Overview

Philosophy is one of the most abstract and yet practical and concrete disciplines of the Arts. The study of philosophy, especially ethics, can relate directly to business, medicine, public policy, education, and law. Similarly, theoretical philosophy can complement and elaborate on concepts dealt with in psychology, sociology, religious studies, and political science.

Philosophy teaches analytical thinking, logical presentation, and competence with abstract concepts. More importantly, philosophy encourages you to consider more deeply and critically your own world-views and belief systems. It provides the opportunity to reflect, in a systematic and organized fashion, on basic issues that bear on our individual lives.

Contact Information

Department of Humanities
Room 7-352, City Centre Campus
10700 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T:780-497-5608

Arts and Science Academic Advising
Room 6-211, City Centre Campus
T: 780-497-4505
E: artsandscience@macewan.ca

The Bachelor of Arts

Faculty of Arts and Science
MacEwan.ca/BA

MacEwan University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) provides a liberal arts education that allows students to explore a variety of academic disciplines and acquire a broad knowledge base that will prepare them for employment or future post-secondary studies. The degree provides students with breadth, depth, and diversity in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, analytical studies, and fine arts, as well as courses focused on language and literature. BA students study subjects in major and/or minor disciplines and must be familiar with the academic and Faculty regulations and procedures published herein.

General Program Information

The BA program requires students to complete 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. The degree emphasizes breadth and depth and has been designed for exceptional flexibility and customization. Students can complete a major and a minor, a double major, or a major and two minors. Students can choose a secondary major in an Arts or Science discipline, but the primary major must be in an Arts discipline.

All newly admitted students enter the BA program as “Undeclared.”  Undeclared means a student has not yet chosen their major(s) and minor(s). Students may declare any time after being accepted to the BA, and typically, they declare after completing a minimum of 45 credits. The declaration period for noncompetitive majors and minors is between September 1 and February 15 and between September 1 and January 15 for competitive majors and minors. The Arts and Science Academic Advising Office will send information about majors and minors via email and newsletters; please contact the Advising Office if you require further assistance with this decision.

Arts Disciplines

BA/BS Disciplines

Discipline	Major	Minor	Honours
Anthropology	⦿	⦿	⦿
Classics	-	⦿	-
Creative Writing	-	⦿	-
Economics	⦿	⦿	⦿
English	⦿	⦿	⦿
Film Minor for Arts and Science		⦿
French	-	⦿	-
Gender Studies	-	⦿	-
History	⦿	⦿	-
Philosophy	⦿	⦿	-
Political Science	⦿	⦿	⦿
Psychology	⦿	⦿	⦿
Sociology	⦿	⦿	⦿
Spanish	-	⦿	-

Science Disciplines 

BA Arts/Science Disciplines

Discipline	Major	Minor
Applied Statistics	⦿
Biological Sciences	⦿	⦿
Chemistry	⦿	⦿
Computer Science	⦿	⦿
Earth and Planetary Sciences		⦿
Mathematics	⦿	⦿
Physics		⦿
Planetary Physics		⦿
Statistics		⦿

Out of Faculty Minors

BA/BS Arts/Science Disciplines

Discipline	Minor
Accounting Minor for Arts and Science	⦿
Arts and Cultural Management	⦿
Business Law	⦿
Business Studies	⦿
Digital Experience Design	⦿
Finance Minor for Arts and Science	⦿
Human Resources Minor for Arts and Science	⦿
Marketing Minor for Arts and Science	⦿

Pre-Qualifying Minor Requirements for MacEwan Diploma Graduates Entering the Bachelor of Arts

Students who graduated with a MacEwan University diploma can enter the Bachelor of Arts, assess their course work based on the Cross-Faculty Course Recognition List (refer to the Bachelor of Arts Requirement tab), and use their diploma in place of a minor requirement. This process reduces the number of credits required for the degree from 120 to 102, depending on the courses completed. If accepted, these students will be required to complete only a major as the minor will be waived. To qualify for this process, students must have started their diploma no earlier than Fall 2004. At this time, the Travel and Office Administration diplomas are excluded from this offer. If you have questions or concerns about courses on the Cross-Faculty Course Recognition List, please contact artsandscience@macewan.ca.

Preparing for Professional Studies

Students intending to enter professional programs at other universities, such as law and education, can take their pre-professional studies in the Faculty of Arts and Science at MacEwan University. For example, a selection of courses facilitates the transition to an after-degree education program or, if the student prefers, transfer to a Bachelor of Education program after completing as many as 60 credits of coursework. Students are advised to consult the admissions requirements for the universities and programs of their choice and to select their MacEwan University courses accordingly. Completing pre-professional courses at MacEwan University does not guarantee admission to the subsequent professional program. Each professional program requires a separate application, and entry is competitive, not automatic.

Cross-Faculty Course Recognitions 

Cross-Faculty course recognition represents an agreement between programs within MacEwan University and consists of a number of approved courses that have the potential to be recognized within another degree. These courses are not considered transfers or equivalents as the original course will show within a student's transcript and their Academic Planning and Progress Report (APPR). How the courses listed below might be used within a student’s degree are determined by the student’s program of study. They are dependent on a number of factors including year of declaration, year of completion, and individual program requirements.

Cross-Faculty Course Recognition

Out-of-Faculty Course	Course Recognition	Course Used For
ACUP 117	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ACUP 209	SCIOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
ACUP 220, ACUP 303, and ACUP 304 (must complete all three)	COSL 200 (6 credits)	Options
ACUP 320	SCIOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
AGAD 300	COSL 300	Options
AGAD 435	WINL 300	Options
ARTE 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options
ARTE 214	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 224	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 234	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 304	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 314	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 324	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
CORR 102	SOCI 1XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 104	SOCI 1XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 110	SOCI 225	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 120	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 202	ARTOP 2XX	Options
CORR 208	ARTOP 2XX	Options
CORR 214	COSL 200	Options
CORR 218	SOCI 321	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 224	COSL 200	Options
CYCW 100	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
CYCW 108 and CYCW 112	SOCI 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 114	ARTOP 1XX	Options
CYCW 201	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
CYCW 204	COSL 200	Options
CYCW 205	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 208	COSL 200	Options
CYCW 211	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
CYCW 302	ARTOP 3XX	Options
CYCW 303	ARTOP 3XX	Options
CYCW 339	ARTOP 3XX	Options
CYCW 340	SOCI 3XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 350	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 360	SOCI 3XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 361	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
DESN 270	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
DESN 271	ARTOP2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ECCS 110	PSYC 1XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
ECCS 115	ARTOP 1XX	Options
ECCS 160	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
ECCS 180	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECCS 220	COSL 200	Options
ECCS 255	ARTOP 2XX	Options
ECCS 260	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECCS 270	COSL 200	Options
ECDV 160	ARTOP 1XX	Options
ECDV 220	COSL 200	Options
ECDV 255	ARTOP 2XX	Options
ECDV 260	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECDV 270	COSL 270	Options
ECDV 280	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
FNCE 301	ECON 3XX	Options or Economics program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breath
HAPR 101	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
HAPR 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options
HAPR 114	WINL 200	Options
HAPR 201	ARTOP 2XX	Options
HAPR 212	WINL 200	Options
HEED 110	ARTOP 1XX	Options
HEED 120	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 104	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 105	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 120	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 124	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 126	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 128	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
HLST 150	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
HLST 210	ARTOP 2XX	Options
HLST 290	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
INFM 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options
INFM 202	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 208	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 209	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 210	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 260	COSL 200	Options
INTA 210	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
INTA 362	ARTOP 3XX	Options
MTST 120	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
MTST 122	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
MTST 125	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
MTST 126	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
MTST 151, MTST 162, MTST 260, MTST 261, and MTST 262	COSL 200	Options
MUSC 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Analytical Studies Breadth
MUSC 123	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
MUSC 124	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
PEDS 100	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 101	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 103	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 109	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 200	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 203	SCIOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 206	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 207	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 209	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Analytical Studies Breadth
PEDS 240	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
PERL 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options
PERL 204	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PERL 207	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 102	ARTOP 1XX	Options
PSSC 112	ARTOP 1XX	Options
PSSC 121	SOCI 1XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
PSSC 203	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 204	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 212	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 252	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 253	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 272	COSL 200	Options
PSSC 273	COSL 200	Options
SOWK 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options, fulfills Humanities Breadth
SOWK 111	ARTOP 1XX	Options
SOWK 112	ARTOP 1XX	Options
SOWK 203	ARTOP 2XX	Options
SOWK 204	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
TAST 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options
TAST 129 and TAST 130	COSL 200	Options
THAR 240	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Analytical Studies Breadth
THAS 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options
THAS 102	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
THAS 115	ARTOP 1XX	Options
THAS 203	COSL 200	Options
THAS 210	COSL 200	Options
THAS 211	COSL 200	Options
THAS 215	COSL 200	Options
THAS 222	ARTOP 2XX	Options
THPR 205	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
THPR 206	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
THPR 214	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Analytical Studies Breadth
THPR 224	COSL 200	Options

Philosophy Requirements

Philosophy Major

Philosophy Minor

Philosophy Major

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy program requires students to complete 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. In addition to the Philosophy Major, students will complete one of the following:

• one minor,
• two minors, or
• a secondary Arts major

Students are required to complete option courses as well as the major(s) and minor(s). All BA degrees require Breadth Requirements. Courses can satisfy both the breadth requirements and requirements for the major(s), minor(s), or options.

The Philosophy Major is 42 to 60 non-duplicative philosophy credits with a minimum 36 credits at the senior-level. Students must complete a minimum of six credits in each of 300- and 400-level PHIL. This may include PHIL 401.

Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy Major

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Specific Major Requirements
Choose 6 credits from the following:		6
History of Philosophy
PHIL 201	Buddhist Philosophy
PHIL 202	Philosophies of China and Japan
PHIL 230	Ancient Western Philosophy
PHIL 235	Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 240	Descartes to Kant
PHIL 247	Continental Philosophy: Heidegger to Foucault
PHIL 291	Existentialism
Choose 3 credits from each of the five areas below:		15
Metaphysics or Epistemology
PHIL 200	Metaphysics
PHIL 215	Epistemology
Ethics or Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 250	Ethics
PHIL 270	Social and Political Philosophy
Methodology
PHIL 204	Philosophical Writing and Analysis
PHIL 210	Symbolic Logic
Senior Seminar
PHIL 401	Senior Seminar
400-level Philosophy
PHIL 400-level course 1
General Major Requirements
Choose 21 to 39 credits from junior- and senior-level PHIL		21-39
Secondary Major or Minor(s)
Students have the option of completing a second Arts major, or one or two minors. Minor courses must be completed at the senior-level.		18-60
Options
Students can complete up to 15 credits in out-of-faculty options, with no more than 3 credits in physical activity (PACT) courses.		0-60
Total Credits		120

¹

 PHIL 498 does not satisfy this requirement.

Philosophy Minor

The Philosophy Minor requires 18 senior-level PHIL credits with a minimum of three credits in each of 200-, 300-, and 400-level PHIL.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Minor Requirements
Choose 18 credits from senior-level PHIL		18
Total Credits		18

Degree Regulations

Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from the academic advisors about academic planning for completing degree requirements at MacEwan University.

Academic Residency - Credit Requirements

In addition to the academic residency requirements of the University, upon admission to the Bachelor of Arts (BA), students also must complete at MacEwan University:

• A minimum of 24 credits at the senior-level in the major discipline, with 12 of those senior credits completed at the 300- or 400-level. All 400-level requirements are to be completed at MacEwan University.
• If applicable, a minimum of nine credits at the senior-level in a minor, with at least three of those credits at the 300- or 400- level.

Students with a previous MacEwan University credential are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits upon admission to the BA.

Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from another post-secondary institution must complete a minimum of 60 additional MacEwan University credits applicable to the BA. Forty-five of these credits must be completed while the students is enrolled in the BA. This credit requirement applies to students who began their studies at MacEwan University and completed a credential at another institution.

Students who interrupt their program and who must apply for readmission to the program will be required to comply with any new regulations upon resumption of their studies.

Breadth Requirements

Courses taken to fulfil major, minor, or option requirements can also be used to satisfy breadth requirements.

Declaration of a Major and a Minor

Students are advised to declare a primary major and a minor, or a primary major and secondary major, or a primary major and two minors by the time they have completed 45 credits. Primary majors are selected from Arts disciplines and consist of 42 to 60 junior- and senior-level credits; secondary majors can be from an Arts or a Science discipline. Students cannot declare a multi-disciplinary science major (Mathematical or Physical Science majors). Except for those students in an Honours program, a maximum of 60 credits may be completed from any one discipline for credit towards the degree. A major and minor cannot be in the same discipline and students may not declare more than one out-of-faculty minor. Students can re-declare their major(s) and/or minor(s) if required.

For students completing multiple majors or minors, the Faculty cannot guarantee a schedule of classes that will permit the student to complete their degree in eight consecutive fall and winter semesters. Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the student's degree, meeting the requirements for the degree may require the completion of more than 120 credits for graduation. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science Advising Office and a discipline advisor in their major and minor disciplines prior to declaration.

Restricted Enrolment Courses

The Faculty of Arts and Science strives to accommodate all students wishing to enrol in a given course when it is appropriate to their own program: however, classes in some courses must, for academic reasons, be restricted in size. If such a course is found to be oversubscribed, priority in registration will be given to those students whose programs may require it (e.g., majors, Honours, and/or minors) and then to other students as space permits.

Graduation Grade Point Average

As part of the Graduation Grade Point Average regulation above, Bachelor of Arts students must obtain an overall GGPA of 2.0 or higher, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses credited toward the major(s) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses credited toward the minor(s).

Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements are governed by the date on which students declare their major(s) and minor(s). Students who declare their major(s) and minor(s) on or before the published deadline are bound by the requirements of the current academic year. Those students who declare after the published deadline are bound by the programs of study and degree requirements of the upcoming academic year as published in the MacEwan University Academic Calendar.

Junior- and Senior-Level Courses

Courses numbered from 100 to 199 are considered junior-level and courses numbered from 200 to 499 are considered senior-level.

Major or Minor 300- and 400-Level Requirements

The 300- and 400-level requirements in the major or minor cannot consist solely of project, field placement, and/or individual study courses.

Maximum Independent Courses

The maximum number of credits for independent work (project, field placement, and/or individual study courses), excluding the Honours Thesis, is 15 credits. Specific disciplines may have further restrictions.

Maximum Junior-Level Courses

A maximum of 48 credits at the 100-level are permitted in completion of the BA degree. Additional courses at the 100-level will be declared extra to the 120 credits required to complete the BA degree and will not be counted toward fulfilment of graduation requirements.

Minimum Arts Courses

Students are required to complete successfully a minimum of 72 credits from Arts courses.

Minimum Passing Grade

A minimum grade of D or credit (CR) is required for all Arts degree courses unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study. 

Minimum Transfer Grade for Credit

A minimum grade of D is required on any transfer credit granted for the program. Unless otherwise stated, Arts and Science courses require a minimum grade of C- when the course is used as a prerequisite. Transfer credit decisions made by the university are final and cannot be appealed.

Out-of-Faculty Options Requirements

Students may take a maximum of 18 credits from courses offered by a MacEwan University Faculty or School other than Arts and Science. Students completing an out-of-Faculty minor or laddering students who have met the minor requirements with a MacEwan University diploma must complete their degree requirements from courses offered within the Faculty of Arts and Science or from the list of Cross-Faculty Course Recognitions in the Academic Calendar. Courses deemed as Cross-Faculty Course Recognitions are used to fulfill in-Faculty courses within the BA and do not count as out-of-Faculty options. Fine arts courses taken to fulfil breadth requirements count as in-Faculty credit.

Progression of Studies

Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisite and/or co-requisite requirements as noted on all courses that may fulfil Bachelor of Arts or Arts Honours program requirements.

Honours Regulations

Overall Requirements

The Honours program of study consists of 63 to 84 credits as determined by the discipline. Students in the Honours program may choose to complete a minor outside of the Honours discipline. Some disciplines may require a minor.

Acceptance to Honours

For consideration of admittance/acceptance into Honours, students must present a minimum of 45 university-level credits applicable to the program of study, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must complete 24 of the 45 credits in the last 12 months; however, exceptions to this rule may occur with the approval of the Honours discipline advisor. Individual departments may have additional requirements noted in their program of study.

Course Load

Students accepted into an Honours program must complete 24-credits in each twelve consecutive months they are in the program. Exceptions to this rule may occur with the approval of the Honours discipline advisor.

Grade Point Average Requirement

Students accepted and enrolled in the Arts Honours program must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 across all courses in the degree. As well, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 across a set of courses designated by each discipline for each twelve consecutive months following acceptance into the Honours program. Failure to do so will result in the student’s program status reverting to a BA with a major in the previous honours discipline.

Graduation Grade Point Average

In order to graduate, students must obtain an overall GGPA of 3.0 or higher, with a minimum GPA of 3.3 across a set of courses designated by each discipline.

Program Learning Outcomes

Faculty of Arts and Science Degree-Level Learning Outcomes

Thinking about knowledge is at the core of University education and learning within the Faculty of Arts and Science. Students develop capacities to “think-through” - to practice wonder, reflection, and engage in thoughtful inquiry and dialogue. Thinking-through involves questioning beyond the confines of one's immediate personal, social, and disciplinary surroundings. First, knowledge is acquired and understood. Learning moves beyond acquiring information and data to a formally disciplined manner of thinking about knowledge. Next, knowledge is interrogated by asking and answering questions, distinguishing between opinion and knowledge, and developing tools to assess reasons and evidence. Finally, knowledge is synthesized as students develop coherent arguments, and link ideas together beyond what is immediately apparent. Learning is a lifelong creative process of discovery and action that happens beyond the classroom and the degree. Our graduates interact with and contribute to their community by integrating and applying the research and communication skills and ways of knowing developed through their education. Learning outcomes capture the observable knowledge, skills, and abilities graduates acquire that are the foundation of learning.

Graduates will demonstrate their ability to “think-through” by:

1. Analysing puzzles, problems, concepts, and theories.
2. Conceptualizing questions based on disciplinary knowledge.
3. Evaluating knowledge within and across disciplines in ways that acknowledge historical, cultural, and social contexts.

Graduates will demonstrate research and scholarship skills by:

4. Applying appropriate research skills and ethical principles.
5. Interpreting results appreciating the value and limits of conclusions.
6. Recognizing how research involves an ongoing process of reflection, dialogue, and reassessment.

Graduates will demonstrate diverse skills for communication by:

7. Conveying complex ideas coherently in a variety of formats.
8. Appraising information in ways that consider context and audience.
9. Interpreting the ideas and arguments of others in ways that reflect their knowledge, judgement, and comprehension.

Graduates will demonstrate durable skills necessary for learning beyond their degree by:

10. Collaborating with diverse groups.
11. Examining different perspectives and challenging biases and preconceptions.
12. Exploring the continuous impact and limitations of disciplinary knowledge and expertise.

Philosophy Program Learning Outcomes

Philosophy at MacEwan is committed to the value and ongoing relevance of the search for truth and wisdom understood as an unbroken tradition of philosophical investigation stretching back into Antiquity in both the East and the West. We demonstrate our commitment to this tradition by training our students to read primary sources texts from the history of philosophy in their entirety. We believe that an education in this tradition equips our students to approach the challenges of the modern world prudently and courageously.

Graduates of the Philosophy programme at MacEwan University will be able to do the following:

1. Exhibit a general understanding of the history and development of Philosophy:

• closely read and demonstrate an understanding of classic texts in the history of philosophy.
• demonstrate an understanding of a range of fundamental issues in philosophy, and the diverse positions and views of significant philosophers on these issues.  These issues include human nature, the nature of truth, knowledge, reality, virtue, goodness, cultural value, good governance, and self-knowledge.
• discuss and describe the views and reasoning of a range of philosophers and philosophical texts, including both canonical and lesser known.
• read classic philosophical works from different historical periods and demonstrate an understanding of the intellectual contexts and connections that characterize these works.

2. Employ disciplinary skills:

• read and assess philosophical writing in different compositional forms and assess how literary aspects and devices contribute to the philosophical meaning of a text.
• formulate an insightful question on a matter of philosophical importance.
• demonstrate the ability to discuss, in-depth and in a manner appropriate to the philosophical tradition, an abstract philosophical concept.
• work independently in choosing a question of focus and philosophical importance, and then conduct research that is relevant to a response to this question.
• demonstrate an understanding of objections to a philosophical position and discern legitimate objections from illegitimate objections.

3. Think critically and solve problems:

• read complex argumentation closely and identify different lines of argument, including identifying premises, conclusions, objections, and responses to objections, in these arguments.
• distinguish between good and bad reasoning and be able to discern how and where reasoning is misleading, invalid, and fallacious.
• demonstrate an understanding of issues from diverse perspectives and discern and respectfully assess the reasoning that underlies these perspectives.
• articulate and critically assess their own opinions and assumptions; this includes being able to articulate the justifications or lack thereof for these opinions and assumptions.
• receive oral and written feedback on their work, demonstrate an understanding of the reasons behind the assessments of their work and, where appropriate, revise and improve their work accordingly.

4. Hone effective communication skills: 

• present their work in front of others, respond both helpfully and insightfully to the work of others, and incorporate feedback as they hone and revise their own work.
• communicate, in both oral and written form, clearly, persuasively, and accurately, using words with precision and care.
• meet deadlines in completing work.
• write emails, or other communications, that are proofread, and worded clearly, professionally, and respectfully.

Student Plan

• The student plan provides a suggested course sequence with the minimum number of credits required for the major
• The suggested course sequence depends on course availability, the student's schedule, and the student's choice of minor(s) or secondary major
• It is highly recommended that students complete their Breadth Requirements by the end of year 2
• The student plan lists PHIL 100 as a requirement of the Philosophy program. This course is not required and students who choose not to take PHIL 100 can take an additional 3 credits of PHIL in their program

Year 1	Credits
PHIL 100	3
ENGL 102	3
Breadth Requirements	24
	30
Year 2	Credits
Choose 6 credits (2 courses) from the following:	6
History of Philosophy
PHIL 201
PHIL 202
PHIL 230
PHIL 235
PHIL 240
PHIL 247
PHIL 291
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from each of the following areas:	9
Metaphysics or Epistemology
PHIL 200
PHIL 215
Ethics or Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 250
PHIL 270
Methodology
PHIL 204
PHIL 210
Breadth, Option, Minor(s), or Primary or Secondary Major Requirements	15
	30
Year 3	Credits
Choose 6 credits (2 courses) from 300-level PHIL	6
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from junior- or senior-level PHIL	3
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from senior-level PHIL	3
Options, Minor(s), or Primary or Secondary Major Requirements	18
	30
Year 4	Credits
PHIL 401	3
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from 400-level PHIL, not including PHIL 498	3
Choose 6 credits (2 courses) from senior-level PHIL	6
Options, Minor(s), or Primary or Secondary Major Requirements	18
	30
Total Credits 120

Expected Course Offerings

Following is a list of expected course offerings for fall 2023 and winter 2024. We will update the list with expected courses scheduled for fall 2024 and winter 2025 in February 2023. While some might change, students can be assured that required courses will be available.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Fall 2023
PHIL 100	Introduction to Philosophy: The Examined Life
PHIL 103	Asian Philosophies
PHIL 125	Analytical Reasoning
PHIL 201	Buddhist Philosophy
PHIL 203	Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 205	Philosophy of Mind
PHIL 210	Symbolic Logic
PHIL 248	American Philosophies
PHIL 270	Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 341	Studies in Early Modern Philosophy
PHIL 360	Death and Dying
PHIL 383	Philosophy of Film
PHIL 402	Topics in the History of Philosophy
PHIL 403	Topics in Moral Philosophy

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Winter 2024
PHIL 100	Introduction to Philosophy: The Examined Life
PHIL 125	Analytical Reasoning
PHIL 200	Metaphysics
PHIL 204	Philosophical Writing and Analysis
PHIL 230	Ancient Western Philosophy
PHIL 235	Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 250	Ethics
PHIL 265	Philosophy of Science
PHIL 280	Aesthetics
PHIL 301	Comparative Philosophy
PHIL 305	Studies in the Self
PHIL 370	Studies in Political Philosophy
PHIL 401	Senior Seminar
PHIL 402	Topics in the History of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:

Regular Admission 

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:

1. ELA 30-1
2. Four subjects from Group A, B, C, or D

Notes:

• Applicants are strongly encouraged to present a broad range of subjects in order to benefit from the breadth of learning and to increase flexibility of future program and course choices.
• A maximum of two Group B subjects may be presented; they must be from different disciplines.
• A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g., two 3-credit subjects).
• Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 is required for a major in Economics.
• Mathematics 30-1 or 31 is required for Economics Honours.
• Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 is required for a major in Psychology.

Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.

Mature Admission

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must be Canadian Applicants, 20 years of age or older, and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have the following:

• ELA 30-1 with a minimum grade of 65 percent (or equivalent)

OR

• Three credits of university-level English, including ENGL 111 from MacEwan University, with a minimum grade of C.

Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.

Previous Post-Secondary Work

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.

Applicants must have successfully completed the following from a recognized institution:

• A minimum of 24 university-level credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Additional Admission Criteria

All applicants must meet the following:

1. English Language Proficiency

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to all admission categories

All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.

2. Other Admission Criteria

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to all admission categories

Applicants who have been assigned two unsatisfactory academic records within the past five years will not be considered for admission or re-admission to the program until a minimum three years from the date of the assignment of the last unsatisfactory academic record. For the purpose of admission or re-admission, an unsatisfactory record is defined as a transcript with the notation ‘required to withdraw’ or equivalent.

Philosophy Courses