Philosophy Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)
About the Program
Philosophy is an academic area of study concerned with knowledge, reality and values. The program for the AA-T in Philosophy exposes students to the great historical arguments on these issues, and prompts students to think for themselves on these important topics. Students progressing toward the AA-T in Philosophy will learn the tools of argumentative analysis and conceptual critique. They will be expected to apply these reasoning skills both to historical philosophical ideals and toward their own creative solutions to age old questions. The study of philosophy develops important skills of thinking, analysis, creativity, and communication that are useful for any field of employment or further study. The transfer degree is especially intended to assist students in transferring into the California State University System. Because this is an Associate Degree for Transfer, the LPC GE requirements of American Institutions, American Cultures, and Wellness do not apply and are not required of students earning this degree.
Career Opportunities
The intent of the associate degree for transfer is to assist students in transferring into the California State University System. Students completing the AA-T degree receive a guarantee of admission with junior status into the California State University System. Students who major in philosophy are often preparing for graduate work in Philosophy, Law, Business and Medicine. It is well known that most students do not get employment in the field of study of their undergraduate major, but the undergraduate path in philosophy teaches the skills of reading, writing, argumentation and critical thinking applicable to most employment situations.
Program Outcomes
- Upon completion of the AA-T in Philosophy, students are able to develop and present formal philosophical arguments using effective logical argumentative technique and avoiding logical error and fallacies.
- Upon completion of the AA-T in Philosophy, students are able to respond to philosophical writing and ideas of historical and contemporary philosophers by describing philosophical arguments, evaluating those arguments, and applying them with accuracy and creativity to contemporary conditions.
Completion Requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer
to the California State University, including both of the following:
- The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or CA State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT’s) also require that students must earn a "C " (or "P'') or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
Required Core: (6-7 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 1 | God, Nature, Human Nature | 3 |
| or | ||
| PHIL 2 | Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 6 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| or | ||
| PHIL 8 | Logic and Argumentation | 4 |
List A: Select One (3 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Any Required Core not already used* | 3 | |
| PHIL 3 | Aesthetics | 3 |
| PHIL 4 | Intro to Philosophy: Knowledge | 3 |
| PHIL 5 | Feminist Philosophy | 3 |
List B: Select Two (6 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Any List A course not already used | 3 | |
| HIST 1 | Western Civilization to 1600 | 3 |
| HIST 2 | Western Civilization since 1600 | 3 |
List C: Select One (3 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Any List A or B course not already used | 3 | |
| HUMN 3 | Introduction to Humanities | 3 |
| HUMN 6 | Nature and Culture | 3 |
| HUMN 10 | American Arts and Ideas | 3 |
| HUMN 28 | World Mythology | 3 |
| RELS 1 | Religions of the World | 3 |
| RELS 2 | Bible: History and Literature | 3 |
| RELS 3 | Introduction to Women's Spirituality | 3 |
| RELS 11 | Introduction to Islam | 3 |
Total Units for the Major: 18-19
Additional General Education and Elective Units: 41-42
Total Units: 60
See the Las Positas College California State University General Education-Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program and the optional course(s) taken. Elective units are CSU transferable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.
* Please note, students cannot take both PHIL 6 and PHIL 8