Philosophy Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Philosophical Knowledge
PLO 1: Students will be able to identify and articulate ideas pertaining to a range of important philosophers, movements, and philosophical positions.
PLO 2: Students will be able to differentiate and compare diverse perspectives and traditions within the history of philosophy and in contemporary philosophy.
Philosophical Skills
PLO 3: Students will demonstrate the following abilities verbally and in writing:
• the ability to interpret texts
• the ability to explain theories
• the ability to identify and evaluate arguments
• the ability to offer critical responses to philosophic positions
PLO 4: Students will develop skills to engage in productive, theoretically informed dialogue, including the abilities to explain philosophical issues critically; develop comprehensive, logical and well evaluated analyses or syntheses of philosophical problems; and acknowledge and respond to challenges presented by other’s positions.
Philosophical Applications and Engagement
PLO 5: Students will be able to correlate and comment on the relevance of philosophical ideas and movements to questions and problems arising in practical life. (These connections may include the ability to use philosophy and philosophical methods to inform choices and actions in personal, professional, and civic life; to identify and interpret contemporary issues and crises; to reflect on vital issues humanity has faced in the past, etc. Students may additionally or alternatively be able to demonstrate this ability by engaging philosophy in some form of outreach work, experiential learning, or other practical application outside of the classroom.)