MA in Philosophy
Concentration in Philosophy and the Arts

The Curriculum

To satisfy degree requirements, students will need to complete 10 courses (30 credits) total with a satisfactory grade point average, and submit either an Advanced Study Project or a Thesis in their second year of study. All courses are offered in-person at Stony Brook University.

Specific course topics and instructors change each semester. Click here for the current list of graduate courses.

A more detailed list of courses and requirements can be accessed in the Graduate Bulletin. Full program requirements are available in the MA Program Handbook. 

 

• 3 Contemporary Philosophy Seminars (9 Total Core Credits Required)

  Philosophy Seminars

   3 credits each

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  • PHI 500: Feminist Theories

  • PHI 501: Theories of Race

  • PHI 502: Inquiries into Art Criticism and Theory 

  • PHI 506: Art and Its Problems 

  • PHI 507: Aesthetic System

  • PHI 508: Contemporary Issues in the Arts

• For those pursuing the Advanced Study Project track (21 Total Concentration Credits Required)

  Example Advanced Study Project Track

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  • PHI 505: Core Course in Philosophy and the Arts: History of Aesthetic Theory (3 credits)

  • PHI 520: Advanced Studies in Philosophy [with a culminating project] (3 credits)

  • Three additional PHI Courses (9 credits) chosen from PHI 500-504 and 506-511, not used to satisfy the Contemporary Philosophy Seminar Requirement

  • Two electives (6 credits) chosen in consultation with the Graduate Program Director. Can be PHI courses not used for other requirements, or courses outside of PHI.

• For those pursuing the Thesis track (21 Total Concentration Credits Required)

  Example Thesis Track Experience

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  • PHI 505: Core Course in Philosophy and the Arts: History of Aesthetic Theory (3 credits)

  • PHI 520: Advanced Studies in Philosophy (3 credits)

  • PHI 599: Master's Thesis Research [with a culminating thesis] (3 credits)

  • Two additional PHI Courses (6 credits) chosen from PHI 500-504 and 506-511, not already used to satisfy the Contemporary Philosophy Seminar Requirement

  • Two electives (6 credits) chosen in consultation with the Graduate Program Director. Can be PHI courses not used for other requirements, or courses outside of PHI.