PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT

Curriculum Changes for 2010

Overview of restructured curriculum for Dip (Phil) & BA (Phil)

Extract from the 2009 Prospectus

Diploma in Philosophy BA in Philosophy

The department offers two qualifications, the Diploma in Philosophy (Dip. Phil) and the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. After a long process of Evaluation and Programme Review that began in April 2008, the Department of Philosophy has implemented, with approval from the Academic Council, significant changes to the structure of its two qualifications to improve the service delivery and provide methodological skills early in the programme. An overview of the curriculum may be viewed by clicking on the link above.

The Dip. Phil fulfils the requirement of the Roman Catholic Church for the academic formation of future priests in this discipline of Philosophy. It is structured to respond to the needs of various Orders and Congregations of the Catholic Church to separate their formation programmes in Africa. The qualification should also be attractive to those who would like to study Philosophy from perspectives other than Positivism, Linguistic approaches and the post Kantian move away from Metaphysics. It offers a well rounded view of Philosophy from a multitude of perspectives.

SJTI's BA (Phil) offers more specialization in contemporary social and ethical matters and is thus seen as complementary to the Theological studies, forming students in critical thinking on a number of pressing contemporary issues, allowing them engage as equals in current debate with clear, responsible and logically consequent thought. The diversity of approach also makes this qualification attractive to those who would like to explore the discipline of philosophy from a wide range of approaches.

Dip. Phil

The qualification is a four semester qualification and cannot be completed in less than two years, and requires 293 credits.

Exit level outcomes are as follows:

• A fundamental knowledge of the main areas of philosophy, particularly in ethics and in the history of philosophy
• An ability to comprehend and digest basic philosophical positions
• To be able to assess the logical implications of basic philosophical positions
• To understand the ways in which social, political and ethical policies are built on philosophical presuppositions
• An ability to present arguments in a logical and clear manner
• To be able to engage critically with the ideas that give shape to our lives as individuals and as society
• A sound understanding of the major philosophical principles and theories covered in the programme
• The ability to critically analyse and synthesise information
• The ability to present and communicate philosophical ideas coherently
• The ability to articulate this solid knowledge in the research paper

Further information on the curriculum may be viewed by clicking the link below.

ACCESS Dip (Phil) Curriculum

B.A. (Phil)

The qualification is a six semester qualification and cannot be completed in less than three years, and requires 405 credits.

Exit level outcomes are as follows:

• A solid knowledge of the main areas of philosophy, particularly in ethics and in the history of philosophy
• An ability to comprehend and digest basic philosophical positions
• To be able to assess the logical implications of basic philosophical positions
• To understand the ways in which social, political and ethical policies are built on philosophical presuppositions
• An ability to present arguments in a logical and clear manner
• To be able to engage critically with the ideas that give shape to our lives as individuals and as society
• A solid knowledge of the contribution of Africans to the philosophical outlooks that give shape to our society
• A solid appreciation of the need for rational and logical thought in addressing the social problems of our times
• The ability to critically analyse and synthesise information
• The ability to present and communicate philosophical ideas coherently
• A well-rounded and systematic knowledge-base in philosophy and a detailed knowledge of some specialist areas such as ethics and the philosophy of religion
• The ability to articulate this detailed knowledge in the research paper

Further information on the curriculum may be viewed by clicking the link below.

Access BA (Phil) Curriculum