Program Overview

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Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law Program

The Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law (PPEL) program is an interdisciplinary undergraduate major that provides students with an integrated curriculum, drawing on the methods and insights of philosophy, political science, and economics. The program aims to provoke critical reflection on the relationship between different social institutions - political, legal, social, and economic.

Program Description

The PPEL major emphasizes grappling with the moral and historical bases of political and economic life, while also equipping students with rigorous analytic thinking skills that are increasingly important in business, policy, law, and other fields. The program consists of 36 credit hours, divided into three groups: Groundwork courses, Core courses, and Tracks.

Groundwork Courses

The Groundwork courses (12 credits) ensure that students have a foundation in philosophy, economics, and political science. These courses include:

• ECON 2020
• ECON 2030
• POLS 1100 (or POLS 1710)
• PHIL 1250

Core Courses

The Core courses are four PPEL major-only courses (12 credits) that integrate the three fields, from formal analysis to history and original research. These courses include:

• PPEL 2240
• PPEL 3000
• PPEL 3100
• PPEL 4800 (Capstone)

Tracks

PPEL majors may select a "Track" within the major that allows them to further pursue their research questions. Three tracks are offered:

• Law
• Ethics and Policy
• National and International Perspectives The tracks emphasize multidisciplinary skills.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the major, students in Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law are expected to:

• LO1: Inform - Demonstrate familiarity with key economic, political, and philosophical ideas necessary for identifying problems that require a multidisciplinary response.
• LO2: Inquire - Formulate concrete research questions with multidisciplinary tools.
• LO3: Investigate - Apply the research and writing skills necessary to conduct research using qualitative and/or quantitative evidence to provide answers to concrete research questions.
• LO4: Interact - Contribute to public deliberation concerning important political and economic questions in ways that respect cultural and intellectual diversity.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Assessment of LO1 will be conducted through entry and exit surveys in the Core courses, along with major assignments for each Core course. LO2-LO4 will be assessed based on the final PPEL research project, completed in PPEL 4800, in the major's senior year.

Minor in Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law

The minor in Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law (PPEL) is a multidisciplinary program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a critical understanding of the production, maintenance, and interaction of social, political, legal, and economic institutions.

Minor Requirements

The minor requires 21 hours of coursework, including:

• PPEL 2240 as the gateway course
• PHIL 4800 as the capstone
• PHIL 3120 or PHIL 3020
• ECON 2020 or ECON 2000
• At least one political science course
• Three other electives from the approved list

Minor Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the minor, students in Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law are expected to:

• LO1: Be prepared to closely examine important normative and political questions by applying key economic, legal, political, and ethical concepts to solve real-world challenges.
• LO2: Be able to analyze contemporary social conflicts and coordination problems in a multidisciplinary context.
• LO3: Possess research skills necessary to conduct a research project using qualitative or quantitative evidence to evaluate and contribute to the resolution of debates and policy disputes.
• LO4: Possess critical thinking, theoretical understanding, and communication skills necessary to responsibly address pressing political and economic questions.

Assessment of Minor Learning Outcomes

Assessment of learning outcomes will be conducted through entry and exit surveys and a general assessment of the final PPEL research project, completed in PHIL 4800 in the minor's senior year. Papers produced in PHIL 4800 can be used to assess all learning outcomes.