Curriculum

Program Features

Research Tradition

Resilient Curriculum

Collaboration with Research Institutions Inside and Outside the University

Selected Thesis Topics

Educational Policies

Diploma Policy

Master’s Program

The Master’s Program in Philosophy sets standards for the skills and knowledge students should acquire before graduation as described below. Those who fulfill the graduation requirements and pass their thesis defense shall be deemed to have acquired these qualities and will be awarded a diploma.

 

1. The ability to conduct in-depth studies of one’s research theme and give it careful thought, based on basic knowledge of overall Western philosophical history; and deep academic knowledge that will not be affected by trends.
2. Insight and thought that will seek solutions from deeper dimensions that does not take a makeshift approach to global risks of modern society.
3. The ability to read in different languages (English, German, French, Greek, Latin) and comprehend old literature.
4. Expressive skills suitable for both writing and speaking and the ability to convince people with different cultural backgrounds.
5. The ability to acquire practical research skills in a specialized field and compile a master’s thesis.

Doctoral Program

The Doctoral Program in Philosophy sets standards for the skills and knowledge students should acquire before graduation as described below. Those who fulfill the graduation requirements and pass the dissertation defense shall be deemed to have acquired these qualities and will be awarded a diploma.

1. The ability to deliver presentations at academic meetings based on knowledge acquired through individual dissertation guidance and exchange with domestic and overseas researchers, as well as the ability to compile a doctoral thesis based on the results of such experiences
2. The ability to read in different languages (English, German, French, Greek, Latin) and comprehend complex old literature
3. Expressive skills suitable for both writing and speaking and the ability to convince people with different cultural backgrounds
4. The ability to teach and instruct students at higher education institutions as a specialized researcher.

Curriculum Policy

Masters Program

In accordance with the diploma policy, the Master’s Program in Philosophy constructs its curriculum based on two courses, the Philosophy Program and the Contemporary Thought Program:

 

1. Philosophy Program: studies the history of Western philosophy from ancient times through medieval times to modern times to fundamentally approach science, art, culture and religion as well as teach students the basics of philosophical literature review.
2. Offer literature review courses for intensive reading of classic philosophical literature from ancient to modern times in original text (English, German, French, Latin and Greek).
3. Contemporary Thought Program: observes the fundamental issues from modern perspectives and address various ethical issues, including environment, life and healthcare, faced by modern society. In addition to literature review courses, the Program offers Contemporary Ethics, Aesthetics and Art Studies, Eastern Thought, Japanese Thought, Religious Thought, etc.
4. Offer General Philosophy Seminars A & B as common compulsory courses for both programs, giving students the opportunity to present their research and engage in discussion. This will allow students to expand their scope of interest, deepen philosophical thought through questions and answers and opinion exchange, and learn about a wide range of methods for joint research. Some classes will be delivered in English, thus keeping students tuned into international research standards.
5. Have students decide on a research advisor of their choice after enrollment, deepen their studies through individual research guidance and finally compile their thesis.
6. Have those who wish to continue their studies in the Doctoral Program experience academic society activities through submitting papers to Sophia philosophica edited by Graduate School students, presenting research at Sophia Society of Philosophy and submitting papers to Tetsugaku Ronshu.

Doctoral Program

In accordance with the diploma policy, the Doctoral Program in Philosophy is focused mainly on developing expert philosophers (faculty members at universities, junior colleges and National Institutes of Technology) and constructs its curriculum with an aim to nurture human resources who can play leading roles on a global stage, as follows:

1. Center studies on the history of philosophy on reading literature and offer several courses in Specialized Philosophy Studies covering ancient through modern times.
2. In addition to literature review courses, offer Contemporary Ethics, Aesthetics and Art Studies, Eastern Thought, Japanese Thought, Religious Thought, etc.
3. Offer Specialized Philosophy Studies A & B as a compulsory course where students present and discuss their research.
4. Have students decide on a research advisor of their choice after enrollment in the Doctoral Program, deepen their studies through individual research guidance, present their research through academic activities such as oral presentations and paper submissions, and finally compile their dissertation.
5. Have students experience academic society activities through submitting papers to Sophia philosophica, edited by Graduate School students, presenting research at Sophia Society of Philosophy and submitting papers to Tetsugaku Ronshu
6. Encourage students to take advantage of Sophia’s advantageous studying environment and study abroad. Offer some classes in English, thus keeping students tuned into international research standards.

Admission Policy

Masters Program

The Master’s Program in Philosophy seeks students with the following qualities:

 

1. The Master’s Program comprises the Philosophy Program and the Modern Thought Program, which embrace different curricula with different compulsory and elective courses. Both courses offer equal admissions opportunities to degree candidates and graduates of the Department of Philosophy at Sophia University and to those of other universities.
2. Philosophy Program: students with 1) a clear research theme and research questions; 2) the language skills required to read the original text of philosophical classics; 3) basic knowledge of Western philosophical history; and 4)experience in compiling an academic paper of a certain length
3. Modern Thought Program: students with 1) a clear research theme and research questions; 2) an interest in and background knowledge of a broad range of social and modern issues; 3) language skills required for the pursuit of research; and 4) experience in compiling an academic paper of a certain length

Doctoral Program

The Doctoral Program in Philosophy seeks students with the following qualities:

 

1. Given the doctoral program’s focus on fostering expert researchers of philosophy, students with 1) grades above a given level on their Master’s thesis; 2) language skills to understand literature; and 3) a clear research plan and future career plans
2. The Program also welcomes those who seek careers other than researchers in the narrow sense of the word, as high school teachers, publishing company editors, etc. Admission will be based on their reasons for applying, academic work underpinning their reasons and future vision

Faculty Members

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