Departmental Learning Goals

1. Understand and be familiar with a wide variety of philosophical views on a diverse range of philosophical topics through close reading of historical and contemporary texts. 

Ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving ability

2. Understand philosophical arguments in relation to historical frameworks. 

Ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving ability

3. Identify reasons and conclusions in philosophical texts and analyze the strength of those arguments. 

Ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving ability

4. Engage in open minded philosophical discussion and debate in order to explore various positions and determine the strength of the arguments for and against those positions.

Ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving ability

5. Write papers which clearly and cogently argue for a specific thesis, carefully marshaling evidence and addressing potential objections. 

Writing skills; research skills

6. Argue orally for a specific thesis. 

Oral communication skills