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Philosophy and Humanities Joint Major

Bachelor of Arts

This joint major explores the relationship between the two disciplines. Students must plan their program in consultation with advisors in each department.

Program Requirements

Students complete 120 units, as specified below.

Humanities Lower Division Requirements

Students complete 15 units including

HUM 101W - Introduction to the Humanities (3)

An introduction to issues and concepts central to the study of the Humanities. Through exposure to primary materials drawn from different periods and disciplines, students will become acquainted with a range of topics and ideas relating to the study of human values and human experience. Writing/Breadth-Humanities. Prerequisite: . Equivalent Courses: HUM101. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Mark Antone Minard
May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one of

HUM 102W - Classical Mythology (3)

An introduction to the central myths of the Greeks and Romans. The course will investigate the nature, function, and meaning of myths in the classical world and their considerable influence on western civilization. Writing/Breadth-Humanities. Prerequisite: . Equivalent Courses: HUM102. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Day/Time Location
C100 Distance Education
HUM 105 - Western Civilization from the Ancient World to the Reformation Era (3)

A study of some of the most important features of western civilization from its origins until the mid-16th century. Students with credit for HIST 105 prior to 2007 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

HUM 130 - Introduction to Religious Studies (3)

An introduction to concepts central to the academic study of religion exploring various relevant methodologies. Provides a framework for understanding the many ways in which humans experience the phenomenon of the sacred through symbol, ritual, doctrine and experience in a variety of religious traditions and cultures. Students who have taken HUM 230 prior to 2007 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities. Equivalent Courses: GS230 HUM230. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Day/Time Location
C100 Distance Education

and one of

HUM 201 - Great Texts: Ancient World to Renaissance (3)

An intensive study of some of the major works which have had a formative influence on the structure and development of western thought. Reading and discussion of primary texts and the major themes which emerge from them will introduce students to essential philosophical, literary, social, and religious themes of western civilization. Texts for this course will be drawn from the Ancient World, Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Prerequisite: 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.

HUM 202 - Great Texts: Renaissance to Modernity (3)

An intensive study of some of the major works which have had a formative influence on the structure and development of western thought. Reading and discussion of primary texts and the major themes which emerge from them will introduce students to essential philosophical, literary, social and religious themes of western civilization. Texts for this course will be drawn from the 17th century through to the modern period. Prerequisite: 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.

HUM 203 - Great Texts: Asian Thought and Literature (3)

An introduction to classic texts which have endured as monuments of Asian thought and literature. Readings and discussions of primary texts and their central ideas will introduce students to philosophical, literary and religious themes in a selected, major Asian tradition. Prerequisite: 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Shuyu Kong
Jun 26 – Aug 16, 2018: Wed, Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and two further lower division humanities courses.

Philosophy Lower Division Requirements

Students complete 12 units including all of

PHIL 100W - Knowledge and Reality (3)

An introduction to some of the central problems of philosophy. Topics to be discussed include the different theories of reality; the nature and sources of knowledge, truth, evidence, and reason; the justification of belief and knowledge about the universe. These topics and problems will be considered as they arise in the context of issues such as: relativism versus absolutism; the existence of God; personal identity; the nature of the mind and its relation to the body; free will and determinism; the possibility of moral knowledge. Open to all students. Students with credit for PHIL 100 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jill McIntosh
May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D114 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D115 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHIL 120W - Moral Problems (3)

A critical examination of a range of questions and problems we confront as moral agents, such as: the nature and scope of our moral responsibilities, the source of our moral and civil rights, and the role of moral emotions, like resentment, love and forgiveness. Students with credit for PHIL 120 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jennifer Warriner
May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D112 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D113 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D114 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D115 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D116 May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
PHIL 203 - Metaphysics (3)

An examination of central problems of metaphysics such as space and time, universals and particulars, substance, identity and individuation and personal identity. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 100W (or equivalent), 120W (or equivalent), 121, 144, 150, 151, or COGS 100.

and one of

PHIL 150 - History of Philosophy I (3)

A survey of philosophic thought from late antiquity to the Renaissance. Special attention will be given to the works of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas. The views of these great thinkers have helped to shape the ways in which we see the world. This course is therefore recommended to everyone with an interest in our intellectual heritage. Open to all students. Breadth-Humanities.

PHIL 151 - History of Philosophy II (3)

A survey of philosophic thought from the Renaissance to the 20th Century. Special attention will be given to the works of Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, Hegel and Mill. The views of these great thinkers have helped to shape the ways in which we see the world. This course is therefore recommended to everyone with an interest in our intellectual heritage. Open to all students. Breadth-Humanities.

Humanities Upper Division Requirements

Students complete 20 units in upper division humanities courses.

Recommended

HUM 320 - The Humanities and Philosophy (4)

An exploration of the characteristic ways in which the humanities, with its emphasis on expression, belief and tradition, presents the important philosophical concepts of western civilization. Based upon an interdisciplinary selection of texts drawn from history, philosophy, literature and the arts. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.

HUM 321 - The Humanities and Critical Thinking (4)

A study of the counter-traditions within western civilization. Compares and contrasts diverse traditions within western culture that critique its central value systems. It will focus on the attempts of great artists and thinkers to break with tradition, and the subsequent creation of new ideas and forms of experience and expression. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.

Philosophy Upper Division Requirements

Twenty-one philosophy units are required.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements

For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 65 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0, and a program (major, joint major, extended minor, minor) CGPA and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

 

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.