MA in Philosophy
Concentration in Philosophy and the Arts
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.
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.
The Curriculum
Philosophy Seminars
3 credits each
- 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
Example Advanced Study Project Track
- 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.
Example Thesis Track Experience
- 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.