School of Humanities

Rooted in the principles of humanistic Jesuit education, the Schools of Humanities is one of Asia's leading institutions of critical thinking, creative pursuits, and reflective practice. It forms individuals into persons who are grounded in a global culture open to other cultures, committed to faith and justice.

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Bachelor of Fine Arts

Art Management
Art Management exposes students to the highest professional standards in art practice and industry outside its own production. The program provides important interfaces for education and training in such areas as curatorship, exhibition design, art writing, research, and documentation, and the marketing and promotion of the arts. Through its linkage with the Ateneo Art Gallery and other significant local and international artistic and cultural institutions, the program provides its students with unparalleled opportunities for involvement and immersion in the professional art, cultural, and creative industries.
Creative Writing
Creative Writing institutionalizes apprenticeship, the manner by which young writers learn their craft from more experienced writers; and the workshop, by which they learn from their peers. By putting these methods alongside the academic study of literary and critical texts, the creative process, and the pertinent contexts that influence literary production, the program aims to produce writers who are competent in the craft of their chosen genre specialty (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama) while remaining aware of literature’s place and influence in one’s life and one’s society.
Information Design
Information Design roots its relevance in problem solving through the effective presentation of relevant information so that it can best be received, understood, and utilized by a target audience. Design and communication theories contextualize and inform the students’ education in graphic design procedures and techniques. The program provides its students with opportunities to develop their own skills in design, which they are tasked to use to attain specific goals that can aid personal growth, growth in industry, and change in society.
Theater Arts
Theater Arts exposes students to the range of theater activities, onstage and offstage, all of which require an individual and collaborative intelligence and a passionate interest in theater. The program is seen as a way to increase the number of trained men and women in theater practices, and to provide a venue for the development of theater artists who intend to apply their knowledge of the theater craft for work in professional theater or in film, radio, or television.

Bachelor of Arts

Humanities
The Bachelor of Arts major in Humanities was introduced in the College of Arts and Sciences in 1983. Previously, the College had a traditional Humanities course devoted to the classical languages and literatures and to the arts. The current program retains vestiges of the old classical curriculum but adds more modern courses. It is home to students interested in the arts (both the fine and practical), the media (both printed and broadcast), research and writing (both creative and critical). The program is based on the classical belief in the capacity of human beings for self perfection. Its seeks to liberate the individual genius by exposing the students, in the words of Matthew Arnold, to “the best that is known and thought in the world,” or The Great Tradition to which the individual talent belongs. These are the classics of literature, philosophy, and the arts — the makers charting the march of human civilization. The program holds that while people certainly cannot live without bread, they cannot live only for bread, either. Following the classical belief in individualism, the program in Humanities recognizes the particular talents and interests of students. Thus, besides receiving the basic background to the humanities or their potentials in the actual practice of the arts, under the supervision of the Chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, and given the means and services of the university. The end of Humanities program is to produce graduates sensitive to the delicate nuances of the human condition, aware of and appreciative of the record of the great human passions and ideas that have shaped and continue to shape the modern world, infused with the spirit of rigorous rational inquiry, and equipped with the intellectual maturity to form and articulate their own ideas. With the students’ commitment, the program hopes to instill the ideas of intellectual tolerance, love and liberty of thought, and the belief in the essential dignity of human being — ideals that are the core of every attempt to change the world. The Bachelor of Arts, major in Humanities, in short, is liberal education for genuine human liberation. It is a recognition of the impulses — ever fundamental but now too often ignored — that are the heart of our common humanity.
Interdisciplinary Studies
The Bachelor of Arts major in Interdisciplinary Studies was introduced as a response to the need sounded in the academia for the greater dialogue among departments and scholars, and to the more practical need of the students for flexibility. Since its institution in the late 1970s, the program has produced graduates active in the fields of law, business, education, sports, and the arts. The program rests on the belief that reality is complex and multidimensional. Thus, any attempt at understanding reality and discoursing on the same can be reached — and only provisionally so — after the critical synthesis of the various methodologies and knowledge of the different disciplines. What is learned is not only “truths,” but also the premises underlying and legitimizing these “truths.” The program, therefore, prizes open-mindedness, broadness of vision, reflexivity, and a commitment to knowledge. The program also recognizes the individuality of each student. Instead of dismissing the particular (and sometimes idiosyncratic) inclinations of students, the program mines and hones these in the belief that education is self-perfection for the better service of society. Thus, in addition to receiving the humanistic training required by the Ateneo core curriculum, I.S. majors design their own course of studies, based on their interests and strengths, and given the actual means and services of the university, under the supervision of the Department Chair. The terminal requirement for the degree is a monograph (called the senior paper) in which the I.S. major integrates the skills, knowledge, and methodologies learned from the classes he or she took, to probe, critique, and explain issues, to suggest feasible and sound solutions to specific problems, or to produce substantial creative work. With proper guidance and the student’s own commitment, the I.S. program hopes to engender students equipped in the intellectual rigors — and pleasures — of creativity and synthesis, critical thinking and analysis, reflection and self-reflexivity. It is the mission of the Interdisciplinary Studies Department to develop well-rounded students who are able to see beyond disciplinary lines, who are able to synthesize knowledge gained from different disciplinary perspectives, who have professional skills in disciplines of their own choosing, and who are equipped to view and respond to the world from a holistic perspective.
Literature - English
The AB Literature Program is designed for the student who seeks a profound and scholarly appreciation of literature written in the English Language. While in the program, the student will be introduced to literature from all over the globe, in order to develop competence in the analysis of literary texts, writing of critical essays, and evaluation of different literary traditions and orientations.
Literature - Filipino
The AB Literature (Filipino) is unique in its four major fields of specialization: research, creative writing, pedagogy, and translation. Using traditional and contemporary theories of literary and cultural studies, students are trained to read, research, and evaluate literary works and textual production of popular culture so that they may also contribute to the production of literature or to any of the major fields mentioned above. AB Literature (Filipino) is also progressive because
of its straight program and minor program in Literature which are essentially cross-disciplinary and integrative of other methodologies and studies. Ultimately, the program aims to ground and develop all knowledge through efficient and effective writing.
Philosophy
The philosophy program follows a curriculum that is strong in building these skills: fidelity to the depth and complexity of the truth, rigorous reflection, and insightful discussion. It allows the students to hone these skills in the academic engagement of philosophers and systems of philosophy; or philosophical studies in the realm of politics and law; applied ethics, society and culture; or culture, art, and literature.

Consecutive Degree

AB/MA Literature (Filipino)
The AB/MA Literature (Filipino) is the Filipino Department’s response to the increasing need for professionalism in the field of literary studies in Filipino. The program is open only to outstanding undergraduates in the AB Literature (Filipino) who intend to pursue further studies in Filipino literature. Students will be invited to join the program at the start of first semester of junior year. Upon completion of their AB Literature (Filipino) in four years, they are eligible to begin their graduate studies, which they complete in two semesters and two summers.

School of Humanities

Department of English

Doctor of Philosophy in English Language and Literature
The PhD in English Language and Literature is a program that brings together teachers and scholars working on important overlapping areas of inquiry on pedagogical and interpretive approaches to language and literary studies foregrounding the conditions of possibilities for their production and reception. In teaching and language practices, the emphasis is on critical literacy and citizenship; and in scholarship, the emphasis is on interpretative approaches. The research topics reflect the individual and/or professional interests of students and are informed by extensive familiarity with theory, review of scholarship, and critical reflection on research data and texts. Focus is on the literary/cultural and language/linguistic frames in which specific scholarly and pedagogical practices become intelligible as acts with larger socio-political and intellectual implications especially for Philippine or other Asian contexts.

The program aims:
1. to advance the understanding of the role of English language and literature in society, with particular attention to its implications for multilingual and multi-cultural settings;
2. to engage in a critical review of issues, options, and developments informing the study and teaching of language and literature; and
3. to contribute to the development of ideas and scholarship in English language and literary studies in the Philippines and in other parts of Asia in view of comparative cultural contexts.
Master of Arts in English Language and Literature Teaching (Thesis)
The MA major in English Language and Literature Teaching is designed for teachers of English
Language and literature in the secondary and tertiary levels.

This degree aims to develop students who are able to:
1. demonstrate a clear understanding of the theories of language and language learning, and apply these to language and literature teaching practice and research;
2. demonstrate a clear understanding of language and literature teaching methodologies;
3. conduct scholarly research that will address relevant issues in English language education in the country;
4. design and develop materials for language and literature instruction; and
5. design and develop evaluation instruments for language and literature teaching.

The program envisions producing graduates who provide leadership in improving the quality of
English language teaching in the country, as well as promote the exchange of information about current research work and updated teaching methodologies among language educators. It hopes to produce teachers who uphold the place of literature and its formative-humanistic role in language teaching.
Master in English Language and Literature Teaching (Non-Thesis)
The MA major in English Language and Literature Teaching is designed for teachers of English
Language and literature in the secondary and tertiary levels.

This degree aims to develop students who are able to:
1. demonstrate a clear understanding of the theories of language and language learning, and apply these to language and literature teaching practice and research;
2. demonstrate a clear understanding of language and literature teaching methodologies;
3. conduct scholarly research that will address relevant issues in English language education in the country;
4. design and develop materials for language and literature instruction; and
5. design and develop evaluation instruments for language and literature teaching.

The program envisions producing graduates who provide leadership in improving the quality of
English language teaching in the country, as well as promote the exchange of information about current research work and updated teaching methodologies among language educators. It hopes to produce teachers who uphold the place of literature and its formative-humanistic role in language teaching.
Master of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies
The MA major in Literary and Cultural Studies degree is designed to provide high-level instruction to master’s level students who are (1) knowledgeable in theory and skilled in its application, (2) capable of critical analysis relating to literary and cultural issues in the non-western world, and (3) attuned to the issues in Philippine literary and cultural studies scholarship.

In particular, the program encourages research on the literatures and cultures of Asia, with stress on Southeast Asian literary traditions. To assist students in obtaining a research focus, its curriculum reflects the survey, appreciation, and critical reading of foundational texts of Asian literature.

The program presents a specific approach to cultural studies, emphasizing that instruction and research must recognize cultural contexts, surveying diverse cultural traditions in Asia as the crucial background of ideas informing its literatures. It encourages independent research that locates the Southeast Asian region as the arena for examining plural texts that lend cultural studies an Asian dimension.

Department of Filipino

Dalubhasa ng Sining sa Pagtuturo ng Filipino
Ang Dalubhasa sa Sining sa Panitikang Filipino ay isang interdisiplinaryong programa batay sa pananaliksik sa panitikan at araling kultural. Kadalasang kumukuha nito ang may Batsilyer sa Humanidades, Araling Filipino, Panitikan, at Araling Kultural. Kadalasan din na ang mga nagtatapos sa pagkadalubhasa ay nagiging mananaliksik, manunulat o mamahayag sa iba’t ibang media, at sa larang ng edukasyon. May 36 na units ang program, 12 units nito ay rekisito, 12 units ay ayon sa larang na pinili, 6 na units para elektiba, at 6 units para sa tesis.
Dalubhasa ng Sining sa Panitikang Filipino
Bukas para sa lahat ng mag-aaral na nakapagtapos na ng kanilang kolehiyo sa anumang larangan, at nais magpakadalubhasa sa Panitikang Filipino. May ibinibigay na 50% diskuwento sa matrikula sa mga gurong papasok sa programa. Kinakailangan lamang magpasa ng sertipikasyong magpapatunay ng panunungkulan bilang guro sa pinaglilingkurang institusyon.

Department of Philosophy

Besides the general requirements for admission to graduate studies in the university, the student must have completed 24 undergraduate units in Philosophy. Of these 24 units, 12 must be in systematic philosophy (including metaphysics and epistemology) and the other 12 in the history of western thought (ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary). An exception to this requirement may be made if the student gives evidence that he/she possesses the equivalent of the 24 units as described herein.

The student must have a record of high quality performance and give evidence that he/she can do graduate work with excellence.

Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy
The PhD in Philosophy program aims to prepare men and women for competence in research and teaching philosophy beyond the master’s level. It is designed to develop scholarly expertise in the field of Philosophy so that creative critical thinking is enhanced in the pursuit of wisdom.

A master’s thesis or four quality papers each with a grade of at least “A-” is required for admission to the doctoral program.
Master of Arts in Philosophy
The Master of Arts programs are designed to equip the students with concepts and skills to pursue doctoral studies and to handle with competence the philosophy courses at the undergraduate level.

There are two options in the Master of Arts, major in Philosophy program: a thesis option which also accepts four term papers with a grade of at least “A-” in lieu of writing a thesis; and a non-thesis option which is a terminal degree.

Department of Theology (FIRE)

Master of Arts in Religious Education
This thesis program aims primarily to prepare catechists, religion, or theology teachers in educating Filipinos in the Christian Faith by a sound grounding in the basic sources (Scripture, Church Teaching, and Human Experience), stressing structural integration (Doctrine, Morals, and Worship), together with a critical formation in professional religious education covering its nature, and methodologies.
It focuses on the unique values and skills exercised in modest research and composition of a well-ordered thesis in religious education.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with at least 12 units in Theology or Religious Education.
Master in Religious Education
The Master in Religious Education is a non-thesis program that provides opportunities for the integration of biblical, theological and religious educational insights and skills for the practice of effective ministry, evaluation of current ministerial practices and creation of pastoral projects.

The applicant should have a bachelor’s degree with at least 12 units in Theology or Religious Education.

Theology and Ministry Program

Master in Pastoral Leadership and Management
The Master in Pastoral Leadership and Management of the School of Humanities of Ateneo de Manila University aims to equip the Church leaders such as parish priests, formators, religious and lay leaders with the requisite knowledge, skills and practical know-how in Church leadership and management, animated by a profound apostolic spirituality in the parish and other ecclesial settings. The courses delve into pastoral concerns, such as ecclesial leadership spirituality, group leadership skills, developmental planning, financial management and fund raising, handling conflicts in relationships and other topics.
Doctor of Ministry
The Doctor of Ministry Program (DMin) is designed for Religious Educators, Catechetical Coordinators, Retreat Directors, Seminary Formators, Chaplains, Spiritual Directors and Pastoral Counselors.

The program endeavors to contribute to the advancement of Ateneo de Manila’s Vision and Mission as a Catholic University, which seeks to form persons who, following the teachings and example of Christ, will devote their lives to the service of others.

In support of the above thrust, the primary aim of the Doctor of Ministry degree is to provide opportunities for the integration of the personal, professional, spiritual, and theological capacities and charisms of the minister with the practice of ministry in the Philippines and in the countries of origin of our international students.

Specifically, it aims to:
1. develop critical awareness of the ways by which theological reflection and research can both inform, and be informed by the practice of ministry;
2. sharpen ministerial skills and competencies in areas of ministry like religious education, spirituality and retreat direction and pastoral counseling;
3. develop the capacity to integrate biblical, theological, spiritual, and educational insights, skills and practices toward the delivery of faith-based services to Christian communities and organizations

Areas of Specialization
1. Religious Education
The program aims at those already working in the catechetical and religious education field, who desire to step beyond their Master’s educational level in developing and updating their performance, knowledge and skills. Such would be, for example, a good number of the graduates of the FIRE Program (Formation Institute for Religion Educators), who have for years asked about further graduate studies which could help them improve, expand and deepen their present work and possibilities. Over years, FIRE graduates have gained wide respect for their professional competence and spiritual motivation, including the personal desire to deepen and improve their work.
2. Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care
Prospective students in this area of specialization are those who are already working in the field of pastoral counseling. The Theology and Ministry Program, through Loyola School of Theology and the Center for Family Ministries (CEFAM), has already produced a good number of graduates in MA major in Pastoral Ministry with field of concentration in Family Ministry and Counseling. Like other graduates of other files of concentration in the MA major in Pastoral Ministry programs, our CEFAM pastoral counselors have gained wide respect for their professional competence and spiritual motivation.
3. Spiritual and Retreat Direction
As a ministry-oriented program, the DMin in Spirituality and Retreat Direction aims at those already working in the field of retreats, recollections, spiritual direction and lay and religious spiritual formation in general, who updating their performance, knowledge and skills. Prospective students would be, for example, the graduates of Ateneo de Manila’s MA major in Pastoral Ministry with a field of concentration in Spirituality and Retreat-Giving and other MA in Pastoral Ministry degree holders who would like to upgrade the quality of their ministerial service.

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
1. hold an MA in Theological Studies or Pastoral Ministry (or their equivalent titles) or any master’s degree with at least eighteen (18) graduate units in Theology or Religious Educations;
2. follow the basic requirements for application and acceptance to the civil degree program;
3. submit a 10 page essay presenting the applicant’s professional history, goals in ministry and area of interest or special concern in the ministry;
4. submit a copy of their master’s thesis or its equivalent. Those with a non-thesis MA degree must submit a major research paper of 15-30 pages written during MA course work;
5. should currently be doing ministry in the field of religious education, spiritual direction, retreat direction, seminary formation, or pastoral counseling.

Course requirements include a total of 45 units composed of the following: 9 units of core courses, 15 units of major courses, 3 units of electives, 6 units of apprenticeship courses and 12 units of DMin Dissertation.
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology
The PhD in Theology (PhD TH) program has the following purposes: [a] To help students acquire a high professional and scientific competence in one of the following areas of theology: Biblical
Theology, Dogmatic Theology, Moral Theology, and Religious Education. [b] To help them manifest in a scholarly dissertation the capacity for disciplined research, for clear communication, and for both critical and creative theological reflection regarding situations and problems facing the Christian community in the Philippines and Asia. [c] To equip men and women who can train students to a level of high qualification in their own disciplines according to Catholic doctrine.

In order to be admitted into the program, students must have a government-recognized (civil)
Master’s degree in Theology with a thesis (e.g. MA Theological Studies) and at least a general average of B+ (2.0).

The PhD TH requires 48 academic units, broken down as follows: Philosophical Theology (9 units), Concentration (30 units), Electives (9 units). Additional requirements include a modern language requirement, comprehensive examinations, a dissertation and an oral defense.
Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis
The MA in Biblical Exegesis (MA BE) program is meant for people who wish to engage in serious study of the Bible. The study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek will enable them to translate and interpret the biblical texts in the original languages. Knowledge of the history and culture of Ancient Israel will enable them to understand the Bible in its original context, and thus be able to appropriate its message for the present time. Moreover, the students will be introduced to various methods of exegesis — both synchronic and diachronic — that will provide them the skill to discover rich layers of meaning of the biblical text.

In order to be admitted into the program, the pre-requisite is a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, or any field with at least six (6) units in Fundamental Theology (Revelation-Faith and Scripture, Tradition, Magisterium), six (6) units in Introductory Courses in Scripture (Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament, or their equivalents), and twelve (12) units in Biblical Languages (Biblical Hebrew I, Biblical Hebrew II, Biblical Greek I, and Biblical Greek II).

The MA in Biblical Exegesis requires 39 academic units, broken down as follows: Biblical Languages
(12 units), Isagogic Courses (9 units), Old Testament Exegesis Courses (6 units), New Testament
Exegesis Courses (6 units), Biblical Theology Courses (3 units), and one Seminar Course (3 units).
Additional requirements include a language requirement, comprehensive examinations, a tesina, and an oral defense.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies
The MA major in Theological Studies (MA TH-STUD) program has the following purposes: [a] To prepare teachers for college-level theology; [b] To present a sound and serious grounding in the basic theological disciplines (biblical studies, systematic-historical, and moral-pastoral theology) relating to both the Christian tradition and to the contemporary life of the Christian community; [c] To foster a capacity for disciplined reflection and effective communication, principally on the college level.

The program offers the following areas of concentration: a) Biblical Theology; b) Systematic and
Sacramental Theology; c) Moral Theology; and d) Pastoral Theology.

To get accepted to the MA major in Theological Studies program, the applicants must have a government-recognized (civil) bachelor’s degree with at least 12 units of undergraduate (college) theology courses. Moreover, students must have attended at least a general undergraduate average of B (2.5 or 8.5) with no grade of “failure” or “conditional.”

The MA major in Theological Studies requires 30 academic units, broken down as follows: Foundation Courses (15 units), Concentration (9 units), and Electives (6 units). Additional requirements include comprehensive examinations.
Master in Pastoral Ministry
The Master of Arts, major in Pastoral Ministry (MA PAM) program in general aims to help priests, pastors, catechetical coordinators, religious educators, social action leaders, and various ministerial workers to acquire the knowledge and skills requisite for effective work in their chosen field of service. Rather than concentrating on a sharply and narrowly focused degree, this offers a variety of courses, electives and practicum-seminars that directly touch the work of pastoral workers and educators. This program requires no thesis writing.
Master in Family Ministry and Counseling
The Master of Arts, major in Pastoral Ministry: Family Ministry and Counseling looks to the formation of lay collaborators who, building on a base in theology, would dedicate themselves to family ministry, with a priority given to counseling and psycho-spiritual integration.
Master in Spirituality and Retreat Directing
The Master of Arts, major in Pastoral Ministry: Spirituality and Retreat Directing looks to forming those who would be able to assist in the important work of spiritual direction and helping those who make the Spiritual Exercises.

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