Philosophy, Associate in Arts (AA)

Graduation Requirements

The Associate Degree will be awarded upon completion of both department and college requirements. These include:

1. Complete all department requirements with a “C” or better or “P” in each course. Candidates for an Associate Degree are required to complete at least 20% of the department requirements through SBCC.
2. Complete a general education option (Option 1: SBCC General Education and Institutional and Information Competency; Option 2: IGETC; Option 3: CSU GE Breadth). General Education options allowed for each Associate Degree program vary. Refer to http://www.sbcc.edu/apply/degrees_certificates.php for a list of General Education options for each SBCC Associate Degree program;
3. Other graduation requirements as outlined on the Graduation Requirements page.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the historically significant questions, problems and theories in the major areas of philosophy (epistemology, metaphysics, value theory, logic), including the views and arguments of the major representative philosophers who have addressed these issues.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic rules and principles of logic, including the skill and knowledge of identifying, analyzing and evaluating arguments.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the questions, problems, issues and theories that characterize the major historical periods of Western philosophy (Ancient, Medieval, Modern and Contemporary), as well as the views of the some major philosophers within these periods.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the complexity of the human condition, including knowledge of the significance of feelings, emotions and cultural/historical influences on philosophical thinking and methodology.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking skills, virtues and attitudes in the exploration of issues; these include intellectual humility, empathy, fairness, open-mindedness and respect for the intellectual standards of clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, scope, depth and coherence.
6. Demonstrate proficiency in philosophical writing, which includes presenting a philosophical thesis, supporting that thesis with arguments, and articulating and responding to counter-arguments.