LENGTH OF STUDY: Up to One Year ACCREDITATION: General Associate of Arts and Transfer to BA CAMPUS: Castlegar Campus Program Summary PROGRAM OVERVIEW Philosophy delves into the hard questions that shape human existence. It explores who and what we are as human beings; it critically examines the things we value and the ways we treat one another, and it takes seriously questions about the meaning of life. Studying philosophy enables us to better engage with these questions. It equips us with the tools of logic, and it exposes us to a broad tradition of thoughts and wisdom on the human condition. WHY STUDY PHILOSOPHY? Philosophy can make a difference in people’s lives. Critical thinking pushes us to reflect on our background assumptions, and it helps us to sharpen the analytic tools we use in many areas of life. Moreover, a hike through the history of philosophy can illuminate ideas and values that underlie our cultural traditions and social practices. In this way studying philosophy can prepare us to make and defend careful judgments about our lives, our society, and our world. In short, as Plato might put it, philosophy can help us to live "the examined life." CAREER AND ACADEMIC BEN- EFITS OF PHILOSOPHY Philosophy prepares you for a broad range of professional careers where success relies on the ability to read carefully, think critically, and write persuasively. Recent studies show that many of the top figures in business, law, politics, journalism, and education have a background in philosophy [e.g., Huffpost] Philosophy students also excel at standardized tests and gaining entrance into graduate level programs. For example, see compare how students perform on the Law School Admission Test. 172 Selkirk College Academic Calendar 2018-19 Check out the following resources for more on the career, economic, and non-economic benefits of studying philosophy: — Philosophy Is a Great Major — NACE - Philosophy Projected as Top Paid Class of 2016 Humanities Majors — Quartz - Teaching Kids Philosophy Makes Them Smarter — WSu - Salary Increase By Major — UC Berkeley - Philosophy's Popularity Soars — UC Davis - Career Paths for Philosophy Majors — The Economist - Philosopher Kings Program Courses All of the courses we offer are suitable for students pursuing any career path. PHIL 101 - INTRODUCTORY PHILOSOPHY II PHIL 101: Introductory Philosophy II focuses on the nature of human reality. We explore metaphysical issues such as self-identity, free will, and the relationship between the mind and body. We examine questions about taste in aesthetic judgment, and we discuss issues in ethical theory including relativism, subjectivism, and egoism. We end the course by looking at theories and problems of justice. Pre-requisites: ENGL 12 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better or written permission of the instructor and School Chair. PHIL 120 - INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC AND CRITICAL THINKING PHIL 120: Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking is designed to improve students’ ability to reason well. Students will study the nature, structure, and purpose of valid arguments, identify common fallacies and mistakes, and determine when to use various forms of reasoning (e.g., deductive, inductive, and abductive). Students will sharpen their understanding of these concepts by analyzing and assessing arguments in the courts, news, and other contemporary media. Pre-requisites: English 12 with a grade of “C” or better or written permission of the instructor and Schoo! Chair. PHIL 210 - BIOMEDICAL ETHICS PHIL 210: Biomedical Ethics explores moral questions that arise in the context of healthcare. Students will engage with these questions by learning ethical theory and by studying challenging cases. They will outline the relevant features of real life examples, weigh moral considerations, and practice articulating recommendations about what to do. The course covers biomedical topics such as autonomy, informed Philosophy selkirk.ca/philosophy consent, surrogate decision making, traumatic brain injury, refusing care, medical assistance in dying, assisted reproduction, abortion, public health, organ donation, genetic screening and therapy, research and experimentation, rural medicine, and global health intervention. While this course is geared primarily to Rural Pre- Medicine students, it may be of interest to anyone concerned with medical ethics and healthcare. Pre-requisites: English 12 with a grade of “C” or better or written permission of the instructor and Schoo! Chair. Admission Requirements Admission to the program requires the completion of English 12 with a grade of “C” or better or written permission of the Instructor and School Chair. Other prerequisites depend on the electives chosen to complete the program and should be determined with the advice of a Selkirk College counsellor. If you are a student who lacks the admission requirements, you may still gain entry to the program by taking a combination of upgrading and university courses in your first year. This may extend the length of your program. Contacts UNIVERSITY ARTS & SCIENCES ADMISSIONS Admissions Officer (Castlegar) Phone: 1.888.953.1133 ext 21233 Direct: 250.365.1233 Email: admissions@selkirk.ca UNIVERSITY ARTS & SCIENCES Program Contact Phone: 1.888.953.1133 ext 21205 Direct: 250.365.1205 Email: UAS@selkirk.ca TRACY PUNCHARD School Chair of UAS; Instructor, English Phone: 1.888.953.1133 ext 21318 Direct: 250.365.1318 Email: tounchard@selkirk.ca selkirk.ca/programs