Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics
Program Description
The Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) program is an interdisciplinary major designed to give students a broad training in preparation for a career in public affairs and the legal profession. This program is designed for students with a strong interest in political and economic theory. It requires students to select a one of the three disciplines (Politics, Philosophy, or Economics) to survey and write a directed research project (PPE 480) in that discipline. Through a study of these three areas, students will develop a broader, interconnected vision of political life and will integrate the material from all three in order to evaluate, develop, and analyze social, political, ethical, and economic policy issues around the globe.
Why take this major?
A thorough understanding in political science, philosophy, and economics helps students to analyze and evaluate information quickly and thoroughly. Our program trains students to address social, political, ethical, and economic policy issues seen globally. The program aims to broadly educate students in all three areas and later allow them focus on whichever of the three with propel them farther down their path to success. All of these skills and abilities will prepare our graduates for positions in international business, global nonprofits, public service, or public policy.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop an appreciation of theoretical insights in philosophy, political science and economics
- Students will integrate these insights in their research and writing of capstone project.
- Students Examine How Their Personal, Professional, Religious or Spiritual Values Inform Their Disciplinary Worldviews (ILO 2)
- Students Generate and Evaluate Quantitative Conclusions (ILO 3)
- Students Use Written Communication Effectively Accordingly to the Expectations and Conventions of their Disciplines (ILO 8)
- Students Explain How Cultural Perspectives Impact Their Disciplines (ILO 11)
Program Contact Information
Elizabeth A. Paulin, Chair
Hayman Hall, Room 264
(215) 951-1181
Degree Earned
B.A.
Number of Courses Required for Graduation
Major: 14
Total: 38-40
Number of Credits Required for Graduation
Major: 42
Total: 120
GPA Required for Graduation
Major: 2.0
Cumulative: 2.0
Progress Chart
Level One - Core Courses
12 courses and 2 modules required
Universal Required Courses (4 Courses)
Students must complete the following 4 courses.
ILO 8.1: Written Communication
ENG 110 - College Writing I: Persuasion
ILO 5.1: Information Literacy
ENG 210 - College Writing II: Research
ILO 1.1: Understanding Diverse Perspectives
FYS 130 - First-Year Academic Seminar **
NOTE. The following students use Level 2 Capstone Experience in Major instead of FYS 130: Honors, BUSCA, Core-to-Core, Transfer, and Non-Traditional/Evening.
ILO 2.1: Reflective Thinking and Valuing
REL 100 - Religion Matters
Elective Core Courses (4 Courses)
Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs.
ILO 3.1a: Scientific Reasoning
Choose course within ILO
ILO 3.1b: Quantitative Reasoning
Choose course within ILO
ILO 6.1: Technological Competency
Choose course within ILO
ILO 8.1a/12.1: Oral Communication/ Collaborative Engagement
Choose course within ILO
Distinct Discipline Core Courses (4 Courses)
Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs. Each course must be from a different discipline. (A "discipline" is represented by the 3- or 4-letter prefix attached to each course.)
ILO 4.1: Critical Analysis and Reasoning
ECN 150 - Introductory Macroeconomics
ILO 9.1: Creative and Artistic Expression
Choose course within ILO
ILO 10.1: Ethical Understanding and Reasoning
Choose course within ILO
ILO 11.1: Cultural and Global Awareness and Sensitivity
Choose course within ILO
Universal Required Modules (2 Courses)
Students must complete the following 2 non-credit modules.
The Modules are not required for Transfer Students, Core-to-Core Students, or BUSCA Students. BUSCA students are required to take modules if/when they pursue a bachelor’s degree.
ILO 7.1a
Health Literacy Module
ILO 7.1b
Financial Literacy Module
Major Requirements
Major requirements include 4 Level Two ILO requirements, fulfilled through the major.
Students in this major must complete 38-40 courses in total in order to graduate. 14 courses will be from this major program.
Level Two (4 Courses)
Students must complete 1 course/learning experience in each of the 4 commitments.
ILO 2.2: Broader Identity (Capstone Course/Experience)
POL 480 - ILO 2.2
Choose one ILO from 3.2a, 3.2b, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2a, or 7.2b: Expanded Literacies
POL 171 - ILO 4.2
ILO 8.2b: Effective Expression (Writing-Intensive Course)
POL 341 - ILO 8.2b
Choose on ILO from 10.2, 11.2, or 12.2: Active Responsibility
POL 221 - ILO 11.2
All Other Required Courses
POL 171 Political Analysis
ECN 201 Introduction to Microeconomics
POL 221 Politics of the Developing World
PHL 264 Critical Thinking
PHL 303 American Philosophy
POL 361 Modern Political Thought
PHL 206 Social and Political Philosophy
ECN 441 History of Economic
PPE 480 Capstone
Four electives in one of the three PPE fields
PPE 480 Directed Research Project in selected discipline
Free Electives
In addition to the requirements listed above, students must take enough courses to the fulfill graduation credit requirements for their School and major.
Minor Requirements
ECN 150 Introduction to Macroeconomics
PHL 264 Critical Thinking
POL 171 Political Analysis
PHL 206 Social and Political Philosophy
POL 361 Modern Political Thought
ECN 441 History of Economic Thought
Recommended Course Sequence
First Year
ECN 150 Introduction to Macroeconomics
POL 171 Political Analysis
POL 221 Politics of the Developing World
Second Year
ECN 201 Introduction to Microeconomics
PHL 264 Critical Thinking
PHL 206 Social and Political Philosophy
Third Year
PHL 303 American Philosophy
POL 361 Modern Political Thought
ECN 441 History of Economic Thought
Fourth Year
PPE 480 Capstone
For a concentration in one of the three fields (PHL, ECN, POL):, students must take:
- Four electives in one of the three PPE fields
- PPE 480 Directed Research Project in field of concentration
Course Descriptions
ECN/HIS/POL 332 - Political Economy of Africa
This course examines the political and economic conditions in SubSaharan Africa and provides a historical perspective on these conditions. Issues examined include the political and economic consequences of colonialism, post-independence political forces and economic policies, and U.S. foreign policy toward Africa.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: ECN 150
POL 120 - Governments Of Western Europe
This course is a political analysis of the constitutional principles and governmental organizations of England, France, and Germany. It is required of all political science majors. The requirements include a minimum of 10 to 12 pages of academic writing.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall
How Offered: Face-to-Face
ILO Met: ILO 11.1 - Cultural and Global Awareness and Sensitivity
POL 151 - Principles Of American Government
This course provides an overview of the principles, institutions, and decision-making processes of American government. The course focuses on the foundations of the American constitutional order and the development of contemporary American government at the national level. Topics are approached in a critical and analytical way, seeking to understand the trade-offs inherent in particular democratic choices. Historical, comparative, and analytical methods are employed. This course is required of all political science majors and minors. The course requirements include a minimum of 10 to 12 pages of academic writing.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
How Offered: Face-to-Face, Online
ILO Met: ILO 4.1 - Critical Analysis and Reasoning
POL 171 - Political Analysis
This course surveys the theoretical foundations, approaches, and methodologies of political analysis, introducing students to the "science of politics" and providing a basic grounding in the social scientific study of political behavior and phenomena. The course equips students with the tools of inquiry (such as the description and analysis of quantitative data and the systematic use of case studies) most commonly used in the discipline of political science.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 215 - Managing The Public And Non-Profit Sectors
This course is an introduction to different concepts and aspects of public administration from a variety of theoretical viewpoints. Topics include: bureaucratic organization and leadership styles, program evaluation and productivity, budgeting, civil service, and public policy making. (Formerly titled "Public Administration.")
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 221 - Comparative Governmental Systems
This course addresses an introduction to non-traditional and non-Western political systems. Content will vary from year to year and may include topics such as Asian political systems, Latin American systems, the political structures of ancient imperial organizations, pre-colonial African tribal organizations, etc. This course is required of all political science majors. A course requirement includes 12 to 15 pages of academic writing.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
ILO Met: ILO 11.1 - Cultural and Global Awareness and Sensitivity
POL 240 - International Relations
This course provides an analysis of the basic patterns and major factors underlying international politics. Consideration of current international problems will be addressed. The course is required of all political science majors. In addition, the course requires a minimum of 12 to 15 pages of academic writing.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 260 - Survey of Political Thought I: The Foundations
This course focuses on an analysis of the major political writers from Plato to approximately 1550. Emphasis on each author's concept of the state and its function and end, as well as their solution to the problem of the reconciliation of the common good with individual freedom, will be addressed. The course is required of all political science majors. In addition, the course requires a minimum of 12 to 15 pages of academic writing.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 270, 370, 470 - Special Topics and Independent Study
As interests indicate, special programs may be introduced into the curriculum discussing highly specialized problems for group or independent study.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 301 - State And Local Government
This course is a study of the state as a partner in the federal system; the states' constitutional development; and principles underlying state governmental organization, reorganization, and functions.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 302 - American Constitutional Law I
A case study approach utilizing Supreme Court decisions provides an analysis of the governmental structure of the United States. Principal topics include: judicial review, separation of powers, federalism, extent and limit of Congressional and Presidential authority, and the commerce and fiscal clauses of the Constitution.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 303 - American Constitutional Law II
A case study approach utilizing Supreme Court decisions provides an analysis of the individual's relationship to the government under our Constitution. Principal topics include rights under the early Constitution, the incorporating process, First Amendment rights, procedural rights of the accused, and equal protection and political rights. (Strongly recommended: Constitutional Law I)
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: POL 302
POL 304 - Congress And The Legislative Process
Topics of this course address the role of Congress in the legislative process; its internal operations and external political relations, especially with the President. Comparison of the characteristics of Congress with those of state legislatures and European legislative bodies.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 305 - The President And The Executive Branch
This course examines the growth, both in size and power, of the Executive Branch of the national government. Topics covered include: the mechanics and significance of presidential elections, the institution of the presidency, presidential-congressional relations, and the limits of presidential power.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 310 - Political Parties And Elections
This course provides a view of the political problems of the United States as revealed in the major and minor political parties that have arisen during the country's history.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 311 - Women In Politics
This course is an introduction to the history and issues associated with the movement for women's political equality. Topics include: women's suffrage, equal protection and the ERA, job discrimination, and women in political campaigns and elected offices.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 314 - Mass Media And Politics
This course examines the influence of the mass media upon the American political process. Emphasis is on the role of the media in campaigns and elections.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 316 - Environmental Law And Policy
This course examines an introduction to the rise of environmentalism in the United States. Addresses the major environmental statutes from the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts to the Endangered Species Act, RCRA and Superfund, and also integrates case studies and collaborative learning to evaluate the impact of scientific uncertainty on environmental planning while emphasizing the difficult choices faced in developing environmental policy.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 319 - Courts, Judges, And Judging
This course offers an introduction to the development of the Common Law, tracing the rise of courts and the expanding role of judges in England and the United States from Magna Carta to the Constitution of 1789, discussing the rise of Judicial Review in the United States, and concluding with an exploration of the competing ways in which current Supreme Court Justices (Scalia, Roberts, Breyer, Ginsburg) view their role and their power in a democratic society.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 322 - The Governments Of Eastern Europe And Russia
This course is a study of the politics and government in the former Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact nations of Eastern Europe, including the rise and fall of totalitarian communism and the prospects for democratic development.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 334 - The Political Economy Of Latin America
This course begins by examining aspects of the indigenous societies prior to the arrival of Europeans in what has come to be called "Latin America." Throughout, it considers issues such as colonialism, militarism, race, gender relations, and religion that have shaped the societies, polities, and economies of nations from Mexico and the Caribbean to those of the Southern Cone. The goal of the course is to afford class members the opportunity to better understand Latin America's history as a basis for comprehending its likely future. Cross-listed with ECN 334 and HIS 334.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 341 - Globalization and International Decision Making
This course offers an analysis of the increasing functional obsolescence of the nation state under the pressures of transnational problems such as drugs, AIDS, and the environment. The emergence of regional and international organizations such as the European Community, the Organization of African States, and the Association of South East Asian Nations to meet these challenges are also addressed. The course is required of all political science majors. Formerly titled "Global Village." In addition, the course requires a minimum of 15 to 20 pages of academic writing.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: POL 240 (recommended)
POL 342 - U.S. Foreign Relations
This course is a study of the diplomatic and military instruments of American foreign relations, the formal and informal powers and processes by which policy is made, and the basic patterns of national interest and policy, both prior to World War II and into the present.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 344 - The Middle East And The World
This course offers a study of modern Middle Eastern politics, with emphasis on the origins, issues, and present stage of the Arab-Israeli conflict; an analysis of Western and Soviet foreign policies in the area, with the emphasis on America's mideast diplomacy.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 348 - 21St-Century Terrorism: Understanding the Global Threat
This course will define basic concepts related to terrorism, trace the history of terrorism since 1945, and compare and contrast various terrorist groups and their tactics, with particular emphasis on Islamic terrorist organizations, to equip students with tools for understanding and analyzing modern terrorism. Depending upon the semesters this course is taught, it may focus on different geographic areas as well as on the many variants of terrorism, including those developed since the 1979 Iranian revolution, with emphasis on state-supported terrorism and specific terrorist groups as well as the goals and tactics of terrorism and the causes of terrorism.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 361 - Survey of Political Thought II: Liberal Democracy and Its Critics
This course is an analysis of modern liberal democratic thought and the various criticisms of it from both the left and the right are topics to be addressed in this course. Emphasis is on the reading of original sources by Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, J.S. Mill, Rousseau, Burke, Marx, Nietzsche, etc. This course is required of all political science majors. The course requires a minimum of 15 to 20 pages of academic writing.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Prerequisites: POL 260 (recommended)
POL 363 - The American Political Tradition
This course provides an inquiry into various religious and philosophical threads, from the Puritan "city on a hill" to the 1960s counter-culture, which combine to form the fabric of American political thought. Analysis of original source material is stressed.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 385 - Ethics In Government
The purpose of this course is to examine the role of ethics and the problems caused by a lack of ethics at the federal, state, and local government levels. This course will underscore the importance of ethics in government by looking at a variety of sources, ranging from Codes of Ethics to the U.S. Constitution and state constitutions, and reviewing various case studies, including Watergate and Interngate. Required of all Public Administration majors.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 460 - Political Science Internship I
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to apply their academic interest to relevant positions in the community. Placements will be provided and the students will be expected to give a comprehensive report on their experiences. Required of all public administration majors. Does not count toward the minor in political science.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Restrictions: Permission of the Chair and/or a GPA of 3.0 or better are required.
POL 461 - Political Science Internship II
With the permission of the Chair, a second semester involving a different experience may be undertaken. Does not count toward the major or minor in political science.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall, Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 480 - Seminar I
This course involves a study of methods of research and scholarly writing. Directed research and reports on individual assignments are expected. The course is open to political science majors only and constitutes a requirement for them. In addition, the course requires a minimum of 25 pages of academic writing.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Fall
How Offered: Face-to-Face
POL 481 - Seminar II
This course involves supervised research and writing on a major topic. Weekly presentations and group discussions of individual papers are expected. A written thesis is to be submitted. This course requires a minimum of 25 pages of academic writing.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face
Restrictions: The course is open to political science majors only.
Prerequisites: POL 480
PPE 480 - Capstone
This course involves supervised research and writing on a major topic via an independent study. Weekly presentations and discussions of individual papers are expected with the chosen supervisor. A student may be supervised by any faculty member in Political Science, Economics and Philosophy. A written thesis is to be submitted. This course requires a minimum of 25 pages of academic writing.
Number of Credits: 3
When Offered: Spring
How Offered: Face-to-Face