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Philosophy graduate handbook (PDF file)
Table of contents
Introduction
First, I would like to welcome you to the Department of Philosophy
and Religion at American University and to wish you the best in your graduate
studies.
This handbook has been designed to inform students about department, graduate school and university policies, procedures, requirements and regulations. Although much of this information is available in other sources, such as the American University Catalog, much of the department information is not. By providing in one guide the essential information you will need in order to complete your MA, I hope to help streamline the administrative side of graduate school. Although the academic experience at AU will no doubt be challenging (but also rewarding), the administrative paperwork should be relatively painless as long as you know what to expect.
Therefore, I ask you to read this handbook cover to cover, as well as to familiarize yourself with the web sites listed in the table of contents now. If you have any questions while reviewing the material, please contact either the graduate advisor, the chair of the department, or myself, the administrative assistant, for clarification.
Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure that you successfully meet degree requirements and deadlines. Details and checklists are included in this handbook to help you keep organized.
Again, welcome to the department. If you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to ask someone in the department for help. I look forward to working
with you over the course of your studies here at AU.
Sincerely,
Shelley Harshe
Sr. Administrative Assistant
Graduate
Program Overview
The Department of Philosophy offers degree flexibility by providing
three possible paths toward an MA:
MA in the History of Philosophy emphasizes the rich, multi-cultural heritage of the discipline, providing the opportunity to study Asian and Latin American philosophies as well as the traditional Western canon. Click here for requirements.
MA in Philosophy and Social Policy applies ethics and political philosophy to the complex social issues of today, combining philosophy with another related field to provide a grounding for designing and evaluating social policy. Click here for requirements.
MA in Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs (EPGA), sponsored jointly with the School of International Service, applies philosophy to the dynamics of conflict, international policy, and political and social institutions. Since this is a joint program, it has separate guidelines from the other two tracks offered by the Department of Philosophy. Refer to the Graduate Handbook for the EPGA Program or consult one of the co-directors of this program for details:
Julie Mertus, 202-885-2215, mertus@american.edu
Lucinda Peach, 202-885-2926, lpeach@american.edu
In addition to preparing students for PhD programs or law school, the Department’s emphasis on research, writing, and philosophical interpretation prepares its students for careers in government, non-governmental organizations (such as public policy institutes and ethics organizations), education, and business. Recent graduates are pursuing Ph.D.s at universities throughout the U.S. as well as working in organizations such as the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Institute of Peace.
Requirements
for Completion of the Program
I. Basic
Degree Requirements
*You should fill in the relevant check list as you complete courses since, although we are here to assist you, it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure all degree requirements are completed.
II. Continuing status in the
program every semester
(not including the summer) by registering in regularly scheduled courses,
by taking at least one hour of credit in a Master’s Thesis Seminar,
or by paying a fee to maintain matriculation.** If a student fails to register
during either fall or spring semesters, unless he or she has successfully
petitioned in advance for a leave of absence from the program, he or she will
be automatically removed from the program. Readmission will require a new
application, and there is no guarantee that the Graduate Committee and Chair
will readmit the candidate.
**Maintain matriculation costs the equivalent of 1 credit hour but does not count as credit toward completion of the degree. It is generally used by students who have completed their course requirements, but are continuing work on their thesis for that semester.
III. Completion of all
requirements detailed above within three (3) academic years
Academic Regulations state that all work for the master’s degree must
be completed within three years from the date of first enrollment. For the
full-time philosophy student, most of the MA coursework should be completed
in the first three semesters. The normal course load per semester is nine
(9) credit hours (3 courses). For students in the History of Philosophy track,
the fourth semester is usually dedicated to completion of the thesis; and
for students in the Social Policy track, the fourth semester is usually dedicated
to completing coursework and the internship. If a student is unable to finish
the degree requirements within 3 years, the student must petition the department
for an extension of candidacy, which also must be approved by the Dean’s
Office. Failure to do so will result in removal from the academic program.
Guidelines
for Qualifying Papers
I. General Description
Satisfaction of the University’s comprehensive examination requirement
is met through satisfactory completion of qualifying papers, as described
below. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact
the Department of Philosophy and Religion, 202-885-2925 or philrel@american.edu.
To meet this requirement, students must successfully complete two (2) “Qualifying Papers.” Qualifying papers are expanded versions of, and/or developed from, term papers written for graduate philosophy classes the student has taken. Writing qualifying papers provides students with an opportunity to improve their critical thinking as well as their research and writing skills beyond what is required for satisfactory completion of a course. The Qualifying Papers requirement is meant to provide students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of a subject area in which they are already interested, about which they have already studied in some depth, and in which they can develop further understanding and expertise. Thus, the papers should reflect a significant deepening of the thinking and/or research from that evident in the original version of the paper.
Qualifying papers also provide a foundation for those students writing a Master’s thesis, facilitating the process of selecting an appropriate topic, obtaining approval of the thesis prospectus, and then researching, and finally writing, the Master’s thesis. Qualifying papers will also ensure a broader selection of writing samples for applications to doctoral programs, and provide opportunities for advancement in the profession, such as possible publication and/or presentation at professional conferences.
II. General Requirements for
Qualifying Papers
Students must submit their first qualifying paper electronically
to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant
during their second semester of coursework (timeline below). The department
will appoint a committee of two full-time faculty members for each qualifying
paper. No late papers will be accepted. Students who miss the deadline
will be required to take a comprehensive exam two weeks later. Students,
in mandatory meetings with faculty (see below), will work on developing and
finalizing the papers. Students must submit the final version of the qualifying
paper to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative
assistant by the due date, no exceptions.
Qualifying papers, on average, are from 20 to 25 pages in length, plus bibliography. Students must successfully complete their first qualifying paper by the end of their first year of classes and the second paper by the first semester of the second year.
III. Grading of the Qualifying
Papers
Qualifying Papers receive a grade of either “Satisfactory,”
“Distinction,” or “Not Pass.” What differentiates
a satisfactory qualifying paper from one of distinction is that the latter
meets both committee members’ standards of “publishable quality.”
Very few papers merit this very stringent standard.
IV. Specific Requirements for History of Philosophy Track
V. Specific Requirements for Philosophy and Social Policy Track
VI. Timeline for Qualifying Paper Fall 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 5pm: Deadline for electronic submission of qualifying paper to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant (email to philrel@american.edu). No exceptions or extensions for any reason. Therefore, you would be wise to turn in your qualifying paper before this deadline to make sure you do not miss it.
Week of Monday, September 15: Students who met the September 2 deadline will attend a mandatory meeting with faculty, scheduled by the department’s administrative assistant, to discuss the qualifying paper draft. (Students who miss the September 2 deadline will take a Comprehensive Exam based on Spring 2008 courses on Wednesday, September 17, 9am-1pm).
Friday, October 3: Submit an electronic, revised version, along with marked-up copies you received from your committee members, to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant (philrel@american.edu).
Week of Monday, October 13: Students attend a mandatory follow-up meeting with faculty on a date and time agreed to by the committee members and the student.
Monday, November 10, 5pm: Deadline for electronic submission of the final version of the qualifying paper to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant (philrel@american.edu), along with marked-up copies you received from your committee members. Failure to meet this deadline disqualifies the paper from being considered for a grade of “Distinction.” Therefore, you would be wise to turn in your paper before this deadline to make sure you do not miss it.
Once your committee members have read the final version of your qualifying
paper, they will submit a grade to the department’s administrative assistant,
who will then notify you of the status of your qualifying paper (Distinction,
Satisfactory, Not Passed).
VII. Timeline for Qualifying Paper Spring 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 5pm: Deadline for electronic submission of qualifying paper to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant (email to philrel@american.edu). No exceptions or extensions for any reason. Therefore, you would be wise to turn in your qualifying paper before this deadline to make sure you do not miss it.
Week of Monday, February 2: Students who met the January 21 deadline will attend a mandatory meeting with faculty, scheduled by the department’s administrative assistant, to discuss the qualifying paper draft. (Students who miss the January 21 deadline will take a Comprehensive Exam based on Fall 2008 courses on Wednesday, February 4, 9am-1pm).
Friday, February 13: Submit an electronic, revised version, along with marked-up copies you received from your committee members, to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant (philrel@american.edu).
Week of Monday, February 23: Students attend a mandatory follow-up meeting with faculty on a date and time agreed to by the committee members and the student.
Monday, March 23, 5pm: Deadline for electronic submission of the final version of the qualifying paper to the Department of Philosophy and Religion’s administrative assistant (philrel@american.edu), along with marked-up copies you received from your committee members. Failure to meet this deadline disqualifies the paper from being considered for a grade of “Distinction.” Therefore, you would be wise to turn in your paper before this deadline to make sure you do not miss it.
Once your committee members have read the final version of your qualifying paper, they will submit a grade to the department’s administrative assistant, who will then notify you of the status of your qualifying paper (Distinction, Satisfactory, Not Passed.
Tool
of Research
The Tool of Research is required for the History of Philosophy
track only.
A tool of research is a skill valuable for conducting research in a given
field, and the Philosophy Department regards foreign languages as necessary
for philosophical research in the history of philosophy. In addition, the
language chosen by the student, in consultation with his or her advisor, must
be relevant to the student’s particular research.
To meet this requirement, the student must demonstrate language proficiency (equivalent to two years of formal instruction) in one of the following ways:
A student who wishes to meet this requirement with a tool of research other than a foreign language must receive departmental approval in advance.
Once the student has successfully completed this requirement, the department will submit an Application for Certification of Proficiency in a Tool of Research to the registrar’s office.
Independent
Studies
Independent Study will only be
approved in special cases for students whose projects require them. Any student
considering an independent study must first receive approval from the following:
and fill out an Independent Study Registration Form.
Thesis
Overview
The thesis is expected to demonstrate the student’s
capacity to do original independent research and is a requirement for the
History of Philosophy track only. The thesis length varies depending on topic
but usually ranges between 50-80 pages. The student must register for six
credits of PHIL 797 Master’s Thesis Seminar, often spread out over the
last year of the program.
The Thesis Committee
The thesis will be written and revised under the guidance of a graduate committee
of two (2) full-time professors from the Department of Philosophy. One of
these professors will be the director of the committee and will be
the student’s primary advisor for the thesis. The second professor will
serve as an additional reader. If the thesis is developed out of a qualifying
paper, the committee members will usually be the same as the QP readers. The
full thesis committee is expected to meet with the student at least once for
the approval of the thesis topic and once for the thesis defense.
Thesis Process
The following is a detailed explanation of the thesis process. The student
should complete the AU Thesis
Checklist to keep track of this rather long process.
Department Regulations and Procedures:
1. Compile thesis topic ideas: The student should meet with his or her advisor to discuss thesis topics and possible committee members. Usually, the student will choose one of the Qualifying Paper topics and expand on this for the thesis.2. Meet with a two-faculty committee: The department will arrange a meeting with the student and the thesis committee to discuss the thesis topic and work plan.
3. Obtain topic approval: Once both members of the committee have agreed on the topic, section 1 of the Thesis Committee Form must be filled out and signed by both. The student must bring this form to Battelle 120 to be placed in his or her student file.
4. Research and write the thesis: During the writing process, the student should keep the committee members updated on the status of his or her progress, providing drafts when appropriate. Keep in mind that the writing of a thesis is a process that will likely go through several revisions before final approval.5. Formatting the thesis: The University has set guidelines for formatting that must be used called the Guide to the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations. The guide also refers to A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian, and the department strongly urges all students to obtain a copy of this manual and to refer to it while writing the thesis.
6. Defending the written thesis: Once the student’s thesis committee has approved the final version of the written thesis, an oral defense is held, attended minimally by both committee members and the student, although anyone may be invited (no approval required, but as a courtesy it is suggested that the names of invitees be shared with the committee members and the defending student). It is the student’s responsibility to make the arrangements for the defense (i.e., date, time, location, etc.). If the student successfully defends the thesis, section 2 of the Thesis Committee Form should be filled out and signed (student should pick this up in Battelle 120 before the defense).
If the student does not successfully defend the thesis, he or she
must meet with the thesis committee members to discuss the
reasons, make necessary revisions, and set up a second defense
date.University Regulations and Deadlines:
1. Submit thesis to the CAS Dean’s Office: Once the student has successfully defended the thesis and made any editorial changes suggested by his or her committee, the thesis moves on to the CAS dean’s office before its final destination, the library. This initial copy of the thesis is considered a draft and does not need to be on acid-free, cotton-rag paper. Once the dean’s office returns the draft, the student makes all formatting corrections and prints the thesis on acid-free, cotton-rag paper. This is the final version of the thesis. The student needs to obtain appropriate department signatures on the title page, and then fills out a Thesis/Dissertation Completion Form, making sure to sign the form and to obtain the “School/Department Signature” (this means the Chair of the Department). Take this form along with the final thesis to the CAS’s Dean’s office (Battelle, 3rd floor).2. Student Accounts: Once the thesis has been approved and signed by the Dean’s office, the student takes the Completion Form to the Office of Student Accounts to pay the $25 fee and obtain a Cashier’s Stamp on the form.
3. Registrar’s Office: The student then takes the form to the Registrar’s Office to obtain a signature on the “Registrar—Cleared for Graduation” line.
4. University Library: F1. Finally, the student delivers the thesis with original title page, one xerox copy of title page and abstract, as well as the University Microfilm Form and the Completion Form to the University Library.
Timetable:
Please note that these are based on the current academic year and will change slightly from year to year. For updated information, go to the calendar section of the Schedule of Classes.
Action Fall 2008 Spring 2009 Summer 2009 Complete draft due to committee members October 13, 2008 February 23, 2009 Date agreed upon by student and members Thesis due in dean’s office November 7, 2008 March 30, 2009 July 17, 2009 Thesis due in the registrar’s office December 5, 2008 April 28, 2009 August 6, 2009
Answers to Commonly
Asked Questions
How
do I set up <my.american.edu> and e-mail accounts?
My.american.edu is
a password-protected Web site giving students access to their records and
other useful university information. To set up an account, go to my.american.edu,
click on the Create A New Account link at the bottom right of the
page and follow the instructions. E-mail accounts are automatically created
for all students and are accessible through <my.american.edu>. In most
cases, the e-mail address is the student’s first and last initials,
followed by the last four digits of his or her AU ID number, followed by “a”.
The initial password is the student’s six-digit birth date (MMDDYY).
For example, the e-mail and password for a student named Immanuel Kant with
an AU ID number of 1234567 and a birth date of 01/23/1724, would be ik4567a@american.edu
and 012324.
Who
do I need to contact if I move or change e-mail accounts?
If your contact information changes while you’re a student
at AU, please fill out a university change of address form (on your my.american.edu
account, under Student Snapshot on the Course Registration
link). In addition, contact the philosophy office either by phone or e-mail
with your new contact information. As a courtesy, you should also provide
this information to the Graduate Advisor, Internship Coordinator, and either
your thesis or internship advisor, as appropriate. The department office is
here to help you and to provide you with updated information. However, this
is not possible without updated contact information from you.
Where
do I get information about course offerings?
Course offerings for each semester are available on-line at my.american.edu
under Course Registration. The Schedule
of Classes provides course information, such as time, location, instructor,
course availability (open or closed) and a brief description in some cases.
In addition, the Department provides a Course Offerings
brochure with more detailed descriptions of courses being offered. Finally,
general course descriptions are available in the University Catalog.
Where
do I go for advising?
Feel free to speak to any faculty member in the department in seeking advice
on substantive issues. All faculty hold office hours and welcome students
to visit, whether it be to seek advice about courses, assignments, research
topics and interests, future career plans, or simply to get to know the professor
and the department better. However, when it comes to administrative issues,
such as specific requirements or procedures, please contact either the graduate
advisor, the chair of the department, or the administrative assistant.
How
do I register for classes?
The Registrar’s office requires that all graduate students register
EVERY Fall and Spring semester until they officially graduate, in order to
maintain their standing as students in the department, NO EXCEPTIONS. This
means that you must do one of the following each Fall and Spring semester:
1. Register for Classes: To register for classes, you must first make an appointment with your advisor to discuss your progress and determine which classes to take. Your advisor will then provide you with an electronic “release” that will allow you to register for courses. In order to do this, your advisor will need your student ID number, so bring it with you. You may then go to my.american.edu and register for your classes on-line.
2. Maintain Matriculation by registering for 1 credit of PHIL-099: Maintain matriculation costs the equivalent of 1 credit hour but does not count as credit toward completion of the degree. It is generally used by a student who has completed his or her course requirements, but is continuing work on his or her thesis for that semester.
3. Request a Leave of Absence: For any semester in which a student will not be working toward their degree, a leave of absence may be requested. However, leaves of absence are granted on a case-by-case basis, usually due to illness or other personal hardship. Please note that under NO circumstance will more than two (2) leaves of absence be granted (i.e., two semesters or one academic year)
How
and when do I apply for graduation?
You should apply for graduation by filling out the online Apply to Graduate
form through my.american.edu (under
the Academics link). For Fall semester graduation (December), the
deadline for applications is usually mid September; for Spring semester (May),
the deadline is usually mid January; and for Summer (August), the deadline
is usually mid May. For current deadlines, go to the registrar’s
Web site. Once you submit your application for graduation to the registrar’s
office, the department will receive notification from them and will verify
your eligibility for graduation. Please note that commencement ceremonies
are now only offered for Spring graduation. Therefore, if you intend to walk
in the ceremonies, you will need to apply for a Spring graduation. After the
registrar’s office receives verification from the department, you will
be sent specific graduation ceremony information (ordering cap and gown, etc.)
as soon as it is available.
Annual Departmental Conferences and Activities
Important Dates for Graduate Students
For up-to-date information, go to AU Academic Calendar
Fall 2008
8/25 M Classes begin
8/29 F Late registration ends
9/2 T Deadline for electronic submission of qualifying paper
to the department’s administrative assistant
9/8 M Last day to add course
or change grade option
Last day to drop course without a "W"
Last day to drop a Fall course and receive a 100% refund
9/15 M Last day to drop a
Fall course and receive a 50% refund
9/22 M Last day to drop a Fall course and receive 25% refund
10/13 F Last day to submit complete draft of thesis to committee
members
10/24 F Last day to drop a course
11/7 W Theses & dissertations due to Dean's office for
review
11/10 M Deadline for electronic submission of final version
of the qualifying
paper to the department’s administrative assistant
12/5 F Last day of classes
Theses & dissertations due to Registrar for Fall graduation
Spring 2009
1/12 M Spring classes begin
1/16 F Late registration ends
Last day to apply for Spring 2005 graduation
1/21 W Deadline for electronic submission of qualifying paper to the department’s administrative assistant
1/26 M Last day to add a course or change grade option
Last day to drop a course without a "W"
Last day to drop a Spring course and receive 100% refund
2/2 M Last day to drop a Spring course and receive 50%
refund.
2/9 M Last day to drop a Spring course and receive 25% refund.
2/23 M Last day to submit complete draft of thesis to committee
members
3/6 F Last day to drop a course
3/23 M Deadline for electronic submission of the final version
of qualifying
paper to the department’s administrative assistant
3/30 M Theses & dissertations due to Dean's office for
review
4/28 T Last day of classes
Theses & dissertations due to Registrar for Spring graduation.
5/10 Su Spring Commencement
Summer 2009
7/17 F Theses & dissertations due to Dean's office for
review
8/6 Th Theses & dissertations due to Registrar for Summer
graduation