Philosophy, Associate in Arts for Transfer
Philosophy, Associate in Arts for Transfer
The study of Philosophy invites students to carefully analyze and thoughtfully respond to the fundamental ideas and basic concerns present in the human experience. The goal is to examine ourselves, our culture, and our world and the persisting questions regarding human thought and action. Instruction in philosophy teaches, not what to think, but how to think. The program also develops skills in analytical and critical thinking and writing that are excellent preparation for professional and other careers.
The Associate in Arts in Philosophy for Transfer (AA-T) is intended for students who plan to transfer and complete a bachelor's degree Philosophy, or a "similar" major at a CSU campus. Each CSU campus determines which of the degrees it offers are “similar” and can be completed with the preparation included in the AA-T in Philosophy within 60 units once a student transfers, so which majors are “similar” varies from CSU to CSU. For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to CSU’s Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search website and seek guidance from a Moorpark College counselor. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.
To earn an AA-T in Philosophy, students must:
1. Complete a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
a. The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements.
b. The required coursework for the AA-T in Philosophy as listed in the Moorpark College catalog.
2. Complete all courses in the major and Cal-GETC with a grade of “C” or better or “P” if the course is taken on a "pass-no-pass" basis. Even though a “Pass/Credit" grade is allowed, it is highly recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade (A, B, or C). Note: the UC system allows a maximum of 14 semester (21 quarter) units of courses graded "Pass/No Pass" (Credit/No Credit) toward the 60 transferable semester units required for transfer admission.
3. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for admission, some transfer institutions and majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.
4. Complete a minimum of 12 semester units within the Ventura County Community College District.
Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AA-T in Philosophy degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree (unless the major is a designated “high-unit” major at a particular campus). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED CORE- Select and complete two courses, one from each Area | ||
| Area 1 - Complete one course | 3 | |
| PHIL M01 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| or PHIL M01H | Honors: Introduction to Philosophy | |
| PHIL M02 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| or PHIL M02H | Honors: Introduction to Ethics | |
| Area 2 - Complete one course | 3 | |
| PHIL M07 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| PHIL M09 | Introduction to Symbolic Logic | 3 |
| Units from LIST A | 3 | |
| Units from LIST B | 6 | |
| Units from LIST C | 3-5 | |
| Total Units for Major | 18-20 | |
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LIST A: Select and complete one course | 3 | |
| Any course from REQUIRED CORE not already used | ||
| PHIL M05 | Critical Thinking and Analytic Writing | 3 |
| PHIL M11 | World Religions: West | 3 |
| PHIL M12 | World Religions: East | 3 |
| PHIL M13 | The Classical Mind | 3 |
| PHIL M14 | The Modern Mind | 3 |
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LIST B: Select and complete two courses | 6 | |
| Any course from LIST A not already used | ||
| BUS M33 | Business Law | 3 |
| HIST M170 | Western Civilization: From Prehistory to 1600 | 3 |
| HIST M180 | Western Civilization: From 1600 To The Present | 3 |
| PHIL M03 | Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL M08 | Philosophy of Religion | 3 |
| SOC M150 | Introduction to Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LIST C: Select and complete one course | 3-5 | |
| Any course not selected from LIST A or LIST B | ||
| Any CSU transferable course that has been articulated to fulfill preparation for the Philosophy major | ||
| Any CSU transferable course that has been articulated to fulfill Cal-GETC Area 3B | ||
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units for Major | 18-20 | |
| General Education (Cal-GETC) | 34 | |
| Double-Counted Units | 3-9 | |
| Elective Units | 9-17 | |
| Total Units for the AA-T Degree | 60 | |
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- demonstrate the ability to evaluate philosophical positions critically and systematically.
- demonstrate the ability to formulate and defend philosophical positions.
- master the ability to write well-reasoned, well-integrated essays about materials recently studied.
- master the ability to orally defend positions taken.