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BA Philosophy

I. Skills of Philosophical Literacy: Philosophy majors will be exposed to and demonstrate a critical understanding of a plurality of philosophical traditions and techniques.

1. Recognize major philosophical figures and methods across a plurality of Western and non-Western philosophical traditions.
2. Use a plurality of philosophical concepts and arguments to illuminate contemporary ethical and political issues.
3. Demonstrate critical awareness of the unique contributions of philosophies of social inequality (e.g., feminist philosophy, philosophy of race, philosophy of disability, and Marxist theory).

II. Skills of Philosophical Analysis: Philosophy majors will be equipped to analyze, reflect upon, and create philosophical questions, concepts, and arguments.

1. Demonstrate the curiosity, charity, and openness necessary to understand philosophical texts and discussions on their own terms.
2. Critically identify the structures, assumptions, and implications of various philosophical arguments.
3. Demonstrate a capacity to craft one’s own philosophical questions, concepts, and arguments.

III. Skills of Philosophical Communication: Philosophy majors will hone their capacities to communicate effectively through sound and persuasive writing and public speaking.

1. Construct coherent and compelling philosophical prose in both formal and informal writing.
2. Carefully and imaginatively articulate one’s own philosophical insights and perspectives, whether in class discussion, oral presentations, or writing exercises and assignments.
3. Demonstrate the capacity to develop philosophical acumen through dialogue and to revise written texts in light of constructive feedback and/or peer review.

IV. Skills of Philosophical Engagement: Philosophy majors will study and understand philosophy within personal, cultural, and global contexts.

1. Explore philosophical issues as they arise in current events, social media, and film.
2. Appreciate the ongoing philosophical work being done across diverse communities to address pressing issues in human and non-human worlds.
3. Participate in philosophical events, public philosophy initiatives, and philosophically informed community outreach or public service.

BA Religious Studies

I. General Literacy in the Study of Religion: Students (A) should show that they are aware of the history of one or more religious traditions and (B) should be able to identify different approaches to studying religions.

1. Locates a particular topic within its historical context.
2. Explains the important ideas within a religious tradition and shows knowledge of the main texts and practices of a religious tradition.
3. Demonstrates awareness of different approaches to the study of religion.
4. Identifies and explains the conceptual tools that are used to study a religion.

II. Formal Argumentation Skills: Students should show that they can formulate and develop analytical arguments when writing on topics related to religious studies.

1. Clearly states the thesis of own essay.
2. Recognizes and studies different beliefs and/or practices in shaping own arguments about one or more religions.
3. Presents textual evidence from different time periods and/or religious traditions in support of own arguments.
4. Constructs sound and persuasive arguments.

III. Research Skills: Students should be able to conduct their own research projects using library and online resources.

1. Conceives of own topic to research outside of class.
2. Uses online resources to identify and locate relevant scholarly books and articles.
3. Distinguishes between primary and secondary sources.
4. Compiles the results of own research into a comprehensive report.

IV. Communication Skills: Students should be able to present complex concepts and arguments effectively in the classroom.

1. Clearly identifies and communicates the central ideas of own presentation.
2. Presents arguments orally in a clear and straightforward manner.
3. Listens and responds carefully and thoughtfully to questions about own presentation.
4. As an audience member, poses incisive questions about the material that has been presented.

MA Philosophy

I. Critical Engagement: Students will be able to engage critically with philosophical texts and situate them in the context of the history of philosophy.

II. Sustain Point: Students will be able to support and sustain a central philosophical point throughout each of their Qualifying Papers.

III. Oral Defense: Students will be able to defend orally the ideas in their Qualifying Papers.