A philosophy professor writes in asking for suggestions about how a philosophy department can attract undergraduate majors.
We’re stumped on this, and uncertain about what works in other programs.
What has worked (or not worked) for your department? Thanks for sharing your experiences and suggestions.
She has in mind not just curricular choices—though tips there are welcome—but also advice on events, activities, services, and facilities. She writes:
Slothcrates
Some things we were wondering about: Do departments find a designated lounge helps increase majors? Do departments have outside reading groups with faculty? Do departments somehow encourage majors to work with / help out students just beginning to study philosophy? In general, we’re trying to figure out what might make majoring in philosophy actually fun and not just interesting and rigorous, etc. And then does making it fun increase majors?
She has in mind not just curricular choices—though tips there are welcome—but also advice on events, activities, services, and facilities. She writes:
Slothcrates
Some things we were wondering about: Do departments find a designated lounge helps increase majors? Do departments have outside reading groups with faculty? Do departments somehow encourage majors to work with / help out students just beginning to study philosophy? In general, we’re trying to figure out what might make majoring in philosophy actually fun and not just interesting and rigorous, etc. And then does making it fun increase majors?
