Master of Arts in Philosophy

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to give the learner the opportunity to devote all his/her attention to a well-defined area of investigation in the field of philosophy.

The minimum period to be devoted to this programme is one year full time. Although it often can take up to three years or more to complete.

This focus makes possible a specialized assessment of the learner's development, competence, knowledge and insights. As well as creative and critical abilities with regard to the subject-matter of advanced philosophy. Indirectly the learner will demonstrate the (s) he is able to deal with philosophy on a well-developed level.

The levels of demonstration thus required will be of practical importance. In that the learner will be able to show the ability to give an account (in writing and orally) in a coherent and critical manner, and give an account of the relationship between theory (philosophy) and practice (experience). This course is an essential preparation for the doctoral programme in Philosophy. As the successful learner qualifies to apply for entry into the latter programme.

The successful learner is a great potential asset to society in that (s) he should serve as a catalyst for new ideas, analyst of uncritical notion. And someone who can think beyond the confines of the immediate and necessary.

This programme is also people-oriented, in that basic dialogical competences. As required internationally by professional bodies (such as in the practice of philosophical counselling, Socratic dialogue facilitation. etc.). Are already introduced at this level.

The learner will learn how to empower him/herself by becoming a true citizen of the world. And is thus fulfil a real leadership role in society. This is made possible when the person proves him-herself as a master in the art of philosophising.

Rationale

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy, Level 8.

Or

• Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy, Level 8.

1. The learners demonstrates the ability to analyse, integrate and comprehend a variety of texts in the tradition of written philosophy.
2. The learners demonstrates the ability to deal with the challenging subject-matter of philosophy.
3. The learners demonstrates the capacity to plan, design, and compose a dissertation that can be recognised by peers and accepted by specialists in the field as being on the level of a Master's Degree.
4. The learners demonstrates an understanding of the theory and methodology of science and an ability to apply basic principles of scientific thinking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• A comprehensive and critical study of any one, or a combination of, the following.
• A philosopher or group of philosophers.
• A philosophical problem or theme.
• A period in the history of philosophy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• An internationally recognized major philosophical Working the giving of accounts (written and orally) to provide proof of critical thinking skills, conceptual thinking ability competence to handle philosophical arguments and counter-arguments reasoning skills, dialogical competence, presentation ability, morally accountable and mature person.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Work on his/her own.
• Think for him/herself.
• Work constructively with the supervisor.
• Work constructively with the dissertation committee.
• Plan a research proposal.
• Write a research proposal to suit faculty requirements.
• Design the dissertation.
• Search for and review relevant literature.
• Utilise library facilities.
• Utilise internet facilities.
• Analyse relevant material.
• Develop a balanced and objective outlook.
• Remain critical.
• Be creative.
• Have basic interpretive competence.
• Show basic knowledge and understanding of the research topic and its basic terms of reference.
• Show insight into the historical dimensions of the research theme.
• Compare various arguments and positions.
• Give an account of conflicting approaches.
• Be able to do basic field work (when applicable).
• Synthesise material.
• Construct diagrammed of the main chapters (e.g. using mind mapping techniques).
• Critically review evidence in view of hypothesis.
• Make use of testing and counter-testing procedures.
• Make use to IT & word processing facilities.
• Type the dissertation (by him/herself).
• Use appropriate reference techniques.
• Compile a thorough bibliography.
• Ensuring to achieve acceptable linguistic and technical standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Identify and state the problem in scientific terms.
• Clarify the method of enquiry used.
• Analyse the scientific method(s) he uses into. hypothesis, evidence, testing.
• Meaningfully related these to the different types of experience in scientific inquiry; esp. with reference to the dissertation topic.
• Be able to contextualise the study in terms of world theories.

Integrated Assessment

A system of continuous assessment and critical directives will include the following in the formative stage of the development of the dissertation:

• Discussion workshops.
• Regular report-back meetings with main supervisor.
• A contact meeting with supervisory committee at least annually.
• Field work (when/where applicable).
• Research proposal writing.
• Systematic submission of written chapters.
• Seminar presentations on the basis of research finding.
• Rewriting of one chapter in article form.
• Portfolios and journals (optional).

A system of summative assessment will include the following in the closing stage

• Assessments of written dissertation.
• Oral assessment(s) of written dissertation by two appropriate examiners.