Graduate Course Descriptions

Philosophy (PHI)

PHI 5387 Islamic Philosophy and the West 3 (3-0)

The course examines the development of philosophy within Islam and the relationship between Islamic philosophy and other intellectual traditions outside the world of Islam, notably with the traditions of Western thought. This relationship, whether characterized by dialogue or conflict, has been a constant one, such that it is impossible to properly understand either Islamic philosophy or Western philosophy independently of each other. The course will thus follow Islamic philosophy through its many individual representatives and schools over time, and through its influence on, its borrowing from and its criticisms of Western thought.

This is a Concentration Course in North African & Middle Eastern Studies for the MAISD
This is a Concentration Course in European Studies for the MAISD

PHI 5389 Modern European Thought 3 (3-0)

The concepts of “modern” and “modernity” are of European origin and what they refer to has been largely shaped by European or European inspired thought. Modern European Thought thus both defines the “modern,” in its many manifestations, and is simultaneously paradigmatic of modern thought. This course, covering a period that begins with the Renaissance and reaches into the present, will examine modern European thought in its efforts to understand a novel reality (e.g., politics, society, culture, religion, knowledge) and define new ways of thinking about this new reality (e.g., philosophy, natural science, human and social sciences). The purpose of the course therefore will be to understand Europe’s unique contribution to the making of our contemporary world.

This is a Concentration Course in European Studies for the MAISD

PHI 5391 Philosophy and Thought in the United States 3 (3-0)

The contribution of American thinkers to political and philosophical thought is the focus of this course. Using original sources and materials such as The Federalist Papers and Common Sense, this seminar builds a foundation that enables students to study more current contributions to philosophy in America, including the works of William James, C.S. Pierce, V.O. Key, John Dewey, Nathan Glazer, and John Rawls. The appearance of post-modern thought with Herbert Marcuse and the traditionalist response will also be discussed within this course.

This is a Concentration Course in American Studies for the MAISD

PHI 5387 Islamic Philosophy and the West: 3(3-0)

The course examines the development of philosophy within Islam and the relationship between Islamic philosophy and other intellectual traditions outside the world of Islam, notably with the traditions of Western thought. This relationship, whether characterized by dialogue or conflict, has been a constant one, such that it is impossible to properly understand either Islamic philosophy or Western philosophy independently of each other. The course will thus follow Islamic philosophy through its many individual representatives and schools over time, and through its influence on, its borrowing from and its criticisms of Western thought.