Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
PPE students participate in an Economics lab
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
Dr. Jonathan Maskit leads a Philosophy 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:
- Philosophy
- 121 Ethics: Philosophical Consideration of Morality
- 126 Social and Political Philosophy
- 200 Philosophical Studies
- 250 Philosophy of Law or 294 Topics in Ethics or 295 Topics in Social and Political Philosophy or 321 Metaethics or 326 Theories of Justice
- Political Science
- 110 American Political Behavior and Institutions
- 120 Politics in Democratic States
- 180 Introduction to Political Theory or 284 Introduction to American Political Theory*
- 382 Modern Political Theory or 383 Contemporary Political Theory
*Please note that PPE students who have not fulfilled POSC-201 "Analyzing Politics" should request permission from the instructor to register for POSC-284.
- Economics
- 101 Introductory Macroeconomics
- 102 Introductory Microeconomics
- 301 Intermediate Macroeconomics or 302 Intermediate Microeconomics
- 401 History of Economic Thought I or 402 History of Economic Thought II
Five upper-level electives from at least two of three disciplines.
A senior research project.
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?
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.
Associate 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