Undergraduate Program - Frequently Asked Questions
What majors and minors does the Department offer?
- The Department offers two options for majors: the traditional option and the public affairs option. The Department offers minors in Philosophy, Logic, Applied Ethics, and Mind-Brain Sciences. For more information, click here.
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How do I declare a major or minor in the Department?
- Learn about the majors and minors offered by the Department here. Fill out the Major/Minor Declaration Form, also available in Philips Hall 525, and consult with an advisor. Immediately after the advisor has signed the form, ask the office staff to make a copy for you and another for your file in the Department. Submit the original to CCAS, Phillips Hall 107.
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Who is my advisor in the Department?
- Any full-time faculty member may assume the role of advisor. You should approach a faculty member and ask him or her to be your advisor.
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How do I earn Departmental Honors in Philosophy?
- A student qualifies for Honors in the Philosophy Major if he or she
- maintains a 3.7 GPA in philosophy courses;
- maintains a 3.25 cumulative GPA; and
- submits a Thesis that is approved for Honors (see next item).
- Students who expect to meet these requirements should meet with the Department Chair or with their advisors for further guidance.
Any full-time faculty member may assume the role of advisor. You should approach a faculty member and ask him or her to be your advisor.
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What is an Honors Thesis?
- An Honors Thesis is an extended paper of 20-30 pages required for Departmental Honors. The paper is drafted under the supervision of a faculty member who is selected by the student and who agrees to serve in that capacity. The Thesis is evaluated by a Thesis Committee of three, full-time faculty members selected by the Department Chair.
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How do I find a supervisor for my thesis?
- Approach a faculty member who works in the area in which you are interested. A faculty member is under no obligation to agree to supervise your thesis.
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What is the Philosophy Club?
- The Philosophy Club is an undergraduate organization run by philosophy majors. It is awarded a budget by the University and administered by a President, a Vice President, and a Treasurer. The club organizes a speaker series, an annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference, and a program for teaching philosophy in DC high schools. To join, contact the faculty liaison for the Philosophy Club, Tad Zawidzki.
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Where can I present or publish my philosophical work?
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How can I study more philosophy during the summer?
- The Department offers courses in the summer term. The list of courses is posted here early in the spring semester.
- Other institutions also offer summer courses. Notices for the latter are posted on the bulletin board outside Phillips Hall 525.
- The Department awards the Thacher/Reynolds Fellowship to support summer research by undergraduates.
- For other summer research opportunities visit the GW Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research.
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How do I apply courses taken elsewhere to my major or minor?
- Contact the Undergraduate Studies Advisor, currently Chris Venner. Supply him with copy of the syllabus for the course, or at least a course description, plus the grade you obtained in the course.
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Should I apply to graduate school in philosophy?
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