Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Denison
PPE IS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM designed around the historical, methodological and theoretical connections between philosophy, politics and economics.
Students who major in PPE undertake a rigorous and partly self-designed course of study that explores the theoretical foundations of political and economic thought and relates them to contemporary affairs.
Each prospective PPE student must submit a formal PPE proposal that indicates a general topic or theme that will serve as the focus of the major and that establishes which core courses and electives will count towards the major. Students are also expected to complete a senior research project.
The PPE program is overseen by a committee consisting of one faculty member from each of the PPE departments. The committee must approve the individual program of each major.
The PPE major
Professor of Philosophy Tony Lisska directs a lively discussion in an honors seminar
Eighteen courses are required for the PPE major, compared to the more typical load of nine courses for most majors. In effect, the PPE major is a double major distributed across three departments.
PPE majors must complete the following requirements:
- One of the following:
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Philosophical Studies
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Ethics
- Social and Political Philosophy
- One of the following:
- Philosophy of Law
- Topics in Ethics
- Topics in Social and Political Philosophy
- American Political Behavior and Institutions
- Introduction to Concepts in Political Philosophy
- One of the following:
- Introduction to Comparative Politics of Developed States
- Comparative Politics of Developing Nations
- One of the following:
- The Development of Political Thought - From Machiavelli to Mill
- The Development of Political Thought - Marx to Present
- Introductory Macroeconomics
- Introductory Microeconomics
- One of the following:
- Intermediate Macroeconomics
- Intermediate Microeconomics
- One of the following:
- History of Economic Thought I
- History of Economic Thought II
Student research
Seniors who major in PPE must complete a research project to fulfill graduation requirements.
What do PPE majors do after Denison?
A liberal arts education allows our graduates to go on to many varied careers. Many continue on to business and to postgraduate education in academic and professional programs.
Who are our professors?
Students in political science professor Emmett Buell's 'Selecting the President' class traveled to New Hampshire to observe presidential primary politics first-hand
Many professors in the philosophy, political science and economics departments teach classes that help fulfill the PPE requirements. Listed below are the three professors that comprise the PPE committee:
Assistant Professor of Philosophy Jonathan Maskit (director) joined the faculty in 1996. He earned his A.B. in economics at Vassar College and his M.A. and Ph.D. in philosophy at Northwestern University. He teaches courses in social and political philosophy, aesthetics, and environmental philosophy. Dr. Maskit’s research interests include environmental aesthetics, consumption behavior, and contemporary European Philosophy.
Assistant Professor of Political Science Eric Boehme joined the faculty at Denison in 2005. He earned a B.A. from DePaul University and an M.A. and a Ph.D from Rutgers University. Dr. Boehme teaches and does research in political theory, American politics and the law. His research focuses on the political development of citizenship in the United States, race and ethnicity, continental philosophy, social theory, tort law and duty to rescue law. Dr. Boehme teaches classes in ancient, modern and contemporary political theory, democratic theory, law and politics, race and politics and American institutions.
Assistant Professor of Economics Quentin Duroy joined the faculty in 2004. He teaches Economic Development and Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability. Dr. Duroy earned his B.A. and M.S. at the Universite de Rennes, an M.A. at Bowling Green State University, and his Ph.D. at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute . His research interests include Culture, Development, and Economic Growth; the Determinants of Environmental Sustainability; Evolutionary Economics.
For more information about the program and curriculum contact one of the members of the PPE committee:
PPE Program
Denison University
Granville, Ohio 43023

