Now with more Philosophy!

Posted by Colin Temple on November 3, 2008 in University

I jumped onto The University of Ottawa’s course registration service last night to take another look at my courses for the winter term.  I guessed that now, after a couple of months, I’d have a better idea what classes I’ll actually enjoy.

I haven’t made many changes to my winter schedule, but I did swap one course out.  I had signed up for a Media Studies course, because I registered late and had few options.  I thought, with my background in marketing, that I might do well.  That’s probably true — 2/3 of my English essay workshop papers have been on Internet media — but I’m not here to learn about it.

On the other hand, I’ve been dying to take a real philosophy course.  This semester, I’ve had to sit through the PHI 1101 course, Reasoning and Critical Thinking, a prerequisite for any other philosophy class.  Although my prof’s done a fairly good job of making this course short and light, it really is an introduction to basic logic and argument.  Important for some people, but when you’re eager to dive into topics like epistemology, morality and metaphysics, it’s a bit of a drag.

I was already signed up for a course called Fundamental Philosophical Questions.  That course had the most openings when I first registered, and was also the most interesting to me.  But last night, I dropped my media studies course for another course in Great Philosophers.

I don’t expect that one to be too difficult, since I’ve already spent time getting to know the big names while researching Philosophy Index, and in my own reading.  But the course promises a tour of the basics, and I’d like to confirm my own understanding before I move into second year and things start to move a little faster.

I’m still stuck with an English Literature class at 9:00 am on a Saturday next term.  It’s the only section with space available, it seems, but I’ll try to change it again later.  I really want to get that course over with early, though.

I’m eager to move onto the next semester.  I enjoy a couple of my current courses, but philosophy is what I’m in this to study.  Hopefully those courses will give me more to write about here!