The study of philosophy aims to sharpen critical thinking skills, develop written and oral communication, and produce an ability to think reflectively on one's values. Students can take courses in the history of philosophy and philosophical movements, political, mathematical and scientific philosophies, metaphysics, linguistics and aesthetics. Students will learn how to analyze, reason, deduct and apply persuasive arguments in a disciplined and systematic way while developing their oral and written communication skills. The department does not specify particular course work for the major, but recommends that the sequence of courses be designed in close consultation with the student's faculty advisor. Students who plan to go to graduate school are strongly encouraged to take at least two courses from the History of Philosophy series. They should also consider a second major in a cognate field, e.g., American studies, English, French, history, mathematics, or political science.