Hey there! I'm thinking about majoring in philosophy and I've been considering attending San Jose State University. Can anyone provide some insight into their philosophy department? What's the quality of the courses, the faculty, and overall experience? Thanks for your help!
Hi! I'm glad to hear you're interested in majoring in philosophy and considering attending San Jose State University (SJSU). I'll provide a brief overview of the philosophy department, with some information about the courses, faculty, and overall experience.
The philosophy department at SJSU offers a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, with an optional concentration in Pre-Law, depending on your interests. The curriculum focuses on traditional areas of philosophy, such as ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, and logic, while also covering a broad range of topics like existentialism, political philosophy, and Asian philosophies.
Courses at SJSU are known to be generally engaging and rigorous, with a good balance of lectures and discussions. The small class sizes allow for one-on-one interactions with professors, which many students find beneficial. You will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills through coursework, research, and presentations.
The faculty at SJSU's philosophy department are experienced and have diverse areas of specialization, so you'll have a chance to learn from experts on a wide range of philosophical topics. Many of the professors are approachable, helpful, and invested in their students' success. To get an idea of their expertise, be sure to look up some faculty profiles on the department's website.
The overall experience of studying philosophy at SJSU is generally positive. Students often form close-knit communities, by organizing study groups and participating in events organized by the Philosophy Club (known as “The Symposium”). These extracurricular activities can help you make connections and broaden your perspectives on philosophical topics outside the classroom.
In summary, SJSU's philosophy department offers a solid education in the discipline with approachable faculty and a supportive environment. Nevertheless, it's important to visit the campus and talk to current students if possible, as personal preferences and fit are key factors in choosing a university. Good luck with your decision-making process!
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