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internationally known
mathematicians. The traditional core areas of
mathematics are well represented, as are developing
areas; Penn is one of the world’s leading centers
in the application of logic to theoretical computer
science. This area considers the problem of proving
that a computer program will perform its intended
function correctly.
Mathematics majors enjoy a high
degree of flexibility to pursue specialized
mathematical subjects or to study how mathematics is
used in other disciplines. Some mathematics majors
interact with the graduate students and take several
graduate mathematics courses. Others pursue double
majors or dual degrees in other sciences, engineering
or business. Still others work toward a career in
mathematics education. This diversity is reflected in
the variety of paths followed by the program’s
majors after graduation: some go on to some of the
nation’s best graduate schools in mathematics or
other scientific disciplines, some to professional
schools and others to work in the finance industry
(where mathematical simulations of financial markets
have become increasingly important), the insurance
industry (as actuarial scientists), the computer
industry (as hardware or software developers),
government, other high-tech industries (communications,
electronics, etc.) and the teaching profession.
Music
The Department of Music offers a
flexible approach to the study of music. As a
humanistic endeavor, music can serve as the central
focus of a general liberal arts education. And for
students who aspire to graduate training in music
history, theory, ethnomusicology, American music or
composition, the department also offers a more thorough
introduction to the history and theory of music and to
its meanings in different cultures around the world.
In addition to a broad array of
courses, the department also enriches the intellectual
life of the University community through its
sponsorship of student performing ensembles, its MUSC
010 program of applied music for credit, its program of
music lessons in the College Houses, and its
presentation of both student and professional concerts.
Near Eastern Languages and
Civilizations
The programmatic foci of the
Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
(NELC) are the civilizations of Mesopotamia/Iraq,
Egypt, Israel, Syria, Arabia, Persia/Iran and
Anatolia/Turkey. The undergraduate program offers
broad-based, culturally integrated general education
courses on Near Eastern literatures, history, cultures
and thought. While NELC is committed to making these
cultures accessible to non-specialists, it recognizes
that the deepest understanding of any culture requires
a profound knowledge of its language(s). Thus, the
department offers courses in Sumerian, Akkadian,
Egyptian, Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, Persian and Turkish.
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Students may major in Hebrew and
Judaica, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ancient Near Eastern
Studies, and Hebrew and Arabic Studies. Students are
strongly encouraged to begin language study while they
explore the major through introductory courses that are
taught in translation. For students majoring in other
departments, NELC offers a double major, a minor and a
language certificate in Hebrew and Arabic.
Philosophy
Philosophy seeks to illuminate
fundamental aspects of the world, of our relation to
and knowledge of the world, and of our own nature as
rational, purposive and social beings. The study of
philosophy aims at an appreciation of the ways this
enterprise has been, is, and might be approached. Such
approaches are many and varied. They differ not merely
in the accounts they offer but, more importantly, in
the questions they deem significant and the terms in
which their answers are couched. A philosophical
education is, in large measure, intended to furnish
some grasp of what is involved in developing and
defending questions and positions of a general and
fundamental nature.
Philosophy is not then a
practical subject; philosophical expertise does not
especially suit one for any particular office or
occupation. Nonetheless, a number of generally
applicable intellectual skills and habits are
cultivated through its study. A student of philosophy
is practiced in the close reading of texts, in the
extraction from them of positions and arguments, and in
the construction and criticism of lines of reasoning.
While the chief value of studying philosophy is
intrinsic, the development of these skills helps equip
one for any profession in which creative thought and
critical discrimination are called for. The University
of Pennsylvania’s philosophy majors have gone on
to advanced study and careers in any number of areas,
including medicine, business, journalism and
government. A major in philosophy provides particularly
good preparation for law school.
The Philosophy Department offers
three majors:
• A general major in
philosophy.
• A major in
humanistic philosophy and
• A major in
philosophy and science.
Philosophy is divided into a
number of areas—epistemology, philosophy of
science, logic, metaphysics, moral and political
philosophy, and aesthetics. None of these areas can be
pursued in complete isolation from the others.
Philosophy, Politics and
Economics
Philosophy, Politics and
Economics is an interdisciplinary program involving
faculty and courses from the Departments of Philosophy,
Political Science and Economics and from the Law
School. The program allows
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