Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Curriculum

B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics

The Politics, Philosophy, and Economics major at The King’s College builds upon the required Core Curriculum to teach students the fundamental principles of the three ruling disciplines with a strong theological bent in order to develop influential leaders, who are effective for what God calls good.

Within the Core Curriculum in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, students read the literature, sacred texts, laws, and philosophical inquiries that have come to shape our civilization. Within the social context of these developments, students learn the religious, historical, philosophical, political, and economic components that have brought us to where we are today. The Core consists of eighteen courses—nearly half of the courses students need to graduate—spaced throughout all four years of study.

The PPE major builds upon this foundation with intensive courses in all three disciplines. In Politics, we examine questions raised, for example, in Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s Politics, then explore the American political tradition, its history, philosophic formation, and expression in literature. In Philosophy, we study the metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics of the major philosophers in a historical sequence. In Economics, we study how wealth is created or human potential squandered, how we make choices based on expected costs and benefits, and how markets coordinate these choices through fluctuating prices. Upperclassmen study court decisions in constitutional law that change the course of American life, address issues in American civil rights and global human rights, and form moral positions on matters concerning commerce, technology, and medicine.

The curriculum also prepares students for public debate and advocacy by including several persuasive writing and speaking components. The aim is to prepare graduates who are not just knowledgeable about the world, but ready to act in it.

Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Course List

On top of all courses within the Core Curriculum, PPE majors will take the following courses:

• Ancient Philosophy
• Medieval Philosophy
• Modern Philosophy
• Principles of Biblical Interpretation
• Constitutional Law
• Enlightenment and Liberal Democracy
• Economic Development, International Economics, or International Politics
• Political Economy
• Macroeconomics
• Masterworks of Literature, Classical Literature, Shakespeare, English and American Poetry, Politics and Literature, or Statesmanship

Politics, Philosophy, and Economics majors will additionally take five electives from a list of relevant courses, including at least one course each from the categories in politics, philosophy, and economics. Seniors with a GPA of 3.6 or higher may elect to write a senior thesis for academic credit on a subject relevant to politics, philosophy, or economics. Course descriptions, codes, prerequisites, and a full course map are available in the college catalog.

Concentrations

Students with a particular interest in one aspect of the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics major may make that subject a concentration. A concentration provides a documented record of having studied either politics, philosophy, or economics with particular depth. This can help a student prepare for graduate school or for employment in that field of interest, such as at the State Department or with an investment firm. These concentrations allow students to focus the use of their required five PPE electives and two of their seven open electives.

Politics

Students pursuing a concentration in Politics will take one elective in comparative politics, one elective in international relations, three additional Politics electives, at least two of which must be 300- or 400-level courses or Senior Thesis (if a politics topic).

Philosophy

Students pursuing a concentration in Philosophy will select four of the following courses:

• Topics in Medieval Philosophy
• Plato
• Epistemology
• Philosophy of Religion
• Metaphysics
• Senior Thesis (if a philosophy topic)

Students will also take one additional Philosophy elective of their choosing.

Economics

Students pursuing a concentration in Economics are required to take Intermediate Microeconomics and Intermediate Macroeconomics. The remaining three courses are selected from the following:

• Economic Development
• International Economics
• Economic Policy
• Money and Banking
• Special Topics in Economics
• Senior Thesis (if an economics topic)

Course descriptions, codes, and prerequisites are available in the college catalog.