Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PP&E)

Overview

Concentration Coordinator: Katie Baird

"Attention Politics & Values and Political Economy concentrators: Please feel free to contact an IAS adviser to discuss your eligibility for this new concentration in Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PP&E). You can schedule an appointment by calling 253-692-4450."

Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PP&E) draws from Political Science, Philosophy, Economics, Policy and Law. PP&E provides students with an in-depth interdisciplinary foundation in the analysis of politics and economics and in the study of philosophical and ethical issues related to political, economic, and public policy issues. Special emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking and writing skills.

To graduate with a concentration in PP&E, review the degree requirements page and checklist. Also, to see what will be offered (tentatively) for the 2009-2010 academic year, check out the PP&E course schedule. Note: This schedule is tentative and could change. Contact Katie Baird if you have questions about the schedule.

Don't Miss out on Important PP&E News

PP&E invites all students to sign up for our new list serve. By signing up you will receive periodic emails with information on new courses or changes to the course schedule; employment, internship and international opportunities; extracurricular activities of interest to PP&E students; and other relevant information.

What's New in PP&E

The 2009-2010 PP&E Seminar Series continues on Monday, November 23rd. Dr. Christi Siver will be presenting her paper "The Dark Side of the Band of Brothers: Explaining Military Participation in War Crimes". Dr. Siver is a visiting assistant professor at UWS where she teaches classes on human rights and international security. Her presentation will explore why in Somalia, one of the Canadian units killed a Somali civilian by examining their training, the influence of civilian leaders, and the role of unit subcultures. The Seminar is open to the public, and takes place from 12:30-1:30 in 352 Mattress Factory.

Turan Kayaoglu’s new book Legal Imperialism: Sovereignty and Extraterritoriality in Japan, the Ottoman Empire, and China will be published this year by Cambridge University Press.

Michael Forman attended the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association in Toronto, Ont., Canada (Sept. 3-6). He presented a paper entitled "A Plea for Civil Religion: Reflections on Rousseau's Savoyard Vicar in the Global Age". He also chaired a panel, "About Carl Schmitt" sponsored by the Foundations of Political Theory Section.

We have hired several new faculty members to help broaden PP&E’s course selection this year. Jeff Begun is teaching courses on economic development, political economy, international economics, and Asia; Greg Duras is teaching law-related courses; and Chuck Rowling is returning this year to teach courses covering American foreign policy, international relations, and state government. Chuck will also be overseeing PP&E’s internship program this year, including the Washington State Legislative Internship.

Career Options

Students in this concentration are prepared for careers in government, law, public agencies, business, nonprofit management, diplomacy, community work, or journalism. PP&E also prepares students for advanced studies in law, journalism, international relations, public policy, international development and other social sciences.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will develop a more thorough knowledge of social institutions through focused engagement with both contemporary and enduring social issues.
• Students will strengthen their analytical skills.
• Students will develop their ability to write with style and precision.
• Students will become more competent with quantitative analysis.
• Students will develop their ethical and logical reasoning.
• And students will learn to synthesize and evaluate information through an application of knowledge and methods across different disciplines.

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