Mission of the program
The MA Philosophy Program focuses on Social and Political Philosophy, including Ethics. In order to equip students to deal with contemporary issues and discussions in the specialized field of Social and Political Philosophy and Ethics, the Program requires students to take courses covering the relevant periods of the history of Philosophy, including the Greek, Islamic and the Modern periods. The Program aims at graduating students who are prepared for the pursuit of advanced degrees in philosophy, as well as employment in the fields of teaching, research, and consultancy at academic and other institutions where philosophical training stands to make valuable contributions. The Program carries out this mission by educating the students in the fundamental concepts, knowledge, and skills which the philosophical discipline is based on.
Philosophy Program Learning Outcomes
1. To understand, analyze, and critique philosophical concepts, problems, and theories in the fields of Social and Political Philosophy, and Ethics based on firm grounding in the history of philosophy.
2. To grasp the developments, changes, and diversity of schools in the history of philosophy, especially in the areas of Social and Political Philosophy and Ethics and to situate those schools in their historical and intellectual contexts.
3. To appreciate the interdisciplinary aspect of social, political and ethical writings and to explore the interdisciplinary link of philosophy to other fields.
4. To identify, discuss and evaluate arguments in philosophical discourses.
5. To establish links between theory and practice in dealing with social, political and ethical issues in local societies and beyond.
6. To undertake original high quality philosophical research projects in Arabic and to extend students’ knowledge and capacity to deal with the needs of contemporary Arab societies.
7. To acquire research and writing skills, including the gathering and utilization of relevant philosophical data and resources (databases, library, archives), and the ability to plan and execute research projects, with special attention to documentation and writing style.
8. To master the use of arguments in class presentations, and to be able to reflect that mastery in various forms of writing.
9. To develop presentation skills, needed for effective public communication of ideas before audiences of different types.
10. To develop the ability to organize academic and extra-curricular activities (workshops, cultural activities) and to follow up on logistical aspects as well as goals, content, and publicity.
11. To develop written and oral communication skills, and to be able to define, present, and defend proposals and positions before peers and supervisors, and to contribute to public debates through participation in various media, research centers and ethics councils.
