Philosophy, MA/Religion, PhD

The Master of Arts in Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy in Religion is a dual degree program designed for students who need a strong, general foundation in philosophy to support their work in the philosophy of religion. The program provides an exceptional academic foundation for those interested in teaching in higher education, particularly in colleges with joint philosophy and religion departments.

Students admitted to the MA in Philosophy/PhD in Religion should refer to the Philosophy Student Handbook and the Religion Student Handbook for the year in which they begin the program for complete details.

Degree Requirements

Information about the individual degree programs is available in the specific sections for the Master of Arts in Philosophy and the doctorate in Religion degrees.

Coursework. A minimum of 72 units are required for the two degrees. Units must be accomplished in the following manner.

Of the 40 units required for the MA in Philosophy, 12 units are derived from doctoral courses in the philosophy of religion, along with 28 units of required philosophy coursework.
The doctoral component requires these 12 units in the philosophy of religion and an additional 28 units in religion plus a 4-unit Transdisciplinary Course.

Research Tools. Reading knowledge of French and German required.

Other Requirements. Degree requirements for the two degree programs must be completed. This includes the final Capstone Paper required for the Philosophy MA. Policies and procedures about qualifying exams and the dissertation required for the doctorate in Religion are provided in the Doctoral Degree Regulations section of the Bulletin.

Transfer Credit. The University’s policy on transfer credit applies. Up to 12 units, inclusive of units transferred for the Master of Arts in Philosophy degree, may be transferred.

University Policies. University policies detailed in the Academic Policies section of the Bulletin apply.

Continental Philosophy Concentration

Requirements for the concentration are:

Four courses in Kantian and post-Kantian continental philosophy with the approval of advisor (Note: the presumption is that pre-Kantian philosophies will not be considered a course in continental although, on an individual basis, may be considered upon the recommendation of the instructor)
Capstone/final paper on continental thought (for Philosophy or Cultural Studies MA only)
For Philosophy PhD students, one folio paper in the area of continental thought
French or German as a Research Tool

Note: in some cases, fulfilling the requirements of this concentration as well as the core requirements for the student’s degree may involve additional units or Research Tools. Students should always consult with their academic advisor before adding a concentration to their degree program.

American Studies Concentration

Student will work closely with a faculty advisor to pursue an intellectually unified course of study that will include seminars in their department as well as seminars cross-listed with participating CGU departments and The Claremont Colleges. A minimum of four seminars should be taken in the student’s home department, and a minimum of two seminars in other disciplines. Interested students should discuss this concentration with their advisor.

Early Modern Studies Concentration

The Early Modern Studies concentration encompasses study in the disciplines of English, History, and Philosophy, while retaining disciplinary focus in one of those fields. Students interested in this concentration should consult with Dr. Lori Anne Ferrell.

For master’s students, this discrete course of study complements coursework in archival and museum studies and/or prepares students for application to doctoral programs in early modern, Renaissance, or Reformation literature, history, or philosophy.

For doctoral students, the concentration prepares students for research and teaching at the college or university level.

Coursework

Coursework requirements complement and do not replace departmental/program requirements, and are as follows:

Five courses in the early modern period (for English or History, 1500-1750 | for Philosophy, 1600-1800), of which two courses must be in a discipline other than the one in which the student is receiving the degree.
Course in Paleography
Course in Latin Reading (this course is not required but may be taken for credit; fulfillment of the research tool in Latin is by exam only)
One course or workshop based upon bibliographic inquiry into the extensive collections of modern print and manuscripts housed in the Special Collections of the The Claremont Colleges Library

Research Tools

For MA students, the Early Modern Studies concentration requires a second Research Tool. The two Research Tools for the concentration must be completed through language exams in German or French and in Latin. If a Latin Reading course is taken in preparation for the exam, this course may be used for credit toward the degree/concentration.

For PhD students, the Early Modern Studies concentration requires a third Research Tool. The three Research Tools for the concentration must be completed through language exams in German, French, and Latin. If a Latin Reading course is taken in preparation for the exam, this course may be used for credit toward the degree/concentration.

Hemispheric and Transnational Studies Concentration

Requirements

For MA Students

16 units in seminars designated as “hemispheric or transnational” in scope
A capstone/final paper (in Cultural Studies only) on hemispheric or transnational literatures or cultural theories
One language requirement (Research Tool) in Spanish, French, Portuguese, or Creole (other languages may be considered by student request.)

For PhD Students

16 units in seminars designated as “hemispheric or transnational” in scope
A capstone/final paper (in Cultural Studies only) on hemispheric or transnational literatures or cultural theories
One language requirement (Research Tool) in Spanish, French, Portuguese, or Creole (other languages may be considered by student request.)
Either a major or a minor qualifying field examination in Hemispheric/Transnational Studies (determined in consultation with the advisor).