Faculty of Arts offers new joint undergraduate program

Posted: May 1, 2015 9:15 a.m.

PPE 200. Foundations of PPE will be offered in Fall 2015 to current students who have taken a course in philosophy, political science or economics. Photo courtesy of iStock.

The University of Regina joins a handful of Canadian universities to offer the Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) undergraduate program through the Faculty of Arts.

The PPE designation is an internationally-acclaimed qualification offered by major universities around the world including Oxford University and Yale.

Dr. Tom McIntosh who is the Department Head of Politics and International Studies says “As a combined major, the PPE program draws upon the best traditions of the liberal arts, allowing for breadth as well as depth through specialization in both the humanities and social sciences.”

The Head of the Philosophy Department Dr. Eldon Soifer notes that these types of interdisciplinary studies have a lasting impact on one’s life.
“The PPE program allows for critical reflection by students on what on what a good life consists of, and how to achieve it, both at home and in the workplace. Not many other undergraduate programs are able to achieve this kind of impression,” he says.

Dr. Hafiz Akhand, Head of the Economics Department, adds the University of Regina is in the perfect location to offer the PPE program.

“Local, provincial and federal government offices are based in Regina, as well as national and international businesses and organizations,” says Dr. Akhand. “The specialization of the three areas in our new PPE program provides a natural linkage to these sectors. PPE students can take advantage of this opportunity by participating in the Arts Co-op program while pursuing their major.”

The Faculty of Arts will offer the first course in this new program in Fall 2015. Current students can register now for PPE 200: Foundations of PPE if they have taken a previous philosophy, political science or economics class.