Philosophy B.A. Requirement:

What classes count for the Philosophy B.A. requirement?

Any class with the PHIL prefix except Phil 120: Critical Thinking and PHIL 150: Ethical Reasoning counts toward the B.A. requirement.  You need a total of 3 credit hours (one regular semester class). 

Can I count the same class for the Arts & Humanities General Education requirement and the Philosophy B.A. requirement?

No.  If you use PHIL 101 to fulfill the Arts & Humanities requirement, then you need to take a different class for the Philosophy B.A. requirement. 

What class should I take for the B.A. requirement?

Most philosophy classes do not have prerequisites.  However, courses with higher numbers will generally be more demanding.  PHIL 101 or any course with a 2xx number is generally a good choice.  However, courses numbered 3xx or 4xx will generally be accessible to students who have had one previous philosophy course, so if you have taken a philosophy course for general education and you see a more advanced course that interets you, you should feel free to give it a try.  If in doubt, contact the instructor.

Can I fulfill the Philosophy B.A. requirement in the January and May terms?

Yes!  Every January and May, the department offers sections of PHIL 103: Introductory Topics in Philosophy.  These are one- or two-week intensive online courses.  Note that one-week courses are worth one credit, and two-week courses are worth two credits.  You need a total of three credits to fulfill the requirement.  PHIL 103 can be taken multiple times, as long as you select different topics.  To add up to three credits, you will need to take two or three PHIL 103 courses. 

It is not recommended that you take more than one of these intensive courses at a time, so you should not plan to get all three of your PHIL credits for the B.A. requirment in just one January or May term.  It would be a better idea to take (for instance) two credits in January and one more the following May. 

Note that the specific topics for PHIL 103 sections are shown in the schedule of classes in MyMadison.  For more information about summer and winter classes, see "Class Schedules and Enrollment" below.

Can I fulfill the Philosophy B.A. requirement in the summer sessions?

Yes!  PHIL 101 is always offered during the first and second 4-week terms in the summer.  Other philosophy classes are sometimes also offered.  For more information about summer classes, see "Class Schedules and Enrollment" below.  

Can a course in another department that deals with the work of philosophers be used for the B.A.          philosophy requirement?

No.

I am in a major or minor that includes philosophy classes.  Do I need to take another philosophy            course (besides those required for the major or minor) to fulfill the B.A. requirement?

No. The same course may fulfill a major/minor requirement and the philosophy B.A. requirement. 

Class Schedules and Enrollment: 

Why does MyMadison say I need permission to enroll in PHIL 120 or PHIL 150?  

PHIL 120 and PHIL 150 fulfill the Critical Thinking requirement which is part of Madison Foundations.  Enrollment is restricted to ensure that all students have the opportunity to do Madison Foundations in their first year.  If you have already fulfilled the Critical Thinking requirement or you have sophomore standing (or higher) you will not be able to enroll without permission.

If you are requesting permission to add a regular semester section of PHIL 120 or PHIL 150 before the first day of classes, please contact the General Education office (gened@jmu.edu).  If you are trying to add a summer section, or you are trying to add a regular section after the first day of classes, please contact the Unit Head. 

Which PHIL/REL courses are offered online?

January, May, and summer courses are generally online.  We occassionally also offer online courses in the regular semester.  

Which courses are offered in the short January and May terms?

The short (one- or two-week) January and May terms are generally not suitable for a full three-credit course.  We offer one and two-credit sections of PHIL 103: Introductory Topics in Philosophy and REL 103: Introductory Topics in Religion.  The specific topics for PHIL 103 and REL 103 sections are shown in the schedule of classes in MyMadison.  

Can I take two classes at once in the short January and May terms?

The January and May terms are for intensive courses.  Each week is equivalent to about five weeks of a regular semester class.  As a result, taking one class at a time is considered a full load.  Taking multiple classes at once is not recommended.  If you do want to take multiple classes at once in January or May, you will need to contact both instructors to discuss workload issues.  If both instructors approve, you can contact the Unit Head for an override. 

Which courses are offered in the four-week summer terms?

We generally offer a variety of general education courses and a handful of other courses each summer. 

I see a course in the catalog that I'm interested in.  When will it be offered next?

Typically, general education courses and courese required for our majors or minors are offered every semester, while other courses are offered every 1-3 years.  For information about a specific course, please contact the Unit Head or (if you are in one of our majors or minors) your academic advisor.  

The class I want to take is full.  Can I still get in?

It is often possible to grant overrides to allow a few additional students into full classes.  Contact the instructor for permission.  If you are having trouble getting into a class that you need for a requirement, you may contact your advisor or the Unit Head. 

Other Questions and Problems:

Are there any PHIL/REL courses that I can test out of?

No. 

Is tutoring support available for any PHIL/REL courses? 

The Science and Math Learning Centers have recently begun offering tutoring support fo logic and critical thinking.  This includes PHIL 120, PHIL 150, and PHIL 250. Additionally, the Writing Center can offer assistance with writing assignments for any class at JMU. 

What should I do if I am having a problem with a course or professor?

If your problem is about the professor's teaching methods, assignments, or grading process, we strongly recommend that you first discuss the problem with the professor.  We can deeply about the effectiveness and fairness of our teaching, and we take your concerns seriously.  If the outcome of a meeting with your professor does not resolve the problem, you should then contact the Unit Head to seek further resolution.  

If the nature of your problem involves harassment or discrimination, please seek immediate help from the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Disability Services, or JMU's Title IX Office.  Harrassment or discrimination are not tolerated at JMU.