Programs

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The first cycle is composed of two years of philosophy (123 credits) required for future students of theology, as well as an additional year of studies for those studying for the baccalaureate (180 credits). The studies include introductory courses in Philosophy, Saint Thomas and Methodology, and systematic courses in Logic, Philosophy of Nature, Ethics, Psychology, Anthropology, Epistemology, Metaphysics and Philosophy of Religion. These systematic courses are complemented by a thorough introduction to the History of Philosophy: Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary. Furthermore, students receive instruction on how to write academic papers and take two full years of instruction in Latin. A course is also given to introduce them to the vocabulary and syntax of ancient Greek.

To obtain the Baccalaureate degree, students have to take the classes of the third year of the first cycle. These courses seek to deepen some aspects of the study of Philosophy, either in the History of Philosophy or some key themes of Thomistic Philosophy, as well as in Theology. These courses are generally taught in Italian. Students are required to strengthen their knowledge of either English or Italian. To obtain the Baccalaureate degree, one must (1) take all these courses and pass the corresponding examinations, and (2) pass the final written comprehensive examination.

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The second cycle (the Licentiate) takes at least two years (120 credits) for those whose have an ecclesiastical Baccalaureate in philosophy. More coursework may well be required for those students without an equivalent preparation at the baccalaureate level.

The second cycle is primarily designed to allow the students to specialize. Studies in the philosophical thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas, its historical roots and influences (including its relation to contemporary thought), are the centre of attention of the Faculty of Philosophy. To have access to the sources, the writings of St. Thomas himself, his philosophical sources, and the subsequent Thomistic tradition, second-cycle students must have a good knowledge of Latin. In addition to the coursework, the Licentiate degree requires the writing of a Licentiate paper (the tesina, of at least 50 pages) under the direction of a professor of the Faculty, passing the Latin written exam, as well as the oral and the written comprehensive examinations.

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The third cycle is open to those who want to prepare themselves to teach and do professional research in philosophy. It leads to the Doctorate in Philosophy. At the beginning of the program, doctoral students take several courses and participate in the doctoral seminar. They must also prepare two papers for the lectio coram (a public presentation of one of the two research projects) with two different professors on topics different from the topic they will later choose for their dissertation. The student then submits a formal written proposal for his dissertation project, which has to be accepted by the doctoral commission. When this has been approved, the students can continue with the research and writing of the dissertation, which must be an original contribution to philosophical research. The dissertation must be defended publicly and published in whole or in part.