Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies
The undergraduate major in Philosophy and Religious Studies consists of 60 units of course work with approximately one third each in the philosophy core; the religious studies core; and additional coursework and a capstone requirement that completes the course of study.
No courses in either the philosophy or religious studies core may be taken satisfactory/no credit or credit/no credit.
In general, transfer units cannot be used to satisfy the core requirements. Transfer units and substitutions must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the relevant department.
Students who have declared the combined major prior to Autumn 2019-20 may choose to follow the Degree Requirements listed in either the current Bulletin or the 2018-19 Bulletin.
Core Requirements
1. Philosophy (PHIL) courses:
a. Required course: PHIL 80 Mind, Matter, and Meaning (5 units).
b. 16 units, including at least one Philosophy course from each of the following areas:
i. Logic and philosophy of science: Students take either one course in logic or an intermediate philosophy science course numbered PHIL 160-169.
ii. Ethics and value theory: This requirement may be satisfied by PHIL 2 or any intermediate course devoted to central topics in moral and political philosophy numbered between PHIL 170-172 or 174-176.
iii. Epistemology, metaphysics, and philosophy of language: This requirement may be satisfied by any intermediate course numbered between 180-189.
iv. History of philosophy: Select one course in history of philosophy numbered PHIL 100-103.
c. All philosophy courses taken for a grade in fulfillment of requirements under 1.a. and 1.b. must be taken for a minimum of 3 units and completed with a grade of 'C-' or higher.
2. Religious Studies (RELIGST) courses:
a. One foundational course from RELIGST 1-99 (3-4 units).
b. Two courses from RELIGST 100-289 in religious thought, broadly construed, chosen in consultation with, and approved by, the Religious Studies Director of Undergraduate Studies (8-10 units).
c. Required Course: RELIGST 290 Majors' Seminar: Theories of Religion (5 units; Winter Quarter junior year; fulfills WIM requirement).
3. Electives:
The remaining coursework (approximately 20 units) is to be chosen according to interest, in consultation with the student's advisor, and with an eye to the senior capstone requirement.
d. No more than 5 of these additional units in either department may come from courses numbered below PHIL/RELIGST 100.
e. No more than 10 units taken credit/no credit may count toward the major.
f. Students should ensure that their total complement of RELIGST courses (i.e. core and elective taken together) is not focused on a single religious tradition.
Capstone Requirement
The capstone experience aims to foster the integration of capacities, knowledge, and skills acquired in the student's core and elective coursework. Combined majors fulfill this requirement by completing the capstone requirement for either the B.A. in Philosophy or the B.A. in Religious Studies. Students should discuss this choice with their advisor during their junior year and consult the capstone requirements for Philosophy and Religious Studies majors, respectively, in the Bulletin.
1. The capstone requirement in Philosophy is fulfilled by the successful completion of one of the PHIL 194 Capstone Seminars. The role of the PHIL Capstone Seminar is to provide students with an opportunity to synthesize their undergraduate educational careers and to demonstrate their capacity for independent and creative philosophical work.
a. PHIL 194 (4 units)
2. The capstone requirement in Religious Studies is fulfilled by the writing of either a senior essay or an honors thesis, which provides students with the opportunity to pursue independent research on a topic of interest under the direction of a Religious Studies faculty member. Two required courses support the successful completion of this senior project:
a. Senior Essay or Honors Thesis Research (5-10 units)
i. RELIGST 297: Senior Essay/Honors Thesis Research
Senior Essay: 5 units, Winter Quarter, graded 'N' until submission
Honors Thesis: 5-10 units, spread over Autumn and Winter Quarters, graded 'N' until submission
b. Senior Majors' Colloquium (4 units)
i. RELIGST 298: Senior Colloquium (Spring Quarter; grading option S/NC)
Honors Program
Students pursuing a major in Philosophy and Religious Studies may also apply for honors by following the procedure for honors in either of the departments.