Philosophy

Associate of Arts-Transfer Philosophy · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog

Behavioral and Social Sciences Division www.elcamino.edu/academics/behavioralsocial

The degree provides students with a foundation in philosophical inquiry. Upon successful completion, students will understand the major concepts and issues that have shaped philosophical traditions. This will include the ability to critically analyze contemporary social and moral issues and to assess the influential positions on theories of truth and the nature of reality. The student will also be able to analyze the logical structure of arguments and the rules of critical reasoning in their own and others' writing and thinking. Competencies will be assessed regularly through examinations, projects, and written reports. This major prepares students to pursue careers in education, law, health, and other fields where analytical skills are required.

The Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing the AA-T are given priority consideration for admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. In order to earn an AA-T degree, students must complete:

  1. Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University.
  2. The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirements.
  3. A minimum of 18 semester units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
  4. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
  5. A grade of "C" or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Students who have completed the AA-T will have a strong academic foundation in the field and will be prepared for upper division baccalaureate study at the university.

The coursework will satisfy most of the lower-division requirements at many institutions within the California State University system. Students transferring to a UC, private, or out-of-state university should consult with an El Camino College counselor when planning to complete the degree since transfer requirements may be slightly different than those required for the AA-T.

Required Core: 6 units

CourseTitleUnits
PHIL 106Introduction to Symbolic Logic3
PHIL 101Introduction to Philosophy3
orPHIL 101HHonors Introduction to Philosophy3
orPHIL 103Ethics and Society3

List A: 3 units

CourseTitleUnits
PHIL 105Critical Thinking and Writing3
orPHIL 105HHonors Critical Thinking and Writing3
PHIL 111History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy3
PHIL 112History of Modern Philosophy3
PHIL 113Contemporary Philosophy3

List B: 6 units

Any course from List A not already completed

CourseTitleUnits
HIST 140History of Early Civilizations3
HIST 141History of Modern Civilizations3
PHIL 107Philosophy of Religion3

List C: 3 units

Any course from List A or List B not already completed

CourseTitleUnits
PHIL 115Existentialism3
PHIL 117Political Philosophy3
orPOLI 7Political Philosophy3

Total Major Units: 18

Note: PHIL 117 is the same course as POLI 7.

GE Pattern

Complete the following:

Cal-GETC: 34 units

Required for transfer degrees (AA-T and AS-T).

Electives

As needed to reach a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units.

Minimum Degree Total: 60 units

View in the original catalog

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