Master of Art (M.A.) in History of Ideas

The History of Ideas is a diachronic study of key ideas as they interact with each other in their journey  through time.

A classic in this field is The Great Chain of Being: A Study of the History of an Idea, by A.O. Lovejoy (Harvard University Press, 1936), which examines the evolutionary development and ramifications of this fascinating concept, according to which, in the simplest terms, the universe is an ascending scale consisting of an infinite number of links ranging from the lowest forms of life to the ens perfectissimum. While its origins can be traced back to Ancient Greek philosophy, it was widely accepted until the late eighteenth century.

The themes in the modules listed below include important milestones in the history of ideas. Thus, the impact of Darwin's theories on biology has been compared to that of Newton on physics. Although Darwinism affected many different fields and disciplines, it should also be remembered that, when extrapolated to human society, it unfortunately gave us Social Darwinism, which, naturally, raises a whole host of moral and ethical issues. Darwin himself, for example, had a very low opinion of women’s intellectual abilities. Fortunately, one of the most positive developments of the last century has been the belated recognition of women's rights and, in recent times, of their intellectual excellence.

Whether the Genesis account of creation should be interpreted literally or symbolically is a controversial question which still seems to generate more heat than light. Historically, a symbolic interpretation helped to remove the Catholic Church's objections to accepting the concept of biological evolution.

However, evolution was not, originally, a biological concept and one wonders whether it can be applied to human history. Is the latter characterized by cyclical patterns and/or a linear progression (even if punctuated by temporary regressions)?

Are myths and fables simply attempts by pre-industrial societies to explain cosmic reality or do they have a deeper significance?

These are some of the themes in the series of research papers in this modular programme. Students can propose other topics, subject to mentor and University approval.

A recognised undergraduate degree, preferably in Humanities. Students with little or no background in humanities may be required to take undergraduate courses, or complete projects to prepare them for graduate work. Students will not earn graduate credits for undergraduate course work.

The modules given below should be regarded as guidelines, since the College does not exclude viable alternative themes proposed by students, subject to mentor and College approval. Individual modules may either be combined with those from other programmes, or transferred to courses in other institutions.

Warnborough College offers a Master of Arts (MA) Degree in History of Ideas by distance learning. The programme consists of 5 modules: 4 papers (to be chosen from the first 9 modules listed below) and a dissertation.

Students should submit four papers (of between 7,000 to 8,000 words each, worth 10 credits) --- chosen from sections 1 to 9 below --- and a dissertation (of 15,000 words, worth 20 credits) on any topic, subject to mentor approval.

Students do have the option of suggesting other acceptable topics, for the four papers, subject to the approval of the mentor and the University.

1. Science-Faith Issues

2. A Symbolic Interpretation of Genesis

3. Darwinism

4. Social Darwinism

5. Women’s Rights

6. Political Concepts

7. Historical (Cyclical) Patterns

8. Myths and Fables

9. The History of Ideas in a Literary Context

10. Dissertation (elective)

Students can complete the program in three academic terms. Depending upon exemptions, performance and the work load, it may take more or less time. Students should regard three terms as the average length of the program. (an academic term is 4 months)

The satisfactory presentation of four research papers and a dissertation will lead to the award of the Master of Arts (MA) Degree in History of Ideas.

The Programme will be conducted by distance learning, through self-paced research, under the guidance of the Programme Director.

There are no required materials for this programme, apart from text and reference books.

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Note: All fees listed here refer to tuition only. It does not include ancillary expenses such as required materials (see above), textbooks, communication costs (internet/postage/telephone/fax), insurance, printing, etc...

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Please Note: This program is by INSTRUCTION (modular).

The Programme Director: Dr. Noor Giovanni Mazhar

Dr. Mazhar's degree in Italian (B.A., London) was followed by an M.Phil.(London) on Giacomo Zanella: his poetica, poetry and historical significance.
Dr. Mazhar's Ph.D. (Liverpool) on the "Catholic Attitudes to Evolution in Nineteenth-Century Italian Literature" was published, in Venice, by the Veneto Institute of Sciences, Letters and Arts. His research interests include: literary criticism, Science-Faith issues, the History of Ideas in a literary context and the role of literature in relation to society, science, philosophy and theology.

He has prepared MA and PhD modular research programmes for the History of Ideas and the Sociology of Literature, as well as a Master of Arts Degree in Bioethics: "A Historical Perspective".

Please contact Dr. N.G. Mazhar at eugenia.misitano@fastwebnet.it or admissions@warnborough.edu