European-American University™

Routes to the degree
The MA in Enlightenment Studies is available via the following routes:


Taught coursework route

1. Introduction
Thank you for your interest in the European-American University Master of Arts in Enlightenment Studies program. The program is designed to be completed within twenty-two months by a student devoting ten to twelve hours a week, working by distance learning.

The program is outlined below, but individual details may be varied on the initiative of the Mentor and/or student, always subject to ratification by the University. In principle, the aim is to provide a fully bespoke, individualized learning experience that takes into account the particular strengths, interests and previous learning of the student, and thus offers a flexible but rigorous route to the degree.

The program currently consists of six modules, listed below with their main topics.

A. Origins of the Enlightenment
The Peace of Westphalia and the English Civil War. The intellectual shift from myth to reason. Epistemology in the work of Montaigne, Descartes and Spinoza. Influence of Pascal and Galileo. Newton.

B. Philosophy of the Enlightenment
Paine, Locke, Voltaire, Hume, Rousseau. Philosophy of democracy and of freedom.

C. Classical Liberalism
Adam Smith. J.S. Mill. Hayek. Mises. Rothbard. British and French traditions. Roots in School of Salamanca and ancient philosophy.

D. Artistic output of the Enlightenment
Study of literature, art and music of the Enlightenment period. J.S. Bach/Haydn/Mozart. Augustan literature: Pope, Swift, Defoe. Neoclassical art: David, Palladianism, Ingres.

E. Criticisms of the Enlightenment
The Counter-Enlightenment. Adorno/Horkheimer. Postmodernism. Foucault. Chomsky.

F. A Dissertation Topic

2. Aims and objectives
This distinctive program is aimed at students from a variety of backgrounds who wish to gain a rounded appreciation of the eighteenth-century Enlightenment, its key ideas and its legacy. Particular emphasis is placed on philosophy and economics, the latter requiring as pre-requisite some understanding of economic concepts. Successful graduates will understand both the ideas of the Enlightenment and subsequent (particularly postmodern) criticisms of it.

3. Methods of delivery
The delivery of the teaching for the course is by distance learning. Students will be assigned a Mentor who will be a practitioner in the field and/or an established academic. They will work out the exact details of what is to be studied and how this will be assessed in co-operation with the Mentor with this learning contract then ratified by the University. In most cases, students will communicate with their Mentor via electronic communications (e-mail, fax) although some Mentors prefer to work via postal mail, and many will also offer telephone support.

4. Course materials
The chosen methods of learning are designed to offer the student the maximum of flexibility and scope in tackling the program.

The individualized nature of the program means that traditional course materials in the form of structured course notes are rarely appropriate or practical, although it is hoped that where possible, Mentors will make their notes on particular topics available to the student. Students are, of course, responsible for creating their own course notes based on their reading and related work.

Most work within the program will consist of directed readings from key texts selected by the Mentor. The student will be responsible for obtaining books, which are not included in the tuition fees, although both the Mentor and the University will endeavor to assist in the event of any difficulty in obtaining books. The Mentor will set regular assignments based on the directed reading, most of which will be in the form of an essay or paper. Mentors will also provide guidance on background reading for each topic.

5. Entry requirements
The usual minimum requirements for entry to the course are as follows:


Candidates will normally have attained the age of twenty-eight years. All candidates will be expected to show a proficiency in the English language.

It is a key principle of the University that each application should be considered on its own merits, and admission to the course and all interpretations as to the eligibility for such admission remain at the discretion of the University.