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To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.

Philosophy and Global Humanities Joint Major

Bachelor of Arts

This joint major explores the relationship between the two disciplines. Students must plan their program in consultation with advisors in each department.

Program Requirements

Students complete 120 units, as specified below.

Global Humanities Lower Division Requirements

Students complete 15 units including

HUM 101W - Introduction to Global Humanities (3)

Introduction to issues and concepts central to the study of the humanities around the world. Through exposure to primary materials drawn from different periods, disciplines, and regions, students will become acquainted with a range of topics and ideas relating to the study of the human condition, human values, and human experience. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D900 Adrian Ivakhiv
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D901 Adrian Ivakhiv
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey

and one of

HUM 102W - Classical Mythology (3)

Introduction to the central myths and literary sources of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The course investigates the nature, function, and meaning of myths in the classical world. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 David Mirhady
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 David Mirhady
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 David Mirhady
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 David Mirhady
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 David Mirhady
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OL01 Alessandra Capperdoni
Online
OT01 Alessandra Capperdoni
TBD
OT02 Alessandra Capperdoni
TBD
OT03 TBD
OT04 TBD
HUM 105 - Many Europes: Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern (3)

Study of the many diverse peoples, languages, and regions of the European continent from the origins of civilization until the mid-16th century. Breadth-Humanities.

HUM 106 - Art and the Humanities (3)

Introduction to the study of art across cultures and periods. Breadth-Humanities.

HUM 110 - The Greek World (3)

Interdisciplinary introduction to Greek culture in different periods. Using various sources and materials the course explores continuities and ruptures, evolutions and revolutions, and the impact such issues have on the imagination of people today. Students with credit for HS 100 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

HUM 121 - Walk of Life: Migrations in Eurasia from Antiquity to the Present (3)

Examines population movements in Eurasia, from antiquity to the present. Considers a variety of questions related to the how and why people migrate, and how people are received. Answering these questions pertaining to mass migration in Eurasia fosters greater understanding of the overall human experience. Breadth-Humanities.

HUM 130 - Introduction to Religious Studies (3)

Introduction to concepts central to the academic study of religion, exploring various relevant methodologies. Provides a framework for understanding the many ways in which humans experience the phenomenon of the sacred through symbol, ritual, doctrine, and engagement, in a variety of religious traditions and cultures. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D900 Jason Brown
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
OL01 Online
OT01 TBD
OT02 TBD
OT03 TBD
OT04 TBD
OT05 TBD
OT06 TBD
OT07 TBD
OT08 TBD
HUM 150 - Warfare: From Plato to NATO (3)

From the days of Achilles to the Second World War, warfare has changed the human experience. Examines the evolution of warfare, from Ancient Greece to modem Europe, considering the interplay of violence, technology, ideology, and society. Students with credit for HS 150 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

and three further lower division global humanities courses, including at least one 200-level course.

Philosophy Lower Division Requirements

Students complete 12 units by completing all of

PHIL 100W - Knowledge and Reality (3)

An introduction to some of the central problems of philosophy. Topics to be discussed include the different theories of reality; the nature and sources of knowledge, truth, evidence, and reason; the justification of belief and knowledge about the universe. These topics and problems will be considered as they arise in the context of issues such as: relativism versus absolutism; the existence of God; personal identity; the nature of the mind and its relation to the body; free will and determinism; the possibility of moral knowledge. Open to all students. Students with credit for PHIL 100 or PHIL 300 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Gregory Lauro
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D113 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D114 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D115 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D116 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Lydia du Bois
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
PHIL 120W - Moral and Legal Problems (3)

A critical examination of a range of moral and legal issues we confront in our dealings with the state and our fellow human beings, such as: Is it wrong to break the law? Should pornography and recreational drugs be illegal? Do animals have rights? Is there a duty to admit immigrants? Are there duties to the world's poor? Are indigenous peoples owed reparations? Students with credit for PHIL 120 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Evan Tiffany
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D113 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D114 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D115 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D116 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D117 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D118 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D119 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D120 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D121 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D122 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D123 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D124 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
PHIL 150 - Great Works in the History of Philosophy (3)

A survey of some classic texts in the history of philosophy. See the course outline for more detail on the specific figures and themes covered. Open to all students. Students with credit for PHIL 151 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Qiu Lin
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 Qiu Lin
TBD
PHIL 203 - Metaphysics (3)

An examination of central problems of metaphysics such as space and time, universals and particulars, substance, identity and individuation and personal identity. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 100, 100W, 120, 120W, 121, 144, 150, 151, 300, or COGS 100.

Global Humanities Upper Division Requirements

Students complete a total of 20 units in upper division global humanities courses and the following are recommended.

HUM 320 - Cross-Cultural Philosophy in the Humanities (4)

Exploration of the characteristic ways in which humanities, with their emphasis on textuality and the history of ideas, presents important philosophical concepts and intellectual problems. Based upon an interdisciplinary selection of texts drawn from history, philosophy, literature and the arts. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Alessandra Capperdoni
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HUM 321W - The Humanities and Critical Thinking (4)

Study of the counter-traditions in human civilization and thought, including impulses and movements that critique and resist dominant value systems. Focuses on writers, artists and thinkers that break with their traditions creating new values, ideas, and forms of experience and expression. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Alessandra Capperdoni
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 TBD

Students in the global humanities joint major programs have the option of taking concentrations to enhance their programs.

Concentration in Art and Material Culture

Concentration in Hellenic Studies

Concentration in Mythologies

Concentration in Public Engagement and Intellectual Culture

Philosophy Upper Division Requirements

Students must complete

PHIL 467W - Advanced Seminar (4)

An advanced, in-depth seminar on a contemporary or historical philosophical topic. Required for all students in a philosophy major, philosophy honours, or joint major program. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 15 upper division PHIL units or permission from the instructor. Students not in a philosophy major, philosophy honours, or joint major program can take PHIL 467W only with special permission from the instructor. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Bruno Guindon
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and at least 17 further philosophy units not including PHIL 300.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements

For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each)

Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more)
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth

Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division:

Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth

Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements).

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.