Philosophy 

This philosophy program explores the fundamental questions surrounding existence, ethics, knowledge, reason, politics, and human nature through the study of both classical and modern philosophical traditions. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, analytical writing, historical interpretation, and the examination of philosophical arguments across multiple schools of thought.

Core areas of study include ancient Greek philosophy, moral philosophy, political theory, metaphysics, epistemology, rhetoric, aesthetics, and philosophical literature. Students are introduced to influential thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, and later philosophers whose work shaped intellectual history and contemporary discourse.

The program encourages interdisciplinary exploration by connecting philosophy with literature, history, politics, religion, and cultural studies. Particular attention is given to the role of philosophical inquiry in shaping civic responsibility, ethical decision-making, and artistic expression.

Major themes commonly explored include:

• Virtue and Ethics

• Justice and Political Order

• Human Nature and Identity

• Logic and Reasoning

• Mythology and Symbolism

• Tragedy and Moral Conflict

• Freedom, Power, and Society

• The Relationship Between Philosophy and Art

Poems

This course in Poems focuses on the reading, interpretation, and composition of poetic works across a wide range of historical periods and literary traditions. Students examine poetry as both an art form and a mode of philosophical and emotional expression, exploring how language, rhythm, and imagery shape meaning and cultural identity.

The course engages with classical, medieval, and modern poetry, encouraging close textual analysis and creative engagement. Emphasis is placed on understanding poetic voice, structure, symbolism, and thematic development, as well as the ways in which poetry reflects personal experience, collective memory, and societal values.

Major themes include:

• Lyric Expression and Personal Voice

• Symbolism, Imagery, and Metaphor

• Structure, Meter, and Form

• Love, Loss, and Human Experience

• Nature, Myth, and Cultural Memory

• Political and Social Themes in Poetry

• Classical and Contemporary Poetic Traditions

• Interpretation and Creative Composition

Politics

This course in Politics provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of political systems, political theory, governance, and civic life. Students explore the structures and functions of government, the development of political ideas, and the role of individuals and institutions in shaping society.

The course emphasizes both classical and modern political thought, drawing connections between ancient philosophical traditions and contemporary political systems. Special attention is given to the foundations of democracy, republicanism, authority, justice, and civic responsibility, as well as the ways in which power is exercised and contested within societies.

Major themes include:

• Political Theory and Ideologies

• Democracy, Republics, and Governance Systems

• Power, Authority, and Legitimacy

• Justice, Rights, and Civic Responsibility

• Law, Constitution, and Institutions

• Classical Political Thought (Plato, Aristotle, etc.)

• Modern Political Philosophy

• Citizenship and Public Discourse

Poetics 

This course in Poetics focuses on the study of poetry as a literary, philosophical, and artistic discipline through the reading, interpretation, and composition of poetic works across diverse historical periods and literary traditions. Students examine poetics as both the theory and practice of poetic expression, exploring how language, rhythm, sound, and imagery shape meaning, emotion, and cultural identity.

The course engages with classical, medieval, and modern poetic traditions, encouraging close textual analysis alongside creative and critical engagement. Emphasis is placed on understanding poetic voice, form, symbolism, aesthetic theory, and thematic development, as well as the ways poetry reflects personal experience, collective memory, philosophical inquiry, and societal values.

Major themes include:

• Poetic Theory and Aesthetic Expression

• Lyric Voice and Subjectivity

• Symbolism, Imagery, and Metaphor

• Structure, Meter, Rhythm, and Form

• Love, Mortality, and Human Experience

• Nature, Myth, and Cultural Memory

• Political, Social, and Philosophical Dimensions of Poetry

• Classical and Contemporary Poetic Traditions

• Interpretation, Criticism, and Creative Composition