Philosophy and Humanities
Philosophy is the consideration of many different ideas, some deriving from the intellectual heritage of past cultures, others stemming from those issues we face in our present moment in history. While many disciplines study specific features of the world, philosophy can be about almost anything. Philosophy can ask big questions, such as "Why am I here?", "Is there a God?", "How do we tell right from wrong?" But Philosophy can also pose very specific questions about the environment, about political life, about art, about the self. Traditionally, philosophy has been divided into specific branches, many of which provide the basis for particular courses. For example, philosophers are interested in ethics, knowledge and truth, the nature of reality and the mind, logic, beauty and social justice. Philosophy emphasizes thinking as a pleasurable end in itself, as a method of critical inquiry and as a way of developing theories that enable us to understand the world and our place within it.
Almost any Philosophy course can serve as an introduction to philosophical thinking. However, many students may prefer to have the type of foundation provided by PHIL 1101, 1102 and/or 1103 before taking other courses in Philosophy. PHIL 1101 provides a foundation in philosophical reasoning, as well as the theory and practice of argument. PHIL 1101 is also recommended or required for a large number of degrees and diplomas.
PHIL 1102 and 1103 introduce philosophy, though in rather different ways, one emphasizing the application of ethical theories to specific contemporary issues, the other approaching more abstract questions concerning knowledge and human experience. PHIL 1135 introduces Philosophy from yet another approach, that of Asian Philosophy, including both Indian and Chinese traditions.
The Philosophy and Humanities Department also offers a range of first-year applied ethics courses. Medical Ethics (PHIL 1121), Business Ethics (1122) and Environmental Ethics (1123) are designed for students with specialized interests seeking an introduction to philosophy, ethical thinking, and the application of these to a specific range of issues.
With only a few exceptions, all other Philosophy courses are taught at an introductory level with no prerequisites. Students can study Ethical, Social and Political Philosophy (PHIL 1151), Metaphysics (PHIL 1152), Philosophy of Religion (PHIL 1170), Philosophy of Love (PHIL 1180), Logical Reasoning (PHIL 1201), as well as Philosophy of Art (PHIL 1245), Existentialism (PHIL 1250) and Science and Society (PHIL 2280). Some of these courses transfer for second-year credit (check the BC Transfer Guide). Nonetheless, the Philosophy Department has decided to make all of these courses available to all students, regardless of where they are in their program. The Philosophy Department has recently created several new courses, including Philosophy of Education (PHIL 2220), Ethics (PHIL 3320) and Philosophy of Mind (PHIL 3350). Second and third-year courses are open electives without prerequisites, taught at appropriate levels.
Humanities courses provide a more comparative, descriptive, and/or interdisciplinary approach to ideas than do most philosophy courses. The Department of Philosophy and Humanities has a strong commitment to interdisciplinary teaching in the humanities, to the teaching of world religions (both eastern and western), and to the history of ideas and comparative thought. Currently, there are four Humanities courses. Three of these (HUMS 1171, 1172 and 1173) are world religions courses. The fourth Humanities course, Frontiers of Thought (HUMS 1101), offers students an introduction to many of the subjects taught at colleges and universities, and so is an attractive option for someone wanting to sample the diversity of disciplines and pedagogical styles available as part of a university education.
Department Website
For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.
Career/Further Educational Opportunities
Traditionally, Philosophy and Humanities courses are fundamental elective courses in many academic and program areas. They are requirements in some areas. Students will obtain the relevant information from their area of study. Philosophy can be especially useful in preparation for a career in law, business and criminology. It also can complement many academic areas of study. Philosophers with advanced degrees often become teachers of philosophy at universities, colleges and very occasionally in high schools.
General Transfer Information
All Douglas College, philosophy and humanities courses receive transfer credit to Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria and to most other universities in BC. For complete information on course transferability to university/colleges and universities throughout BC, see The British Columbia Transfer Guide at www.bctransferguide.ca
Location
Philosophy and Humanities courses are offered at both Douglas College campuses in New Westminster and Coquitlam.
Intake Dates/Application Dates
**Application deadlines may be extended.
Philosophy and Humanities courses are offered in all three semesters - Fall, Winter and Summer.
Prerequisite Compliance
Students who are requesting transfer credit from other institutions or submitting high school transcripts from outside of BC to satisfy prerequisite compliance are required to apply and submit those documents no later than three months in advance of the intake.
Other Information
Most Philosophy and Humanities courses are language-intensive courses. Students should have the ability to understand abstract ideas in spoken and written English, and they need competency in speaking and writing English. For most courses it is suggested that students have an English-language writing ability equivalent to mastery in ENGL 1124: Writing Skills. It would be even better if students had an ability equivalent to the satisfactory completion of ENGL 1130 (Academic Writing). Oral skills should be at the same level. The ability to write logically organized essays is a requirement in all courses except PHIL 1201 (Logical Reasoning), and, to a large extent, PHIL 1101 (Critical Thinking). Check individual instructor's course outlines for specific requirements.
Credentials
The Philosophy and Humanities courses that are offered contribute to the Associate of Arts Degree, and to other degrees and diplomas. They also contribute to degrees offered at the universities and university colleges.
Recommended Course Sequence
None, but see the suggestions above under Department Description.