Philosophy Department
Handbook:
A guide to Departmental Policies and Procedures
Degree requirements for Philosophy students are governed by the program information
published in the archived Bulletin and the Department Handbook for the academic year in which
a student began coursework at the University.
Last updated 8/21/2012
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2
General Information for New and Continuing Students ................................................................. 2
Mail ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Student ID Cards ......................................................................................................................... 2
Information Technology ............................................................................................................. 2
Email ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Student Portal .......................................................................................................................... 3
Sakai ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Staff and Faculty Contact Information ....................................................................................... 3
CGU/CUC Resources ................................................................................................................. 3
Registration and Degree Forms .................................................................................................. 3
Certificate Programs ................................................................................................................... 4
General Policies, Procedures, and Requirements ........................................................................... 4
Academic Honesty ...................................................................................................................... 4
Satisfactory Academic Progress ................................................................................................. 4
Required Use of Interfolio for Letters of Recommendation ....................................................... 4
Program Requirements.................................................................................................................... 5
Advising/Registration ................................................................................................................. 5
Library Workshop ....................................................................................................................... 5
Research Tool(s) ......................................................................................................................... 5
The Language Exam ............................................................................................................... 6
Courses ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Claremont Colleges Courses ................................................................................................... 6
Independent Study Courses..................................................................................................... 6
Transferring Credits .................................................................................................................... 6
Concentrations ............................................................................................................................ 7
Early Modern Studies ............................................................................................................. 7
Specific Degree Requirements .................................................................................................... 7
M.A. in Philosophy ................................................................................................................. 7
Dual Degree: M.A. in Philosophy/Ph.D. in Religion ............................................................. 8
Ph.D. in Philosophy ................................................................................................................ 8
Appendix I: Advising/Registration FAQs ................................................................................ 10
Appendix II: Interfolio FAQs ................................................................................................... 12
Introduction
The purpose of this handbook for the Philosophy Department is to provide new and continuing
students with information about policies, procedures, and degree requirements for the M.A. and
Ph.D. programs in the Philosophy Department, which are not included or explained in detail in
the CGU Bulletin or on the CGU or School of Arts and Humanities (SAH) websites. Each
student’s program requirements are governed by the CGU Bulletin and the Philosophy
Department Handbook published during the first year of enrollment. This handbook is,
therefore, an essential guide and supplement for obtaining a degree in Philosophy at CGU.
Please note that most of the information students need in order to complete their degree at CGU
can be found on the website. Therefore, it is extremely important to become familiar with both
the CGU and SAH websites, especially the Student Services webpage. On this site, students can
find important links to resources for student life and academic policies and procedures (i.e. the
academic calendar, student health services, the writing center, IT help desk, forms for
completing a degree, etc.). Additionally, the SAH website contains important information, such
as contact information for all SAH faculty and staff, an event calendar, and links to special
resources for SAH students. While much important information is available on the CGU
website, the SAH office and staff always welcome students’ questions. The office is located at
831 North Dartmouth Ave. and is open from 8:30 – 5:30, Monday through Friday (except for
major holidays). The main phone number for the office is 909-621-8612.
General Information for New and Continuing Students
Mail
Students may occasionally receive mail and/or packages at the Arts & Humanities office if
necessary. Students will be notified via their CGU email account if any packages or mail arrives
for them.
Student ID Cards
The Claremont Card Center provides ID card services for The Claremont Colleges. Students
should visit the Card Center located in the CUC Connection office in the South Entrance of
Honnold Library during their first week of class as they will need this card for various services at
CGU, including library services. There is no charge for an initial ID card. The Card Center also
manages the Claremont Cash program. Claremont Cash can be used to purchase both food and
non-food items throughout The Claremont Colleges, as well as local merchants in and around
Claremont. All students, faculty, and staff of The Claremont Colleges have a Claremont Cash
account established as soon as their ID card is created. Funds may be deposited into an account
via the Card Center’s website or office. For more information about the Card Center, students
can visit the website at https://cards.cuc.claremont.edu/.
Information Technology
CGU and the Claremont University Consortium (CUC) offer many technological tools for
students, including campus-wide wireless internet access, email, online access to student
accounts, grades, and class schedules, web-based instructional tools, and the ability to request
and/or rent technical equipment for special events or classes. Information about these services,
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including answers to frequently asked questions can be found on CGU’s Office of Information
Technology webpage, http://www.cgu.edu/pages/260.asp.
Email
Every student at CGU is given an email account. It is extremely important for students to check
their CGU email accounts regularly. CGU and the SAH office will only send email to CGU email
accounts in order to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Many
courses require work done by e-mail, and many professors distribute course information by this
medium. Account information is provided to each student at the New Student Orientation. If a
student cannot attend orientation he or she should visit the SAH office to collect the orientation
packet, which includes network account information. Note: It is possible to forward CGU email
to a different email account. Instructions for doing this may be found at the following Office of
Information Technology webpage http://www.cgu.edu/pages/7982.asp.
Student Portal
It is extremely important that students check and use their Student Portals. The Student
Portal is the main way for students to register for classes, check their grades, check their
academic progress, view their student account, and make changes to their personal
information, such as addresses and phone numbers. The Student Portal may be accessed at
the following web address, https://my.cgu.edu. Login information for the Student Portal is
the same as that provided for student email accounts. For help logging on or for a new
username and/or password, please contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT).
Sakai
Sakai is a course management tool used by all of the Claremont Colleges. Many professors
use this tool for their courses to post syllabi and readings and/or to facilitate online
discussions for their classes. Sakai can be accessed at the following web address,
https://sakai.claremont.edu. Logon information is identical to that used to access student
email and the Student Portal.
Staff and Faculty Contact Information
For a complete and current listing of Arts and Humanities Faculty and Staff contact and/or
biographical information, please visit the School of Arts and Humanities website at
www.cgu.edu/sah.
CGU/CUC Resources
For a list of current student resources at CGU, please visit either the School of Arts and
Humanities website at www.cgu.edu/sah or the main CGU website under “Current Students” at
http://www.cgu.edu/pages/104.asp, as well as on the Claremont University Consortium (CUC)
website, www.cuc.claremont.edu. Examples of resources that students can find on these sites are
funding opportunities, career services, health services, the library, information technology, and
many more.
Registration and Degree Forms
There are important forms that students will need to complete their degree requirements at CGU,
such as registration forms, the Intent to Receive a Degree Form, and the Final Approval Form
(M.A./Certificate). Electronic versions of most of these forms can be found on the Office of
Student Records/Registrar webpage, http://www.cgu.edu/pages/179.asp.
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Certificate Programs
The School of Arts and Humanities offers several Certificate Programs, which students can earn
concurrently with the degree for which they are enrolled. For more information about these
certificate options and their requirements, please see the Certificate section of the Bulletin.
General Policies, Procedures, and Requirements
CGU’s policies and procedures are available through the Student Services webpage. Some of
these policies include Academic Honesty, Sexual Harassment, Student Rights and
Responsibilities, and Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students should familiarize themselves
with these policies. The Philosophy Department has made additions to some of these CGU
policies, which are explained below.
Academic Honesty
In addition to the Standards of Academic Honesty contained in the Bulletin, the Philosophy
Department considers the multiple submission of written work for courses as an issue of
academic integrity. It is improper to submit the work done for one class or project to a second
class or as a second project without first getting the informed permission of both instructors.
Some instructors allow overlapping work between courses. In such cases, students must obtain
the agreement of all relevant instructors.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
The Philosophy Department adheres to the General Requirements for Satisfactory Academic
Progress (SAP) as outlined in the Bulletin with the following additions:
SAP refers to maintaining an appropriate (as distinct from minimally acceptable) academic
record reaching the various stages of progress in the department at or near the time expected of
the majority of students. In addition, students must demonstrate a level of research and writing
ability and class performance appropriate to the standards of graduate study. Cases of students
not maintaining satisfactory progress will be reviewed by the department advisor and department
director, who will take appropriate action.
It is expected that students who have completed their coursework for the Master’s will complete
their additional degree requirements within a year. Students who have completed their
coursework for the Ph.D. are advised to complete their qualifying exams by the end of the
following term. Under exceptional circumstances, students may take up to two years to complete
their qualifying exams after finishing their coursework.
The department takes satisfactory progress into account in awarding financial support. Students
should also be aware that CGU maintains a policy on satisfactory academic policy for eligibility
for financial aid. Information is available through the Office of Student Financing.
Required Use of Interfolio for Letters of Recommendation
Interfolio is an online service that manages, tracks, and delivers application and dossier materials
to graduate schools and for jobs, as well as confidential letters of recommendation. In order to
ensure the timely and reliable delivery of your letters All Arts and Humanities students are
required to use the service for all confidential letters of reference (unless your advisor/letter
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writer chooses otherwise). We recommend that you use the service for the management and
delivery of your dossier and other application materials as well, but that is ultimately up to you.
Although almost all universities have moved to online applications, we recognize that there are
some who request letters be sent by mail directly from applicants and their letter writers. We will
work with you to ensure these letters are sent through our office, but please remember that the
letter writer is managing many requests and the ultimate responsibility for follow-up remains
with you.
Note that for online applications you can direct the letter of recommendation request to your
Interfolio account . Please see Appendix II: Interfolio FAQs for more information.
You can also go here for instruction: http://www.cgu.edu/pages/6961.asp
Program Requirements
General Philosophy program requirements are outlined in the CGU Bulletin, which is updated
yearly and is the official university publication that governs degree requirements. The current
Bulletin, as well as archived versions of it, may be found at the following address,
http://bulletin.cgu.edu. Specific Philosophy program requirements such as advising, course
distribution, and research tool options are not included in the Bulletin. These are explained
below.
Advising/Registration
Review of a student’s academic progress and program requirements by a faculty advisor is
required during the two-week mandatory advising period prior to registration each semester. A
registration hold will be placed on all accounts and will remain until students receive approval
from their advisor/chair. Students will be notified by email in advance of the mandatory advising
period each semester.
All students are responsible for checking in officially (in person, by email, or by telephone)
with their advisor or the chair of their department prior to registration each semester.
Students wishing to register for classes, continuous registration, or doctoral study must
first receive official approval from their advisor/chair. Only the official approval by a
faculty advisor may lift the registration hold on a student’s account.
Library Workshop
All humanities students are required to take a 2-hour workshop in advanced research strategies
and resources at the Honnold/Mudd libraries within the first year of graduate study. These
workshops will be offered at least once a semester. For specific dates and times, consult the SAH
website or the Student Support Secretary.
Research Tool(s)
Students in the M.A. in Philosophy program are required to complete one foreign language Research
Tool. The School of Arts and Humanities policy on foreign languages as Research Tools is:
Fulfillment of a language tool by demonstrating competency at translating an approved language into
English--as distinct from completing another type of research tool (permitted by some SAH
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departments)--can only be achieved by passing an approved, written examination. This applies to all
SAH students, including native speakers of the language under consideration. Details about the
language exam are outlined below. Students in the Ph.D. in Philosophy program are required to
complete two Research Tools: either two foreign languages or, with an advisor’s approval, one
foreign language and one Research Tool course (either Digital Humanities or Greek Readings).
Degree units may be awarded for completing either one of the two approved Research Tool courses.
The Language Exam
The foreign language exam is offered four times per year by the SAH. For more
information, current exam dates, and to register, students should visit the “Students” page of
the SAH website or email the Arts and Humanities Program Assistant.
Courses
Philosophy students may take any course offered at CGU. Since the material treated in a course may
differ considerably from year to year, courses may be repeated for credit with faculty approval.
Students may also take a limited number of upper level seminars offered at the Claremont Colleges.
Current course listings can be found on the Student Services webpage. In addition to courses offered
by professors, students may organize independent studies. See below for details and restrictions on
course options.
Note: Doctoral students will be allowed to count up to 16 units of undergraduate level,
independent studies, and tutorial readings toward their degree. Any of these units completed as
part of an M.A. degree will be counted as part of the 16 unit quota. Masters students may earn
up to 8 such units.
Claremont Colleges Courses
Courses open to students will be listed on the graduate course offerings, and students should
request permission from the Chair of the Department and the instructor before enrolling.
Students should consult the Registrar’s webpage for instructions on how to enroll in or audit
classes at the undergraduate Claremont Colleges.
Independent Study Courses
Students may organize independent studies to pursue specialized topics under the guidance
of a professor. When an independent study replaces a course, students must do an
equivalent amount of reading and writing. Students must complete the Enrollment Contract
and Registration Form for Independent Coursework Credit and attach a plan for the
independent study signed by both the instructor and the student’s advisor. The plan should
include a course syllabus, a reading list, a description of scheduled meetings (at least one
hour per week for a 4-unit course), and a description of writing assignments. Detailed
instructions and the registration form for independent study classes can be found on the
following Registrar’s webpage, http://www.cgu.edu/pages/7405.asp.
Transferring Credits
The University guidelines for transferring graduate credits from institutions other than CGU,
may be found on the Office of Student Records/Registrar webpage. There are also restrictions
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on transferring units for the Dual Degree M.A. in Philosophy/Ph.D. in Religion program. Please
refer to the Bulletin for an explanation of these restrictions.
Philosophy students have the following requirements for transferring units in addition to the
University’s guidelines:
Philosophy students must complete a minimum of 24 units within the Philosophy department
before transferring outside credits. Petitions may be submitted as early as the end of a student’s
first full year at CGU (when the student is on the verge of successfully completing 24 units).
In addition to completing the Transfer Credit Request Form, Philosophy students must include
(1) a letter explaining why the courses listed for transfer are appropriate for Philosophy credit;
(2) the student’s best seminar paper from CGU; (3) a brief paragraph addressing each course’s
relevance, merits, research, and written work; (4) course syllabi and materials if possible. The
petition should also explain the scholarly direction of the student’s graduate career and how past
graduate work fits into future academic plans. This petition may be developed in consultation
with the department advisor.
Concentrations
Early Modern Studies
Early Modern Studies is a transdisciplinary concentration available to master’s students in
the Arts and Humanities departments of English, History, and Philosophy. It is aimed at 1)
preparing students for PhD-level work at U.S. universities in one of the above three
disciplines, or 2) providing a discrete course of study that complements CGU MA
coursework in archival or museum studies.
To complete a concentration in Early Modern Studies, a student must take five courses in
the early modern period, 1200 - 1714, of which two must be outside the discipline in which
the student is earning the degree. Courses in Latin Reading and Paleography are also
required, as well as at least one course that is based upon bibliographic inquiry into the
extensive collections of early modern print and manuscripts housed in Special Collections at
Claremont’s Honnold/Mudd Library.
Specific Degree Requirements
M.A. in Philosophy
The M.A. program is designed for students who seek either to enrich their knowledge of the
fundamental strands of the Western philosophical tradition before moving to more
specialized study in Ph.D. programs in philosophy, or to expand their experience with that
tradition in preparation for pursuing professional degrees and occupations outside of
philosophy.
The Master of Arts degree requires 40 units of course work, which usually can be completed
comfortably in two years of full-time study. Students are required to take a sequence of
historical courses (Topics in Ancient Philosophy, Topics in Modern Philosophy, and Topics
in Contemporary Philosophy), an approved course in ethics or value theory, an approved
course in metaphysics or epistemology, Philosophy 244 (Logic and Argumentation), four
electives, and reading competence in one foreign language. Additionally, students must
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complete a final capstone paper. Students are expected to complete Topics in Contemporary
Philosophy and Philosophy 244 in their first 16 units of graduate study.
Dual Degree: M.A. in Philosophy/Ph.D. in Religion
This dual-degree program allows Ph.D. students in Religion to earn an M.A. in Philosophy
along the way. The program is designed for students who want a strong general foundation
in philosophy to support their work in the philosophy of religion. It also constitutes a good
dual qualification for teaching, particularly in colleges with joint philosophy and religion
departments.
Course Requirements
Of the 40 units required for the M.A., 12 units will be counted from philosophy of
religion Ph.D. courses and 28 units will be required philosophy coursework. Course
requirements include Topics in Philosophy, Logic I, an approved course in
metaphysics or epistemology, an approved course in ethics or value theory, an
approved course in modern philosophy, an approved course in ancient philosophy, one
advanced seminar not in the philosophy of religion, and 12 units in the philosophy of
religion (Ph.D. courses). The Ph.D. component requires these 12 units in philosophy
of religion, 4 transdisciplinary units (a CGU requirement), plus an additional 28 units.
The student will complete a total of 72 units for both degrees.
Transfer Credits
Up to 12 units may be transferred in on the basis of previous graduate work; this total
includes any transfer units credited toward the M.A. in philosophy. The student will
need to validate, on the basis of transcripts or breadth exams (to be taken upon
entrance), some competence in two areas of religion other than the philosophy of
religion, one of which must be a religious tradition outside of the student’s own.
Language Requirement
A reading knowledge of French and German is required.
Qualifying Examinations
Qualifying examinations are set for the individual student with a view to his or her
dissertation topic.
Ph.D. in Philosophy
Course Requirements
The Ph.D. requires 32 units beyond the 40 required for the M.A. in Philosophy
including the 4 unit transdisciplinary course required by CGU.
Folio
The folio is the main basis for determining whether a student has acquired the abilities
necessary for dissertation work. It should demonstrate the student’s mastery of
technical skills, capacity for both original and exegetical work, and breadth of
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knowledge. It consists of three 4,000- to 5,000-word papers on topics formulated by
the student with consultation of the faculty. Formal approval of these topics must be
secured at least one semester before the folio is submitted. A dissertation prospectus
should be submitted with the folio, and the student is advanced to candidacy after
passing a qualifying oral examination that concentrates on, but is not restricted to, the
folio and the dissertation prospectus. Students normally write the folio in their third
year of study.
Preliminary Oral Examination
On the basis of the dissertation prospectus and the qualifying oral examination, the
qualifying examination committee recommends a dissertation supervisory committee
to direct work on the dissertation. No later than one year after advancement to
candidacy, the student takes a preliminary oral examination designed to test the
viability of the proposed dissertation and the student’s command of the area in which
the dissertation falls.
Dissertation Committee
The School of Arts and Humanities policy on Dissertation Committee members is:
1. Claremont Colleges faculty may serve on a CGU Dissertation Committee
provided there is one core CGU faculty member on the Committee.
2. Claremont Colleges faculty may chair Dissertation Committees provided they are
CGU Extended Faculty and are deemed appropriate by the Department Chair and
the Dean.
Final Oral Examination
When the dissertation supervisory committee decides that the dissertation is complete
and ready for defense, the dean of the school approves a committee to conduct the
final oral examination. This examination is open to all interested students and faculty,
and is designed to test both the quality of the dissertation and the candidate’s general
philosophical competence. The PhD degree is awarded only if the committee approves
both the dissertation and the oral examination.
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Appendix I: Advising/Registration FAQs
Why do we need an advising policy? The purpose of this new policy is to ensure that you
receive advising from your advisor or, if your advisor is on leave, from the chair of your
department/program at least once each fall and spring semester. Regular review of your
academic progress and program requirements by your advisor should help ensure you take the
classes you need and meet your program requirements for your degree.
Who does the advising policy concern? This policy is required of all students—masters and
doctoral students, those in course work as well as those who have completed course work and are
working towards or are ABD.
How does it work? All students are required to check in with their advisor prior to registration
each semester. Students wishing to register for classes, continuous registration, or doctoral study
must first receive approval from their advisor. A hold on your account will be lifted only if your
academic advisor sends an email to Holly Domingo to lift the registration hold.
How can I find out who my advisor is? Go to your CGU portal to obtain this information
(https://my.cgu.edu) or contact Holly Domingo. If a faculty advisor has not been assigned to you
please contact your department chair for academic advising.
How do I contact my advisor? Each advisor has his/her way of managing the advising process.
Some will be using an electronic appointment system for in-person or telephone appointments
and some will ask that you email them about making an appointment. Some advisors will
conduct advising over email. You should receive a message from your department chair
explaining the process for your department or advisor-specific instructions.
What if my assigned advisor is on leave? If your assigned advisor is on leave, your department
chair will serve as your advisor for that semester.
What is the mandatory advising period? In the two weeks prior to registration, all students are
required to contact their advisor to obtain approval for their courses or continuous/doctoral
registration. Because some classes may be closed by the time you attempt to register, we
recommend that you get approval on fallback courses during your initial advising session.
Registration for the spring 2012 semester begins November 16th. Thus, the mandatory advising
period is Tuesday, November 1st through Tuesday, November 15th.
What happens if I don’t get advising and approval from my advisor? You will be unable to
register for the coming semester and a registration hold will remain on your account. A
registration hold on your account will be lifted only if your academic advisor sends an email to
Holly Domingo to lift the hold.
When can I register on-line? On-line registration will open on November 16th. Students who
have received academic advising and don’t have a registration hold on their account can go to
their CGU portal (https://my.cgu.edu) and register on-line.
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Can I register on-line for all courses, including Independent Study, courses at the 5Cs,
and/or Claremont School of Theology courses? No. You must use paper registration for any
Independent Study/Research course, any course at the 5Cs, and any course at Claremont School
of Theology. You must obtain your advisor’s approval for such courses. For registration forms
go to http://www.cgu.edu/pages/2140.asp. Please submit any registration form to Holly
Domingo.
If I change my mind and want to register for courses not approved by my academic
advisor, do I need to set up another advising appointment? Once the registration hold is lifted
from your account, an honor system is in place. However, we recommend that you get approval
on fallback courses during your initial advising session. If you need to discuss other courses with
your academic advisor, this can be done over email.
Will academic advising lift all of my holds? No. If you have other holds on your account (i.e.
outstanding balance, academic probation, etc.) please contact the appropriate office to clear those
holds.
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Appendix II: Interfolio FAQs
1. What does the service cost?
The basic account for file and management service costs $19 for one year, $39.90 for three years,
or $57.00 for five years.
Fileholders pay a delivery fee when sending application materials to an institution or
organization. Delivery costs depend upon the options you choose, but the least expensive is for
uploading to on-line applications:
Online Application $6 first document, $1 each additional to same institution. Deliveries will be
processed within three business days.
For example, let’s say the applicant is sending an application letter, a personal statement, and a
writing sample as one document, plus 4 letters of recommendation to ten different universities.
The cost for the entire application per university/application would be $6.
2. How do I request to have my confidential letters of recommendation sent via interfolio
rather than to my professor?
If your online application asks you to provide the email address of your letter writer, you can use
the Interfolio Online Application delivery service to submit your letters of recommendation.
Here are the step by step instructions:
Step 1. Log in to your Interfolio account, from your Home, Dashboard click on "Start a
Delivery" or on your Deliveries page click on the " Add Delivery" tab. Locate the link
that says "Click here if your online application requires that you enter the email addresses
of your writers". This link is right underneath Step 1 on the Add Delivery page.
Step 2. Now you are on the Create an Online Application Delivery page. Locate the document
you need to have uploaded and copy its unique document email address. (Each document
that you need to have uploaded will have its own email address.)
Step 3. Log in to your online application and paste your document's unique email address into
the field that asks for your evaluator's email address. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each
evaluator.
Step 4. Monitor your email. Interfolio will send you an email indicating that your online
application delivery has been created. (If you do not receive an email from Interfolio
within one business day from the time you enter your writer's email address into the
online application, please contact help@interfolio.com.)
Step 5. Complete your delivery transaction by logging in to Interfolio. Navigate to your
Pending Deliveries page and you will see that for each letter requested, a separate Online
Application Delivery is created. Confirm that the correct document is going to the correct
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institution. Click Check Out to complete your transaction.
3. How much does it cost to use the online application delivery for letters of reference?
When we proxy into an application to upload a letter, this particular delivery
method is priced at $6 for the first letter and $1 for each subsequent letter to the
same application. This is referred to as an "online application delivery" and has a
processing time of 1-3 business days after the delivery is purchased
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