Upcoming Courses
This section is a preview of our planned courses for the next two years. This plan can change for any number of reasons.
This list was last updated on 18 March 2026.
Lower Division
Currently, most lower division courses are offered only once per year.
- PHIL 001: Introduction to Philosophy: Fall only
- PHIL 002: Introduction to Ethics: Fall and Spring 2026-27; Fall only starting 2027
- PHIL 003: Contemporary Moral Problems: Spring only
- PHIL 006: Science, Technology, and Ethics: Fall only
- PHIL 008: Love, Sex, and Gender: Spring only
- PHIL 004: Critical Reasoning: Spring only
- PHIL 005: Introduction to Logic: Spring only; may be offered in Summer
Upper Division
Philosophy majors are required to take two courses each in three areas: Core, History of Philosophy, and Applications. They must also take the senior capstone course, PHIL 191, which is only offered in the Spring. And they must take a Writing in the Discipline course as part of the university’s GE requirements. The department offers a Writing course each Fall; WRI 100 is recommended for students who can’t take the Philosophy course.
Currently, most upper division courses are offered once every 2-3 years.
Fall 2026
- PHIL 101: Metaphysics (Core)
- PHIL 108: Political Philosophy (Core)
- PHIL 134: Modern Philosophy (History)
- PHIL 122: Bioethics (Applications)
- PHIL 160/MATH 171: Mathematical Logic (Applications)
- PHIL 173/COGS 177: Consciousness in Philosophy and Cognitive Science (Writing; Applications)
Spring 2027
- PHIL 107: Philosophy of Religion (Core)
- PHIL 123: Technology Ethics (Applications)
- PHIL 130: Ancient Philosophy (History)
- PHIL 133: Core Texts in the History of Science (History)
- PHIL 139: Philosophy of Love and Friendship (History; formerly Applications)
- PHIL 150: Phenomenology (History)
- PHIL 191: Senior Seminar (Capstone; Spring only)
Fall 2027
- PHIL 103: Philosophy of Mind (Core)
- PHIL 104: Ethical Theory (Core)
- PHIL 137: Nietzsche and Mill (History)
- PHIL 138: Environmental Philosophy and Politics (Writing; History)
- PHIL 162: Set Theory (Applications)
- PHIL 180: Douglass and Du Bois (Applications; Chair will approve requests to count as History)
Spring 2028
- PHIL 105: Philosophy of Language (Core)
- PHIL 110/COGS 110: Philosophy of Cognitive Science (Applications)
- PHIL 123: Technology Ethics (Applications)
- PHIL 131: Plato and Aristotle (History)
- PHIL 191: Senior Seminar (Capstone; Spring only)
Majors and Minors
The Philosophy Department offers a B.A. and Minor in Philosophy as well as a B.S. and Minor in Science, Technology, and Ethics (starting Fall 2025).
B.A. and Minor in Philosophy
The Philosophy Major and Minor aim to help students understand some of the foundational and applied lines of inquiry associated with philosophy, and to develop the thinking skills needed for this. Throughout the curriculum, there is a focus on clear evaluation of arguments and assessment of evidence, and on critical reading, writing, and analysis. In addition, the major and minor place a special emphasis on the incorporation of scientific data and methods (e.g. computer modeling and experimental methods) into philosophical arguments, and on application of philosophical methods across disciplinary boundaries. The reasoning and information assessment skills students gain can be fruitfully applied to many areas of inquiry outside of philosophy. The study of philosophy is both personally and professionally enriching. Philosophy training is associated with high test-scores on major standardized tests (GRE, LSAT, GMAT; see the data), and with competitive salary outcomes ("philosophy majors earn significantly more than most majors, especially over the long term" Forbes, 2017). A philosophy major is also a standard precursor to law school and other professional degree programs.
B.S. and Minor in Science, Technology, and Ethics
Navigating socio-technical challenges, from AI to climate to zoonotic disease, requires a sophisticated understanding of both technical and humanistic perspectives. Artificial intelligence researchers have publicly called for a better understanding of the risks associated with AI, whereas climate change requires an appreciation of climate justice and differential impact. At UC Merced we have new and growing programs in Data Science, Public Health, and Environmental Science that are well positioned for engagement with an ethics-focused program, such as STE. This program will educate the next generation of thought leaders on these issues for careers in law, government, non-profits, and industry.
The mission of the Major and Minor in Science, Technology, and Ethics (STE) is to impart an understanding of the ethical and political dimensions of science and technology. STE students will develop skills for ethical reflection and assessment of both scientific research and technological development, preparing them for careers in a variety of sectors. Along with courses in ethics, majors will gain depth in a particular area of science and technology, such as biology or data science. The STE program structure allows for both specialization and flexibility to accommodate students with interests in a variety of STEM fields.
