The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Letters

The interdisciplinary curriculum closely integrates the viewpoints of several disciplines; the senior seminar and thesis challenge seminarians to understand the relationships among these disciplines.

Basic Requirements for the Major

The Bishops' directive calls for 30 credit hours in Philosophy, 12 in Theology, 6 credits of advanced related elective, the Senior Seminar and Senior Thesis, the successful completion of which constitutes students' comprehensive examination.

In addition to the core requirements, PHI 1301, 2323, 3311, students are required to take PHI 3325, PHI 3326, PHI 3327, PHI 3328, PHI 4331, PHI 4336, PHI 4337, PHL 3105, Logic.

In addition to the core requirements in Theology, THE 1310, 2311, students are required to take THE 3331 (Systematic I), 3332 (Systematic II).

Advanced related electives are normally taken in fields other than Philosophy or Theology.

In PHL 4341, the Philosophy and Letters Senior Seminar, taken in the fall of the senior year, majors focus research upon a key philosophical or theological insight, examining it from the perspective of other disciplines, and placing it within its historical milieu. This research culminates in the capstone project, PHL 4342, the Senior Thesis, completed in the spring of the senior year. This study deepens an understanding of the issues and events that influence cultural development, and sharpens the ability to distinguish unchanging truth from its culturally influenced expression.

Courses in Philosophy and Letters

PHL 3105. Logic. A one credit course in traditional that, in conjunction with Math 1301, fulfills seminarians' logic requirements.
PHL. 4341. Senior Seminar. An integrating seminar on a particular problem, issue, theme, figure, or period to be determined by the program director in consultation with the cooperating faculty. Discussions, reviews, presentations in a seminar format and with special emphasis placed on preparation for writing the Senior Thesis. Fall, as needed.
PHL. 4342. Senior Thesis. Preparation of a senior thesis under the direction of the instructor and with the guidance of a faculty committee. Spring, as needed.
PHL. 3357. Special Studies

Philosophy and Letters Degree Plan

Please click here for a .pdf version of the degree plan for students who commenced prior to Fall 2008.

Please click here for a .pdf version of the degree plan for students who commenced in or after Fall 2008.

The degree plans serve as a guide to courses students must complete to meet the requirements of the UD Bachelor of Arts and the Philosophy and Letters major.