Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Classical Philosophy
Effective 2009

The Bachelor of Arts in Classical Philosophy program and curriculum have been foundational elements of the general education programs of the Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary.  We do not expect the role of our program to change as a result of the creation of the Associate in Arts in Classical Philosophy.  The Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary has formalized a philosophical preparatory academic program for seminarians with a bachelor’s degree before entry to the seminary.  The seminary has long provided quality philosophical preparation for the seminarians coming from the various fields of specialization.  With the advent of the Associate of Arts majoring in Classical Philosophy at the baccalaureate level, the seminarian will be more competent and equipped for theological education.  By means of the Classical Philosophy major, it is argued that seminarians in this field will have an academic cohort with which to identify.  The Associate of Arts will provide more specific and efficient identification of seminarians as philosophy majors.  Statistically this will help provide the seminary with useful data which should help serve the needs of future adult vocation seminarians.

II. Statement of Program Goals and Objectives

The Associate of Arts in Classical Philosophy is designed to develop the reasoning skills needed to understand and evaluate theories about society, persons, reality, knowledge, truth, values, etc.  Upon successful completion, seminarians will understand the major concepts and issues that have shaped philosophical traditions and be able to make decisions based on rigorous, logical standards.  The curriculum provides a sound foundation for adult seminarians as preparation for the theological education and studies.

III. Program Description

The purpose of which is to uncover the assumptions underlying our understanding of the world and to subject those assumptions to careful scrutiny using the tools of logic.  Upon successful completion, seminarians will understand the major concepts and issues that have shaped philosophical traditions and be able to make decisions based on rigorous, logical standards.  Skills in thinking and problem solving, research, writing, criticism, and analysis are emphasized.  This will include the ability to critically analyze the logical structure of arguments in contemporary social and moral issues and to assess the influential positions on theories of truth and the nature of reality.  The precision of thought and expression that philosophy requires makes excellent preparation.  Thos who do well in philosophy can expect  to think more clearly and logically and to approach problems and issues more systematically.

IV. Program Requirements

The Philosophy Major curriculum leads to the Associate in Arts provides a substantive general education program for seminarians. Only those with AB/BS degree can be admitted to this program.  This would mean they have satisfied the requirements for general education, major courses, required courses and electives as prescribed by the seminary based on existing CHED requirements.  The courses contained in the Associate of Arts in Classical Philosophy are unique to degree holders only.  This program requires eighteen (18) units of Classical Philosophy, nine (9) units of Professional Education, twelve (12) units of Latin, twelve (12) units of Spanish, four (4) units of Recollect, twelve (12) units of English, sixteen (16) units of Theology, eight (8) units of Music. The complete list is attached.

N.B. The course description in the AB Classical Philosophy will be utilized for the Associate of Arts.

COURSE OF STUDY

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN CLASSICAL PHILOSOPHY

FOREIGN LANGUAGE COURSES                       RECOLLECT AND COGNATE COURSES

THEOLOGY COURSES                                                                  MUSIC COURSES

PHILOSOPHY COURSES