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Philosophy

The transfer associate degree in philosophy examines various methods of thinking and the foundation of those thoughts. The curriculum explores philosophy as the basis for our legal system, government, politics, education systems, and various other institutions.  Students interested in careers in law, religion, or higher education transfer to a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, typically followed by graduate school.

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Suggested Pathway for Philosophy (AA)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
PHL 101 Introduction to Philosophy Details 3
A study of recurrent, persistent human principles and problems such as the validity of knowledge; the nature of truth; the nature of identity, free will and determination; moral and aesthetic values; and religious belief systems. IAI: H4 900
Prerequisites: (none)
ART 115 Art Appreciation Details 3
Designed to expose/cultivate an awareness of art in our culture with some emphasis on contemporary times. IAI: F2 900
Prerequisites: (none)
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
BIO 101 General Biology Details 4
An introductory biology course that covers a breadth of biological concepts including biochemical pathways, molecular and cellular biology, the structure and function of organisms, genetics and heredity, evolution, ecology, and the importance of life science to society. In the laboratory setting, emphasis will be placed on utilizing the scientific process to arrive at evidence-based conclusions. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: L1 900L.
Prerequisites: MAT 010 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement test score, or consent of department. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
HIS 121 U.S. History I Details 3
History of the United States from the early foundation of the republic to 1877. IAI: S2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
PHL 121 Ethics Details 3
A study of the principal ethical theories and concepts of human conduct and character, as well as a critical evaluation of these theories and concepts as they apply to particular moral problems and decisions. IAI: H4 904
Prerequisites: (none)
RST 175 Foundational Religious Texts Details 3
The humanistic study of the foundational documents of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Course looks at the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and the Qur'an, as well as secondary sacred texts that are used by each tradition to explain the meaning of these primary texts. IAI: H5 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 102 Rhetoric and Composition II Details 3
A continuation of ENG 101; provides further practice in writing at the college level for a variety of purposes and audiences, using both fixed and open or developing forms. Research paper required. IAI: C1 901R
Prerequisites: Completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or above
SOC 111 Social Problems Details 3
This course describes social problems facing the United States today and identifies how these problems impact and are impacted by our institutions and culture. Students will learn how to interpret social problems by looking at them through the lens of sociological theory. The course examines the causes of various social problems, the effects of these problems on society and possible remedies or policies. IAI: S7 901.
Prerequisites: (none)
AST 101 Elementary Astronomy Details 3
An elementary survey of the nature and behavior of the solar system and the regions beyond and of basic physical processes occurring throughout the universe. IAI: P1 906
Prerequisites: (none)
Third Semester Details
PHL 111 Introduction to Critical Thinking Details 3
A study of the rules of valid judging and reasoning, both inductive and deductive, in a traditional, language-centered context rather than a symbolic context. Logical analysis of both formal and informal fallacies and of the consistency and logical consequences of a given set of statements is included. IAI: H4 906
Prerequisites: (none)
HIS 101 Western Civilization I Details 3
A survey of political, social and economic history of the Western world, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures beginning with a study of the early Middle Eastern civilizations of Mesopotamia and progressing through the civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Europe of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation. IAI: S2 902.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Details 3
Basic introduction to the major areas of psychology--the study of behavior and the mind. Areas of emphasis include human development, personality theory, learning, thinking, stress and motivation, mental illnesses, and biological and social aspects of behavior. Course will combine research with real life application throughout. IAI: S6 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
Fourth Semester Details
PHL 201 Major World Religions Details 3
An introductory survey of selected teachings, practices and institutions of major Eastern and Western religions. May include the role of history; appreciation for forms of expression; and criticism of their origins, rituals, and forms of religious knowledge and destiny. IAI: H5 904N
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 211 Philosophy of Religion Details 3
A study of selected religious concepts and theories, such as the existence and nature of a deity, the nature of good and evil, reason and faith, ethics, and the afterlife. May include an examination of the nature of religious language and experience. IAI: H4 905
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 130 Introduction to Film Details 3
This course introduces the basics of film production and analysis in order to help students understand and enjoy film as an art form. Students will be introduced to the formal elements of film production as well as fundamental principles of genre and narrative in order to understand how directors' decisions regarding these elements and principles create meaning.
Prerequisites: (none)
HUM 101 Introduction to Humanities Details 3
Study of human values, self-perceptions, and aspirations expressed in drama, film, music, literature, painting, sculpture, and architecture with an emphasis on history, techniques, meaning, and evaluation of individual works. IAI: HF 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology Details 3
This course is an introduction to sociology as a way of understanding the world and how it applies to everyday life. Major theoretical perspectives and concepts are presented including socialization, culture, the social construction of knowledge, social control and deviance, inequality, race and ethnic relations, poverty, and the sociological imagination. IAI: S7 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.