Welcome to the Philosophy Department

UIS is one of the best places for an online degree in Philosophy.

Graduates in the online program receive the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy diploma from the University of Illinois at Springfield—and there is no distinction between an online degree and one earned on-campus.

UIS offers both a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and a Philosophy minor for students majoring in other degree programs.

The curriculum focuses on the areas of core analytic philosophy (metaphysics, epistemology, and related areas) and values (ethics, aesthetics, and political philosophy) while providing a sound background in history of philosophy.... [-]

The BA programme in English Language and Literature aims to furnish successful students with comprehensive knowledge and skills relevant to such a double major and to help them achieve their specialisation in Linguistics and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or in Literature. The programme, therefore, concentrates on three core areas: (a) Linguistics, by offering a comprehensive study of how language in general, and English in particular, actually works, (b) TEFL, by offering theoretical and practical courses in TEFL to allow students to pursue careers in teaching English, and (c) English Literature, by covering the great authors and issues from 1580 to the present day and by offering a detailed study of all genres: poetry, drama, and prose.... [-]

The English major is the best preparation a Mercy College student can have for any career or profession. It offers a way to discover, enjoy and reflect on universal themes in great literature that show us what it means to be human. In addition, it fosters the ability to communicate effectively: to write correctly, to read and think critically, and to speak effectively. These are the skills that provide a clear advantage for success in a business or profession.

This is one of several specialist routes available in our BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities (R14). The degree starts by developing your understanding of the world we live in through a variety of perspectives, periods and subjects – including art history, classical studies, creative writing, English language, English literature, history, modern languages, music, philosophy, and religious studies itself. You’ll then take two specialist religious studies modules, exploring religions as an important aspect of human culture, society and politics and their role and significance in various debates and controversies. The modules cover many different contemporary and historical contexts. Your learning in this exciting subject will be supported by books, podcasts, videos and interactive materials.... [-]

This is one of several subject combinations available in our BA (Honours) Language Studies (Q30).

You will study a range of aspects relating to German and Spanish language and cultures around the world, including history, current affairs and the arts through a range of interactive materials and practical activities. You’ll also develop transferable, academic and digital literacy skills.

On completion, you’ll have a high level of modern language proficiency and intercultural competence, making you an effective global communicator able to operate effectively in a vast range of professions in the public and private sector.

This is one of several subject combinations available in our BA (Honours) Language Studies (Q30).

You will study a range of aspects relating to French and Spanish language and culture around the world, including history, current affairs and the arts through a range of interactive materials and practical activities. You’ll also develop transferable, academic and digital literacy skills. On completion, you’ll have a high level of modern language proficiency and intercultural competence, making you an effective global communicator able to operate effectively in a vast range of professions in the public and private sector.

This is one of several subject combinations available in our BA (Honours) Language Studies (Q30).

You will study a range of aspects relating to French and German language and culture around the world, including history, current affairs and the arts through a range of interactive materials and practical activities. You’ll also develop transferable, academic and digital literacy skills. On completion, you’ll have a high level of modern language proficiency and intercultural competence, making you an effective global communicator able to operate effectively in a vast range of professions in the public and private sector

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This is one of several subject combinations available in our BA (Honours) Language Studies (Q30).

For your study of English, you’ll find out how the language works, study its history, its politics and how it came to be such a hugely influential global language. Your Spanish studies will cover a range of aspects relating to the language and its cultures around the world. On completion, you’ll be an independent and intercultural user of Spanish and have a robust and wide-ranging understanding of the English language. This will make you an effective global communicator, able to mediate between cultures and operate effectively in a vast range of professions in the public and private sector.... [-]

This is one of several subject combinations available in our BA (Honours) Language Studies (Q30).

For your study of English, you’ll find out how the language works, study its history, its politics and how it came to be such a hugely influential global language. Your German studies will cover a range of aspects relating to the language and its cultures around the world. On completion, you’ll be an independent and intercultural user of German and have a robust and wide-ranging understanding of the English language. This will make you an effective global communicator, able to mediate between cultures and operate effectively in a vast range of professions in the public and private sector.... [-]

This is one of several subject combinations available in our BA (Honours) Language Studies (Q30). For your study of English, you’ll find out how the language works, study its history, its politics and how it came to be such a hugely influential global language. Your French studies will cover a range of aspects relating to the language and its cultures around the world.

On completion, you’ll be an independent and intercultural user of French and have a robust and wide-ranging understanding of the English language. This will make you an effective global communicator, able to mediate between cultures and operate effectively in a vast range of professions in the public and private sector.... [-]

This wide-ranging course will develop and deepen your knowledge of different periods of history mostly after 1750 while providing a critical understanding of political ideas, institutions, issues and theories. You’ll tackle such exciting and challenging issues as power and warfare, security and insecurity, global justice, culture and beliefs, health and medicine, imperialism and resistance, class and gender. Throughout the course you will be learning the skills of both the political scientist and the historian in studying historical materials and contemporary problems; exploring how we understand, interpret and debate past and current events as well as future trends; and investigating a range of critical approaches to historical and political analysis and understanding in an integrated manner.... [-]

This degree offers a stimulating and wide-ranging introduction to English literature and creative writing. You’ll have the opportunity to study and interpret literature from different historical periods and diverse cultural settings – including translations – and to develop your writing skills in several genres including fiction; poetry; life writing; and scriptwriting for film, radio and stage.

This degree enables you to gain a broad understanding of economics and history in an interdisciplinary context and develop knowledge and skills in both subjects. You will have the opportunity to build an understanding of contemporary economic theory and economic issues, enabling you to apply fundamental concepts to major economic policy challenges. In the partnering study of history, you will appreciate and examine topics from British, European and global history, from 1500 to the present.

The ancient Greek and Roman worlds have given us a heritage of extraordinary richness and diversity. This accessible and rewarding course explores classical literature, history, culture, philosophy, art and archaeology through key places and periods – including Pompeii, Roman Britain, Classical Athens, and Republican and Imperial Rome – with options to study ancient Greek and Latin.

This is one of several specialist routes available in our BA (Honours) Arts and Humanities (R14).

The degree starts by developing your understanding of the world we live in through a variety of perspectives, periods and subjects – including art history, classical studies, creative writing, English language, English literature, history, modern languages, music, philosophy, and religious studies itself. You’ll then take two specialist religious studies modules, exploring religions as an important aspect of human culture, society and politics and their role and significance in various debates and controversies. The modules cover many different contemporary and historical contexts. Your learning in this exciting subject will be supported by books, podcasts, videos and interactive materials.... [-]