Student Learning Outcomes for Political Philosophy and Legal Studies:
Students will be able to:
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Formulate cogent arguments and skillfully critique the arguments of others.
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Recognize, express, and analyze arguments in texts in Western philosophy, philosophy of law, and political theory and the ability to summarize and explain difficult ideas and concepts.
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Explain concepts of right, wrong, good and bad.
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Discuss moral and social principles and their application in everyday life.
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Explain the origins, development, and theoretical foundations of Western political philosophy and law.
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Discuss the main historical answers to the central problems of Western political philosophy.
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Interpret major works of the prime thinkers in political philosophy
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Write succinctly, clearly, thoroughly, and probingly, reflecting careful attention to language, logic, and subtleties of reasoning.
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Explain philosophical and legal concepts such as justice, order, and rights.
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Discuss the metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical assumptions undergirding competing concepts of human nature and society.
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Explain the implications of political philosophy on contemporary social and political movements.
The interdisciplinary major focuses on the origins, development and theoretical foundations of Western political philosophy and law. Combining courses from political science, philosophy and other liberal arts disciplines, this major especially is recommended for students who either are considering careers in law or higher education and/or are desiring an intellectually challenging, broad-based traditional liberal arts education.
Courses in political science focus on issues such as justice, order, rights, the human condition, and the purposes and ends of law and government. The philosophy courses explore the metaphysical, epistemological and ethical assumptions undergirding the competing concepts of human nature and society. Students are encouraged to examine the implications of political philosophy on contemporary social and political movements.
For students who are interested in law school, a strong advisory component in terms of proper course work, relevant extracurricular activities and preparation for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) examination is offered.
Philosophy 470-479 will provide students with practical experience in a law-related field under the guidance of a faculty member teaching in the Political Philosophy and Legal Studies Program.
