Philosophy/Political Thought Major Checklist
Learning Goals
Knowledge: Upon completion of their course of study, Philosophy/Political Thought students demonstrate:
- Familiarity with the canonical works of primarily the Western political theory and philosophy, along with selected works from non-Western traditions
- A nuanced understanding of the diversity of political ideas/ideals, and of the role ideas/ideals play in shaping political, ideological, and legal discourse in the contemporary world
- An understanding of how political ideas/ideologies have shaped, and been shaped, by to diverse realms of intellectual and artistic endeavor, including theatre, film, literature, art, science and political thought
- An understanding of how different philosophical perspectives give rise to competing conceptions of politics, justice, law, and democracy
Skills: Upon completion of their course of study, Philosophy/Political Thought students develop:
- The critical skills necessary to read, analyze and interpret a variety of texts (in political theory, philosophy, law, ethics, and political science) through writing, discussion and other forms of analytical and interpretive expression.
- The ability to write and speak clearly, thoughtfully, critically, & persuasively about political, social, cultural, and economic phenomena
Values and Commitments: Upon completion of their course of study, Philosophy/Political Thought students cultivate:
- The value of philosophic and theoretical thinking as a crucial component of democratic life
- The value of academic integrity and ethical standards of professional conduct
