Liberal Arts - Philosophy A.A. Degree
The program in Philosophy at Middlesex is concerned with some of the deepest and most difficult questions we can ask: questions about human nature and the meaning of life, the possibility and extent of knowledge, the existence of God, and morality and how we should live. Students of philosophy engage some of the greatest thinkers in history; acquire the ability to assess complex arguments, and develop their own conclusions on difficult and important questions. The study of Philosophy at Middlesex thus provides benefits that extend throughout life.
Philosophy’s emphasis on critical thinking and written and oral communication are essential 21st century skills highly valued in today’s job market.
Upon completion of this program students will be able to:
- Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multi-disciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
- Summarize the thought of major philosophers.
- Analyze major philosophical problems.
- Synthesize ideas drawn from various sources.
- Evaluate ideas in a fair and balanced way, both orally and in writing.
SEMESTER I
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Introduction to Philosophy
Course Code : PHI-121
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Introduces the major topics, problems, and methods of philosophy and surveys the writings of major historical figures in the field. Topics of discussion include the nature of philosophy; the nature and limits of human knowledge; the scope and limits of human freedom; the differences between right and wrong conduct; the nature of the good life; and the meaning and value of human existence.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Math Elective
Course Code : MAT-EL1
Department Description : Mathematics
- Credit : 3
Choose one 3-credit Mathematics course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Short Title : Discussion and Debate
Course Code : SPE-123
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : The development of clear, logical and effective speech communication is the goal of this basic discussion and debate course. The focus will be on reasoned decision making with the context of a free society. Topics will draw upon social values, personal responsibility and/or ethical behavior. Speech presentations will include large group discussions, panel discussions and debates that emphasize the ability to work in a team environment.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
SEMESTER 2
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description : Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Short Title : Introduction to Sociology
Course Code : SOC-121
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Sociology is the systematic study of social behavior and human groups. This course covers basic sociological theories and methods of social research, with special attention to the following topics: culture, values and norms, socialization, social structure, deviance, stratification, social institutions and differentiation by region, race, ethnicity, gender, age and class.
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Contemporary Social Problems
Course Code : SOC-131
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
An introduction to the study of social problems in American society. Emphasis is given to social problems related to stratification and inequity of social groups and institutions. Students will analyze social problems from general, theoretical, and research-based point of view, as well as investigate why particular issues become defined as "problems".
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : GE Diversity Elective
Course Code : DVR-EL1
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course described as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).
Short Title : Ethics
Course Code : PHI-123
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
A study of the basic theories, methods, and problems of ethics and morality. Students will apply ethical principles and problem solving models to examples taken from everyday life.
- Credit : 3
SEMESTER 3
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : GE Technology Elective
Course Code : GE-MST
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Introductory Government and Politics
Course Code : POS-121
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Survey of politics as a concept and political science as a professional discipline. Specific emphasis is placed on development of democratic institutions and values, and the comparative role of public opinion and citizen participation in modern representative democratic systems. Historical and recent United States federal elections are used as case studies.
- Credit : 3
OR
Short Title : Comparative Government
Course Code : POS-222
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
A comparative global study of the development of the modern nation-State. Emphasis is placed on the effects of globalization on countries' political culture and governing institutions. Case studies come from Europe, North America, Latin America, The Middle East, and Asia.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Logic and Critical Thinking
Course Code : PHI-122
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
An examination of the logical experience through speech and images. Students will explore the elements of sound reasoning, the nature of arguments, and analyze rhetorical strategies and fallacies. The course enhances students’ critical thinking and promotes academic inquiry across all disciplines.
- Credit : 3
SEMESTER 4
Short Title : GE Mathematics or Science Elective
Course Code : GE MathSci
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Choose one 3-credit GE Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Mathematics or Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
Short Title : Social and Political Philosophy
Course Code : PHI-232
Department Description : History and Social Sciences
Course Description :
An examination of the principles that establish and justify a society and determine the rights and responsibilities of individuals. Students will consider the application of these principles to such issues as justice, human rights, political and social institutions, and the world community. The general theme of this course will center on the relationship between the development of civilization and the improvement of human beings (morally, socially, and politically).
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3 - 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Choose one course from the following areas: AFS, ART, ASL, BIO, CHM, CHN, CJU, COM, COR, DAN, EDU, ENG, FRE, GER, GLS, HCS, HES, HED, HIN, HIS, ITA, JOU, LNC, MAD, MAT, MUS, PED, PHI, PHY, POL, POS, PSY, SCI, SOC, SPA, SPE, SSD and THE.
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : GE Laboratory Science Elective
Course Code : Laboratory Science
Department Description : Laboratory Science
- Credit : 4
Choose one 3-credit GE Lab Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Lab Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multidisciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
- Summarize the thought of major philosophers.
- Analyze major philosophical problems.
- Synthesize ideas drawn from various sources.
- Evaluate ideas in a fair and balanced way, both orally and in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why study the Liberal Arts?
A Liberal Arts education is a broad-based program of study that exposes students to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology. The study of the Liberal Arts empowers students for success in transfer and a career in the diverse, ever-changing 21st century workplace. A Liberal Arts education equips students with invaluable employability skills including the ability to analyze and construct arguments, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. The cross-cultural knowledge, problem solving, and research and information literacy skills prepare students for civic engagement, life-long learning, and professional success.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Transfer Information
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.