GMA Courses
GMA 1100
International Relations
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2
The nature of the changing relations between nation-states and with non-state actors including the functioning of the international system - the interaction and challenges of forces, factors and interests, customs, rules, norms, and institutions. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 100 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 1105
Ocean Politics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2
Economic, security and environmental aspects of the world's oceans, focused on the international dimensions of the ocean as a global resource and its governance through conflict and/or cooperation. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 105 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 1110
First Year Seminar
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F
Introduce cadets to the campus community and to prepare them for academic, personal, and professional success through fostering a sense of belonging. Academic strategies and campus resources, to help navigate campus and department norms and expectations, engage in meaningful dialogue, and provide opportunities for self-reflection. 1 lecture. Formerly GMA 110 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 1115
Introduction to Security Studies
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Theoretical foundations and key concepts in security studies as well as an assessment of the main institutions and key contemporary challenges in global security. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 115 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2205
Introduction to Public Policy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Introduction to the public policy process in the United States. Understanding of what political and public policy mean. Consider why problems reach the public agenda, why solutions are adopted and others rejected, and why policies appear to succeed while others appear to fail. Examine policy making at the national level, as well as the international, state, and local levels. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 205 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2215
Comparative Politics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2
Introduction to important themes of comparative political analysis, in order to identify and explain differences in political systems and political life across different states and regions of the world. Fundamental elements of modern political systems: state, nation, market, civil society, democracy, and authoritarianism. Attention to interactions between these elements - for example, between states and markets, or between civil society and authoritarian regimes. Role of institutions, such as political parties and constitutional structures, in shaping these interactions. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 215 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2220
Comparative Maritime Politics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2Prerequisite: Prerequisites: GMA 105 or GMA 1105; and GMA 215 or GMA 2215. Overview of the central concepts and approaches of comparative maritime policy and places in a broader world setting by presenting, within an integrated fashion, many of the organizing concepts, findings and theories that structure and define the discipline. Conduct of maritime politics in a variety of different countries. Basic concepts, theories and general patterns that explain maritime political behavior and political outcomes both within and across the broad system types. Emphasize many current maritime issues, events, and problems in our world today and try to gain some theoretical perspective on them. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 220 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2225
Southeast Asia-Maritime Mainland
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2
Historical-political development, contemporary conflicts, maritime disputes, and global connections between Vietnam. Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, and The Philippines. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 225 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2230
United States Maritime Policy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Introduction to United States maritime policy. Examine the process through which United States maritime policy is formulated and analyzes its domestic and international implications. Current issues facing the U. S. maritime community with special attention to port issues and security policies. Structured by two fundamental components: historic evolution of U. S. maritime policy and the analysis of contemporary policy. Critically think about U. S. maritime policy both past and present and offer new ideas that create an encouraging future. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 230 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2235
GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2
Geographic information system (GIS) uses software to visualize, question, analyze, and interpret data to understand relationships, patterns, and trends in geopolitics, transportation, logistics, communication, marine spatial planning, ocean and coastal science. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 235 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2240
World Geography
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2
Systematic study of global regions, including natural environments, demographics, cultures, politics, and livelihoods. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 240 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2250
Environmental Policy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2
The history of ideas that formulate how we understand nature and the processes through which environmental policy is generated, and environmental decision-making in context of ethical thinking and public ocean literacy. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 250 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2255
Strategic Policy Leadership
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SPPrerequisite: EGL 100 or EGL 1100; and EGL 220 or EGL 2220. Policy-making process and the skills to strategically influence outcomes. Design and assess policies while honing their ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Emphasizes leadership development, ethical considerations in policy decisions, and collaborative problem-solving, fostering both personal and professional growth. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 255 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3300
U.S. Foreign Policy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area DPrerequisite: Sophomore standing; and GOV 200 or GOV 2200. Examines the manner in which U.S. foreign policy is made and analyzes the implications of this policy-making process; with an emphasis on current issues in US foreign and international maritime policies. Focuses on the goals and inputs of US foreign policy to understand how international, domestic, and individual constraints affect the policy process and outcomes. Think creatively about the choices available to political leaders and why, in the face of alternatives, a particular course of action or policy tends to be selected. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 300 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3310
The Geopolitics of Energy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Explore the history of oil exploration, the policies that have informed national and international attention to energy procurement (or acquisition), and the geopolitics that have accompanied the development of the world's oil industry. Oil has been the most important natural resource of the twentieth century. Its price and availability determine the macroeconomic health and stability of economies; access to it determines the foreign policies of many nations; and nations have been willing to go to war to secure its guaranteed access. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs).
GMA 3315
China and its Neighbors
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Historical and contemporary relationships between China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula as context for understanding current issues and events. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 315 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3320
Ocean Environmental Management
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Major ocean environmental problems and the various solutions to resolving them through science and public policy, with special attention to the role of the media. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 320 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3325
Indian Ocean Rim
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Countries of the Indian Ocean Rim and the island states within it. Strategic straits and chokepoints, the "blue economy", competition between the great and rising powers, maritime security, and piracy. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 325 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3330
Maritime Security
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Main threats and challenges in the global maritime domain, specifically those that affect the security and prosperity of nation-states and the health of the oceans. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 330 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3335
Maritime California
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Maritime issues and infrastructure of California, including its ports, interconnected waterway system, state maritime institutions, coastal zone management and marine environmental issues. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 335 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3340
International Migration
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Why people migrate, where human populations migrate to and from, the economic, political, and social implication. Migration theory applied to historical and modern day migration events, mass migration movements and their effects. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 340 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3345
Asian Security
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Survey contemporary Asian regional and national security. Examine how dangerous disputes in the region are, what the elements of regional security are, which countries' actions should be treated as threats to security, and what forms of cooperation best safeguard security. Military and strategic concerns are addressed, with emphasis on the generally neglected areas of human, environmental and resource security, and issues of sustainable development and social justice. Designed primarily for GSMA majors and minors with a strong interest in international politics. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 345 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3350
Political Geography
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area DPrerequisite: One of the following: GMA 100, GMA 1100, GMA 215, or GMA 2215. Concepts of geopolitical power and territoriality, including airborne, space-based, and wateborne possession and acquisition, as expressed through identities, regions, and states. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 350 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3355
Cross-Cultural Competence
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Develop cross cultural skills to navigate differences in worldview, religion, language, ethnicity, family structure, cuisine, and music. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 355 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3360
Globalization
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Overview of theories and issues in contemporary international political economy. How the global economic system bears on the power of the state, along with the strategies states develop to deal with an international economy increasingly beyond their individual control. International economic system since the Great Depression, as well as the theories claiming to account for this development. Current issues and challenges dealing with the process of globalization, including: 1) global economic integration and new patterns of economic interaction, including the region state, the virtual state, and the world city; and 2) the globalization and computerization of financial markets. Regional issues in the context of globalization: specifically, the challenges the Euro, Russia, China, and Third World nations present to the existing global order. Environmental degradation in the context of globalization. Future of capitalism. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 360 at Cal Martime.
GMA 3365
Polar Politics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Political, social, economic, and environmental issues in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, focusing particularly on implications of climate change, new trade routes, strategic competition and environmental security. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 365 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3370
International Political Economy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 2/5
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area BPrerequisite: One of the following: EGL 100, EGL 1100, EGL 102, or EGL 1102; EGL 110 or EGL 1110; EGL 220 or EGL 2220; and MTH 107 or MTH 1107. Introduction to the social scientific study of International Political Economy (IPE) that surveys the evolution of the international economic system and utilizes game theory and statistical analysis to analyze contemporary debates and issues in the discipline. Includes international trade, globalization, economic development, the international monetary system, financial crises, trade and the environment, and international economic institutions. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Areas Upper-Division 2 or Upper-Division 5 (GE Area Upper-Division B for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 370 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3375
Research Methods
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Overview of the types of contemporary research methods in the social sciences. Design one's own research projects and inform consumers of contemporary research that uses these methods. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 375 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3380
Model United Nations
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SPPrerequisite: One of the following: EGL 100, EGL 1100, EGL 102, or EGL 1102. Overview of the United Nations as an international organization and a chance to participate in and contribute to in-depth simulations on international diplomacy and global issues. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 380 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3390
Independent Study
(1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Substantial study above and beyond the regular offerings in the catalog, by instructor agreement and permission. Approved Application for Independent Student must be filed by the end of the normal add period. Formerly GMA 390 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3395
Special Topics
(1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Various topics concerning security, strategy, policy, law, environment, or global society. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. 1 to 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 395 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4405
International Maritime Organizations
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Maritime governance through international regimes such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Impact of such regimes on the U.S. maritime sector of the economy. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 405 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4415
Strategy and War
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Global overview of the processes and mechanisms from war to diplomacy that political actors have historically employed and currently use to achieve their strategic objectives. Studies how actors use different means to achieve political goals, with a particular focus on strategic planning and strategic interactions between actors. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 415 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4420
Cybersecurity
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Explores emerging cyber threats from a policy perspective, placing these threats in the greater context of cybersecurity and cyberwar in general. Questions addressed include the range of types of cyberattacks, specific threat actors who utilize cyberattacks, influential past cyberattacks, and how institutions like maritime industry can prevent cyberattacks. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 420 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4425
Civil Conflict
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Introduction to the theoretical and empirical study of civil conflict that examines why civil conflicts begin and how civil conflicts are resolved. Survey broader theoretical approaches to studying civil conflicts as well as discuss specific cases of civil conflict. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 425 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4460
Senior Thesis
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Formulating a research question, selecting methodology and sources, writing outlines and sequential drafts. culminates in a final 40-page thesis at the end of the semester, with in-class presentations of work at appropriate intervals. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 460 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4460L
Senior Thesis Research Laboratory
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: TBDCorequisite: GMA 460 or GMA 4460. Senior thesis research laboratory will provide hands-on instruction and practice in research methods for Global Studies, in support of completion of the GSMA Senior Thesis. 1 laboratory. Formerly GMA 460L at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4461
Senior Qualifying Exams
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Senior standing.
Part of a two-semester sequence which involves comprehensive written and oral examinations in key focus areas of the GSMA major. In team learning communities, Explore the interrelationships between the substantive sub-fields and basic concepts in team learning communities. Focus on two specific objectives: prepare for comprehensive written exams based on advanced readings in selected topic areas; and prepare for intensive oral examinations in those topics. Directed reading, discipline-specific research, and mock responses. May be taken before or after
GMA 4460; both are required for graduation. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 461 at Cal Maritime.
PHIL Courses
PHIL 1101
Introduction to Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Philosophy major.
Foundational methods and central issues in contemporary philosophy including logic, epistemology, metaphysics and ethics. Advising and orientation to the Philosophy major for first-year students in their first quarter at Cal Poly. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 101.
PHIL 1126
Logic and Argumentative Writing
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 1B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area A3
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1A with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Principles of argument analysis, evaluation and construction. Deductive and inductive reasoning, including analogical arguments, universal and statistical generalizations, and causal inferences. Principles of organizing and writing argumentative essays. Moral dimensions of rational discourse. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 1B with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A3 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 126.
PHIL 2230
Philosophical Classics: Knowledge and Reality
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 3B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area C2
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Critical examination of primary philosophical works with focus on the nature of reality and the sources and limits of human knowledge. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS/
PHIL 2230. Fulfills GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly HNRS/PHIL 230.
PHIL 2231
Philosophical Classics: Ethics and Political Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 3B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area C2
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Critical examination of primary philosophical works, with focus on the identification and evaluation of the central ethical, social and political themes and arguments presented in them. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS/
PHIL 2231. Fulfills GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly HNRS/PHIL 231.
PHIL 2241
Symbolic Logic
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1B with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A3 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
The nature of deductive logical systems. Methods of notation, translation and proof in sentential and predicate calculi including truth-trees and natural deduction systems. Introduction to meta-theory. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 241.
PHIL 2270
Special Topics
(1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Directed group study of special topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 270.
PHIL 3300
Philosophical Writing and Research
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SPPrerequisite: One of the following: PHIL 230, PHIL 2230, PHIL 231, or PHIL 2231; and Philosophy major. Develop writing and research skills by composing a substantial research paper on a specific topic. Revisions based on instructor and peer feedback. Oral presentation of research project. The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 300.
PHIL 3301
Philosophical Topics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Examination and analysis of philosophical areas, movements, texts, or figures. Topics may be of historical or contemporary importance. The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 301.
PHIL 3309
Early Greek Philosophy through Plato
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Beginnings of philosophy and science in Ancient Greece. The Presocratics, Socrates, and Plato. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 309.
PHIL 3310
Aristotle and Hellenistic Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Development of philosophy and science in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Aristotle, Epicureanism, Stoicism, Skepticism. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 310.
PHIL 3312
Medieval Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Development of medieval philosophy from Augustine to Ockham, including Anselm, Abelard, Roger Bacon, Bonaventure, Aquinas, and Duns Scotus. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 312.
PHIL 3313
Early Modern Rationalism
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Development of early modern rationalist philosophy from the late Renaissance through Leibniz, with special emphasis upon the epistemology and metaphysics. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 313.
PHIL 3314
Early Modern Empiricism
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Development of early modern empiricist philosophy from the Renaissance through Mill, with special emphasis on metaphysics and epistemology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 314.
PHIL 3315
Kant and 19th Century European Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Primary issues and concepts found in European philosophy from 1780 to 1900, with emphasis on Kant, Hegel, and Nietzsche. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 315.
PHIL 3317
History of Analytic Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Major developments within 20th century analytic philosophy and similar related schools, such as Pragmatism. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 317.
PHIL 3318
Phenomenology
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Methods and uses of phenomenological analysis through study of 20th century philosophers and contemporary applications. Phenomenological method, perception, meaning, and the role of experience in philosophical inquiry. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 318.
PHIL 3319
Existentialism
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Major recent existentialists such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, de Beauvoir, Merleau-Ponty, and Marcel. Existentialist themes in historical or contemporary context. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 319.
PHIL 3321
Philosophy of Science
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
The rational foundations of inquiry and explanation in the physical, biological and social sciences. Justification of scientific claims, the difference between science and pseudoscience, the relationship between science and other fields of investigation. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 321.
PHIL 3322
Philosophy of Technology
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Analyses of the philosophical foundations and implications of technology. Technology and the human condition, technology and philosophical ethics, technology and political philosophy, technology and the metaphysics of human nature, and the relationship between science and technology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 322.
PHIL 3323
Ethics, Science, and Technology
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Ethical decision-making as applied to issues such as the use of robots, treatment of animals, sustainability, scientific fraud, feminist analysis of science and technology, and questions about whether technology is a value-neutral tool or, rather, embodies certain values. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS/
PHIL 3323. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly HNRS 325/PHIL 323.
PHIL 3327
Robot Ethics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Introduction, short history, and overview of robot (meta)ethics, with applied ethics issues to include programming, environment, military uses, sex, legal implications, risk, liability, diversity, sustainability, healthcare, education, religion, and the home. Future issues of robot rights and personhood. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 327.
PHIL 3328
Technologies and Ethics of Warfare
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Ethics of killing in warfare, including requirements of justice in declaring and waging war. Terrorism, remotely piloted aircraft ('drones'), autonomous weapons ('killer robots'), cyber warfare, nuclear war, city bombing, and humanitarian intervention. Course may be classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 328.
PHIL 3331
Ethics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Analyses of various traditional and contemporary positions on the difference between right and wrong, if there is one. Theories of metaethics and normative ethics including the divine command theory, relativism, intuitionism, noncognitivism, virtue ethics, egoism, utilitarianism and duty-based ethics. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 331.
PHIL 3332
History of Ethics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
History of moral thought from Homer and Pre-Socratics to the 21st century. Theories of moral goodness and rightness of action. Issues and areas of thought, metaphysics, theology, science, politics, psychology freedom/determinism to be considered, where they shed light on moral thought. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 332.
PHIL 3333
Political Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Analyses of the philosophical foundations of political ideologies, including theories of political authority, legitimacy, obligation, and rights, and of the proper function of the state, and the relation of these theories to issues in metaphysics, theory of knowledge, and ethics. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 333.
PHIL 3334
Philosophy of Law
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Normative and analytic questions about law. Nature of law and legal systems. Justification of law. Moral obligation to obey the law. Nature and justification of punishment. Guilt and legal responsibility. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 334.
PHIL 3335
Social Ethics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Contemporary social-ethical problems, including arguments for proposed solutions to these problems. Features two or more of the following sample problems: abortion, suicide and euthanasia, capital punishment, family ethics, affirmative action, social justice, and the ethics of war. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS/
PHIL 3335. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly HNRS 336/PHIL 335.
PHIL 3336
Feminist Ethics, Gender, Sexuality and Society
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Critical examination of the relations between gender, sexuality, ethnicity, society and ethics from feminist perspectives, with special attention paid to problems in contemporary applied ethics. Joint focus on theory and application. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as PHIL/
WGQS 3336. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs); and USCP. Formerly PHIL/WGQS 336.
PHIL 3337
Business Ethics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Critical examination of ethical problems that arise in business. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 337.
PHIL 3339
Biomedical Ethics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Critical examination of problems in biomedical ethics, proposed solutions, and arguments for such solutions. Emphasis on two or more of the following: concepts of health and disease, human experimentation, informed consent, behavior control, genetic intervention, new birth technologies, euthanasia and physician-assisted dying. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 339.
PHIL 3340
Environmental Ethics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Analyses of various positions on the moral status of nonhuman entities and problems such as the treatment of animals, wilderness preservation, population, pollution and global warming. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 340.
PHIL 3341
Professional Ethics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Ethical problems in professions such as law, medicine, engineering, research and education: deception, paternalism, confidentiality, discrimination and others. Consideration of various professional codes of ethics. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 341.
PHIL 3342
Philosophy of Religion
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Inquiry into rational and nonrational bases of religious claims. Arguments for and against the existence of God. Discussion of miracles, revelation, definition of God, problem of evil, relation of faith and reason, nature of religious experience, verification of religious claims. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 342.
PHIL 3343
Power, Alienation, and Political Life
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Analysis of social alienation, political resistance, and the interplay between power and individual life in historical and contemporary Continental philosophy. Emphasis on issues such as structural injustice, cultural membership and exclusion, work, media, and the political impact of technology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 343.
PHIL 3350
Aesthetics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Critical examination of philosophical views of art from historical and contemporary perspective. Treatment of theories from Plato and Aristotle through those of the 21st century. Discussion of problems raised by modern art. Relation between aesthetic values and metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and politics. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 350.
PHIL 3351
Philosophy of Literature
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Analysis of philosophical issues related to literature such as interpretation, authorial intention, linguistic expression, ethical responsibilities of writers and readers, and use of literary styles by philosophers. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 351.
PHIL 3361
Indian Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Philosophies developed in South Asia including the metaphysical, epistemological, and logical presuppositions of the six Hindu schools, the Buddhist and Jain schools, and select theistic traditions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 361.
PHIL 3362
Chinese and East Asian Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Philosophies developed in China, Japan and East Asia, including Buddhism, Confucian moral philosophy, Daoist metaphysics and social ecology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 362.
PHIL 3369
Postmodernism
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Philosophy major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Primary issues and developments in recent and contemporary European philosophy. Examination of the influence of postmodern philosophy in areas such as art, literature, architecture, culture studies, philosophy of language, and philosophy of religion. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 369.
PHIL 3385
Ethics Bowl
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SPPrerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and one of the following: PHIL 231, PHIL 2231, PHIL 323, PHIL 3323, PHIL 327, PHIL 3327, PHIL 328, PHIL 3328, PHIL 331, PHIL 3331, PHIL 332, PHIL 3332, PHIL 333, PHIL 3333, PHIL 334, PHIL 3334, PHIL 335, PHIL 3335, PHIL 336, PHIL 3336, PHIL 337, PHIL 3337, PHIL 339, PHIL 3339, PHIL 340, PHIL 3340, PHIL 341, PHIL 3341, PHIL 439, or PHIL 4439. Preparation for participation in Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl competitions. Preparation and discussion of current competition cases, development of research and presentation skills, and participation in competition. Field trip required. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 385.
PHIL 4400
Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates
(1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.
Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Repeatable up to 6 units. Formerly PHIL 400.
PHIL 4411
Metaphysics
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Traditional and current ideas and arguments about substance, the relation of universals to particulars, space and time, events, causation and necessity, the self and free will. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 411.
PHIL 4412
Epistemology
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Analysis of the concept of knowledge. Study of competing theories of epistemic justification. Inquiry into relationship between knowledge, belief, justification, and truth. Examination of skepticism. Study of expanded epistemology. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 412.
PHIL 4421
Philosophy of Space, Time, and Matter
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Investigation of the philosophical foundations and interpretation of relativity theory and elementary quantum mechanics. Emphasis on philosophical issues relevant to contemporary philosophy of science such as scientific realism. Some discussion of very recent theories of space, time, and matter. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 421.
PHIL 4422
Philosophy of Mind
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Classic and current work in the problems and issues of the nature and unity of the self, consciousness, mental representations, and action, and of the relation of philosophy of mind to psychology, linguistics and computer science. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 422.
PHIL 4423
Philosophy of Language
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Traditional and contemporary philosophical issues that arise from the structure of language. Relevant concepts include: syntax, semantics, pragmatics, meaning, reference, truth, identity, thought, reality. Important distinctions: use/mention, relations/properties of relations, sentences/statements/propositions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 423.
PHIL 4429
Topics in the History of Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Advanced discussion of topics in the history of philosophy. Examination and analysis of philosophical movements (e.g., Stoicism, critical theory), particular philosophers (e.g., William James, W.E.B. Du Bois), or philosophical works (e.g., Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, Hannah Arendt's The Life of the Mind). The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 429.
PHIL 4439
Topics in Ethics and Political Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Advanced discussion of topics in ethics and political philosophy. Examination and analysis of ethical or political theories (e.g., utilitarianism, contractarianism) or alternatively, of particular philosophers or philosophical works (e.g., John Stuart Mill; John Rawls' A Theory of Justice). The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 439.
PHIL 4449
Topics in Recent Philosophy
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Advanced discussion of topics in recent philosophy or of recent philosophers or recent philosophical works. The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 449.
PHIL 4459
Senior Project Preparation
(1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Senior standing, Philosophy major, and consent of instructor.
Group and individual discussion of senior project advisor selection and initial research for senior project. Library research training, completion of exit interview, and career advising for Philosophy majors nearing graduation. Credit/No Credit grading only. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 1 laboratory. Formerly PHIL 459.
PHIL 4460
Senior Project
(2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SUPrerequisite: Senior standing; Philosophy major; PHIL 241 or PHIL 2241; PHIL 300 or PHIL 3300; and consent of instructor. Corequisite: PHIL 459 or PHIL 4459. Development and completion of a research project under faculty supervision. Results presented in a formal thesis. Formerly PHIL 460.
PHIL 4470
Special Advanced Topics
(1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Directed group study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 3 lectures. Formerly PHIL 470.
RELS Courses
RELS 2201
Religion, Dialogue, and Society
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2
Examine how interactions between religious traditions shape society at various levels. Case studies drawn from global religious traditions during the ancient and modern periods. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 201.
RELS 2205
Jesus
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Exploration and analysis of the person of Jesus. Includes examination of our sources of knowledge about him, his self-understanding, and various interpretations of him in historical, comparative, and contemporary settings. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly RELS 205.
RELS 2270
Special Topics
(1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Directed group study of special topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 3 lectures. Formerly RELS 270.
RELS 3301
Religions of Asia
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Comparative study of the religions of Asia, including Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions, and the religions of China. Historical continuities/discontinuities, worldviews, sacred texts, practices, responses to modernity, and the place of women across the traditions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 301.
RELS 3302
Abrahamic Religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
An introduction to the global religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with a focus on their shared origin in the Patriarch Abraham, including topics for each religion: the origins, worldview, scripture, practices, and relationship to modernity. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 302.
RELS 3304
Judaism
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Origins, beliefs, and practices of Judaism and central themes in the Hebrew Bible. The development of Judaism in the post-biblical and Talmudic period. Jewish philosophy, life, rituals, and customs. The emergence of modern Judaism, Zionism, and post-Holocaust philosophy. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 304.
RELS 3306
Hinduism
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Origins, beliefs, and practices of Hinduism from the Veda and the Upanishads through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas. Modern Hindu institutions, saints and sages, and social philosophy contrasted with the ancient. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 306.
RELS 3307
Buddhism
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Buddhist origins, viewpoints, and practices will be seen in their development in South Asia, including India, Tibet, China, Japan, and the United States. The life of the historical Buddha, the rise of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana/Tantra. Encounters with Daoist, Confucian, and Shinto traditions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 307.
RELS 3310
Christianity
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Development of the Christian religion from the story of Jesus, the New Testament, Church formation, the role of St. Paul, dissenting ideas, Protestant and Catholic views, and contemporary issues of conscience, such as the Social Gospel and liberation theologies. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 310.
RELS 3311
Islam
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Development of Islamic civilization from the inspiration of the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad and the Sunni-Shi'i split to contemporary political and social issues. Emphasis of Sufi literature, art, architecture, and philosophies of Islam. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 311.
RELS 3344
Approaches to Religion and Spirituality
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Examination of religion from an academic perspective by surveying the various historical approaches employed within the discipline of religious studies to collect, analyze, and interpret religious phenomena cross-culturally. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 344.
RELS 3370
Religion, Gender, and Society
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Critical examination of religious ideas and institutions in the United States. Focus on interlocking systems of sex, gender, race, class and religion; individual and group experiences at the intersection of religion, politics and culture. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as RELS/
WGQS 3370. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs); and USCP. Formerly RELS/WGQS 370.
RELS 3372
Spiritual Extremism: Asceticism, Mysticism, and Madness
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Shaping influence of ascetics, mystics and the insane on global religious traditions. The relationship between spiritual extremists and society, cultural construction of holiness and insanity, and literary depictions of spiritual extremists. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly PHIL 372.
RELS 3374
Religion and Violence
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Historical and contemporary case studies of how various religions have condoned, motivated, and justified violence. The place of sacrifice, martyrdom, self-injury and forced conversion in religious doctrines. Representations of religious violence in the media. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 374.
RELS 3378
Religion and Contemporary Values
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Descriptive analysis of how diverse religious traditions construct moral decisions about a variety of contemporary issues including sexuality, ecology, and justice. Challenges for religious value systems in secular and pluralistic societies. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 378.
RELS 3380
Religion and Politics in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Completion of one course in POLS or RELS.
The root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its current manifestation. Possibilities for solutions from the perspectives of religious studies and political science. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as POLS/
RELS 3380. Formerly POLS/RELS 380.
RELS 3390
Topics in Religious Studies
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 3 (GE Areas C1 or C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
Examination and analysis of religious and spiritual themes and traditions. Topics may be of historical or contemporary importance. The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly RELS 390.
RELS 4400
Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates
(1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.
Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Repeatable up to 6 units. Formerly RELS 400.
RELS 4470
Special Advanced Topics
(1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.
Directed group study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 3 lectures. Formerly RELS 470.
RELS 4490
Advanced Topics in Religious Studies
(3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).
In-depth examination and analysis of specific religious and spiritual themes, traditions, texts, and figures. Topics may be of historical or contemporary importance. The Class Schedule will list subtitle selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly RELS 490.
