Hanover Philosophy Department
Why Study Philosophy?
Deciding upon a major can be an intimidating task, and you may be wondering if philosophy would be a good fit for you. If any of the following is true for you, then the philosophy department at Hanover College may be just what you have been searching for.
You enjoy:
• Questioning social constructs
• Logic and reasoning
• Trying to understand human behavior and values
You want to:
• Go to law school
• Hone your reading, writing, and research skills
• Get involved in politics
• Become a writer
• Learn how to support your beliefs and debate effectively
What Hanover Philosophy Offers
Philosophy tries to answer humanity's most basic questions: What is it to say that an action is right or wrong? Does God exist? Can we really have knowledge of the world and of ourselves? What is the relationship between the world and us? What is the self? Although questions such as these are not easily answered, the academic study of philosophy provides an environment for intelligent and thoughtful discussion that will seek to answer them.
The philosophy department at Hanover College offers a wide range of subjects to explore. You will begin your studies with one of three introductory courses, each of which emphasizes a different approach to philosophical questions.
One course emphasizes questions of values, another explores some of the great texts from the history of philosophy, and yet another emphasizes the problems of knowledge. You then continue with advanced courses in formal logic, 20th century philosophy, philosophy of law and science, utopias and intentional communities, and the history of political thought, to name just a few. Many internship and independent study options are also available to help you tailor the program to your needs.
By providing you with practical experience and a comprehensive education, the philosophy department at Hanover prepares you for graduate school and a fulfilling professional career.
Highlights
Flexibility in Courses
The range of courses offered to philosophy majors is broad enough so you can tailor the program to fit your particular interests. The major is supplemented by a philosophy seminar, attended by all junior and senior majors and the philosophy faculty, in which you will refine and extend your skills in reading, writing, and research. The seminar also gives youan opportunity to gather and talk about philosophical issues and to develop your skills in discussion.
Experienced Faculty
One of the philosophy's true assets is its faculty. Philosophy faculty members come to Hanover from all over the United States, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge. Their diverse areas of expertise range from metaphysics to ethics and feminist philosophy to the philosophy of science. And, with a small student-to-faculty ratio, you have unprecedented access to these highly trained professionals.
Strong Placements
Students in philosophy can be, and have been, placed in a broad range of vocations. Graduates work in such fields as social and community services, ministry and related religious vocations, and educational fields such as teaching, research, administration, and student affairs. They are found in research positions in colleges and universities, government agencies, insurance companies, publishing companies, and nonprofit organizations. They are also found in government staff positions, consulting, journalism, medicine, law, and advertising.
Career Opportunities
Philosophy within the context of a liberal arts education equips you with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to continue on to a variety of careers and/or graduate school opportunities.
Previous graduates' career and professional placements have included:
• Jesuit Volunteer Corps (MO)
• Solid Light, Inc. (KY)
• Congressman Dan Burton (IN)
• Provident Bank (OH)
• Morgan Stanley Dean Witter (England)
Recent graduate school placements have included:
• University of Notre Dame
• Tennessee Technological University
• University of Maryland School of Law
• University of Michigan Law School
• Howard University of Law
• Penn State University
• Bowling Green State University
• Indiana University School of Law
• University of Kentucky
• University of Louisville