Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Minor)
The Minor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) is designed for students with serious interests at the intersection of political theory, political philosophy, and economic theory. Its aim is to help students acquire some fluency in each of the disciplines, and to provide a forum where all three disciplines can be brought to bear on problems which are common or complementary. PPE emphasizes the development of the analytic skills exercised in close reading, cogent writing and clear oral expression. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in undergraduate research. A high percentage of PPE graduates pursue advanced degrees.
Contact: Director Paul Weithman, Department of Philosophy, pweithma@nd.edu.
The PPE curriculum consists of 15 credit hours usually distributed over four semesters, as follows:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 33250 | Justice Seminar | 3 |
| or PHIL 43404 | Justice Seminar | |
| or POLS 43640 | Justice Seminar | |
| Three 1-credit PPE Colloquia | 3 | |
Each devoted either to the critical reading and discussion of one or two major works or to a group project on some contemporary issue(s). The colloquia are normally taken in the three semesters following the Justice Seminar. Special arrangements can sometimes be made for students who wish to participate in a colloquium while studying abroad | ||
| Three approved 3-credit courses from three broad families of electives related to philosophy, political science, and economics | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
PPE students are also encouraged (but not required) to write senior theses in their majors that reflect the interdisciplinary focus of the program.
The Justice Seminar is always offered in the fall semester. An informational meeting about the PPE minor is usually held early in the March of each year, with applications for the minor normally due early in April of the year in which the Seminar will be taken.