1902 3 Credit(s).
HIST 212 - Social and Cultural History of American Warfare: 1917 to Present 3 Credit(s).
PHIL 131 - Introduction to World Religions 3 Credit(s).
PHIL 290 - Advanced Topics in Philosophy 3 Credit(s).

Total Credits Required for Degree: 60*

Notes

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development: Transitioning to College . This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.

** These courses may also be used as General Education Electives. HIST 101 and HIST 102 are in the Social and Behavioral Sciences category. PHIL 101 , PHIL 103, and PHIL 240 are in the Arts and Humanities category.

Area of Concentration Description

This area of concentration is designed to help students transfer to colleges and universities that offer a baccalaureate degree with a major in Philosophy. Beyond the General Education requirements and other degree, program, and elective requirements, this concentration should be considered in light of the requirements of the selected transfer institution. Students should consult with an advisor for information about specific requirements.

Because four-year institutions vary widely in their requirements, it is strongly recommended that students who wish to pursue studies in Philosophy speak with an advisor from the Counseling and Advising Center and the Philosophy department head before registering for courses. The sequence of courses should be adjusted to meet the requirements of the transfer institution.

Area of Concentration Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this area of concentration, students will be able to:

explain and demonstrate how critical analysis is an essential part of philosophizing;
show an awareness of the influence that cultural and social orientations have on the development and acceptance/rejection of various philosophical theories;
explain the importance and relevance of rationally and constructively questioning basic beliefs and assumptions;
speak and write clearly about philosophical issues;
identify the major subdivisions within the discipline of philosophy;
identify core ideas of some of the famous and influential philosophers; and
distinguish between subjective opinions and justified philosophical claims.