Note: PP&E major students cannot minor in Politics, Economics or Law and Policy.
Program Overview
Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PP&E) offers an innovative curriculum for students drawn to interdisciplinary approaches and diverse frameworks for understanding social phenomenon. PP&E majors take a shared set of introductory courses, then choose from three specializations: Politics and Philosophy, Economics or International Studies.
The PP&E major consists of 65 total credits:
- Core courses (20 credits)
- Methods (10 credits)
- Specialization (30 credits)
- Capstone (5 credits)
Capstone Requirement
Toward the end of their studies, all PP&E students engage in a capstone class. Some students take a seminar class, while others choose to do an internship. As a PP&E student, you also have the option of graduating with honors. This route is especially recommended for students expecting to enter graduate school. For more information on graduating with honors, speak with your advisor or view the application requirements. Please note that you must submit your application AFTER you have completed all requirements, unless you are completing one or more requirements in your final quarter.
Career Options
Students in this major are prepared for careers in government, law, public agencies, business, nonprofit management, diplomacy, community work or journalism.
The PP&E major also prepares students for advanced studies in law, journalism, international relations, public policy, international development, and other social sciences.
Politics, Philosophy and Economics Degree Requirements
Politics, Philosophy and Economics transfer student information
You might be able to fulfill some of the Law and Policy major requirements with coursework taken elsewhere.
Many colleges offer courses that can be used to earn credits toward your Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree. This means that you can arrive at UW Tacoma well on your way to completing the PP&E major. Please see an advisor at your community college to find out more about the articulation agreement and requirements or contact UW Tacoma's Politics, Philosophy and Economics advisors Heather Hucks or Suzanne McCusker.
| Courses that will fulfill specific requirements in the PP&E major | |
|---|---|
| GREEN RIVER COURSES WITHIN THE AA | UW TACOMA EQUIVALENT COURSES WITHIN PP&E |
| POLS 202 American Government | TPOLS 202 Introduction to American Politics |
| POLS 203 International Relations | TPOLS 203 Introduction to International Relations |
| PHIL 110 Social and Political Philosophy | TPOLS 201 Introduction to Political Values and Ideas |
| ECON 201 Microeconomics | TECON 200/TBECON 220 Microeconomics |
| ECON 202 Macroeconomics | TECON 201/TBECON 221 Macroeconomics |
| HIGHLINE COURSES WITHIN THE AA | UW TACOMA EQUIVALENT COURSES WITHIN TLAWPL |
| POLS 201 Intro to Political Theory | TPOLS 201 Introduction to Political Values and Ideas |
| POLS 202 American Government | TPOLS 202 Introduction to American Politics |
| POLS 203 Introduction to International Relations | TPOLS 203 Introduction to International Relations |
| ECON 201 Microeconomics | TECON 200/TBECON 220 Microeconomics |
| ECON 202 Macroeconomics | TECON 201/TBECON 221 Macroeconomics |
| OLYMPIC COLLEGE COURSES WITHIN THE AA | UW TACOMA EQUIVALENT COURSES WITHIN PP&E |
| POLS 101 Intro to Political Science or POLS 201 Intro to Political Theory |
TPOLS 201 Introduction to Political Values and Ideas |
| POLS 202 American Government | TPOLS 202 Introduction to American Politics |
| POLS 203 International Relations | TPOLS 203 Introduction to International Relations |
| ECON 201 Microeconomics | TECON 200/TBECON 220 Microeconomics |
| ECON 202 Macroeconomics | TECON 201/TBECON 221 Macroeconomics |
| PIERCE COURSES WITHIN THE AA | UW TACOMA EQUIVALENT COURSES WITHIN TLAWPL |
| POLS 202 American Government | TPOLS 202 Introduction to American Politics |
| POLS 203 International Relations | TPOLS 203 Introduction to International Relations |
| ECON 201 Microeconomics | TECON 200/TBECON 220 Microeconomics |
| ECON 202 Macroeconomics | TECON 201/TBECON 221 Macroeconomics |
| SEATTLE CENTRAL COURSES WITHIN THE AA | UW TACOMA EQUIVALENT COURSES WITHIN PP&E |
| POLS 202 American Government | TPOLS 202 Introduction to American Politics |
| POLS 203 International Relations | TPOLS 203 Introduction to International Relations |
| ECON 201 Microeconomics | TECON 200/TBECON 220 Microeconomics |
| ECON 202 Macroeconomics | TECON 201/TBECON 221 Macroeconomics |
| SOUTH PUGET SOUND COURSES WITHIN THE AA | UW TACOMA EQUIVALENT COURSES WITHIN PP&E |
| POLS 202 American Government | TPOLS 202 Introduction to American Politics |
| POLS 203 International Relations | TPOLS 203 Introduction to International Relations |
| ECON 201 Microeconomics | TECON 200/TBECON 220 Microeconomics |
| ECON 202 Macroeconomics | TECON 201/TBECON 221 Macroeconomics |
| TACOMA COURSES WITHIN THE AA | UW TACOMA EQUIVALENT COURSES WITHIN PP&E |
| POLS 101 Introduction to Political Science | TPOLS 204 Introduction to Comparative Politics |
| POLS 202 American Government | TPOLS 202 Introduction to American Politics |
| POLS 203 International Relations | TPOLS 203 Introduction to International Relations |
| ECON 201 Microeconomics | TECON 200/TBECON 220 Microeconomics |
| ECON 202 Macroeconomics | TECON 201/TBECON 221 Macroeconomics |
Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree requirements
All Politics, Philosophy and Economics students take introductory classes in economics, politics and philosophy, after which they must specialize in either Politics and Philosophy, Economics, or International Studies. All majors are required to complete their degree by participating in a capstone class.
Core courses (20 credits)
At least one class from each of the following three lists, for a total of 20 credits:
List A: Economics Core
- TECON 200 Introduction to Microeconomics or
TBECON 220 Introduction to Microeconomics Theory - TECON 201 Introduction to Macroeconomics or
TBECON 221Introduction to Macroeconomic Theory
List B: Philosophy Core
- TPOLS 201 Introduction to Political Values and Ideas
- TPHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
- TPHIL 240 Introduction to Ethics
- TRELIG 321 Comparative Religion
List C: Politics Core
Methods (10 credits)
Capstone (5 credits)
- TPOLS 480 Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs Seminar
- TPOLS 496 Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs Internship (must be approved)
- TPOLS 497 Internship in State Government (offered in Winter Quarter)
Politics, Philosophy and Economics specialization requirements (30 credits)
In addition to the above requirements, PP&E students choose between three options for their major specialization: Politics and Philosophy, Economics and International Studies.
Politics and Philosophy Option combines political science with philosophy, sociology, history, economics and policy studies. It provides an in-depth study of political theory, political and social interactions, relations between states and capital and the history of relationships between governments and citizens. The program also aims to develop skills needed for an informed and effective citizenship. To fulfill this option, you must take four classes from the list of Politics and Philosophy option classes, as well as two additional classes from either the Economics or International Studies options.
List D: Politics and Philosophy Option Electives
- TECON 417 Political Economy of India
- TGEOG 435 Contemporary Geopolitics
- TGEOG 440 Political Geography: Territory, State and Society
- TGH 301 Global Interactions*
- TGH 303 Global Challenges*
- THIST 322 American Labor Since the Civil War
- THIST 350 Modern Germany Since 1848
- TLAW 215 Introduction to International Organizations (formerly TPOLS 328)
- TLAW 320 American Constitutional Law: Institutional Powers and Constraints (formerly TPOLS 320)
- TLAW 361 American Constitutional Law: Rights and Liberties (formerly TPOLS 361)
- TLAW 424 The Politics and Law of International Human Rights (formerly TPOLS 368)
- TLAW 465 Law and Public Policy in the United States (formerly TPOLS 465)
- TPHIL 200 Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Rights
- TPHIL 240 Introduction to Ethics
- TPHIL 355 The Modern Mind
- TPHIL 356 Themes in American Philosophy
- TPHIL 357 The Greek Mind and Imagination
- TPHIL 358 History of Philosophy: Medieval and Modern
- TPHIL 359 Themes in Existentialism
- TPHIL 360 History of Philosophy: Modern and Contemporary
- TPHIL 361 Ethics in Society
- TPHIL 364 Topics in the Philosophy of Science
- TPHIL 367 Utopias
- TPHIL 414 Philosophy of Law
- TPHIL 451 The Enlightenment
- TPHIL 453 Political Theory of Human Rights (formerly TPOLS 453)
- TPHIL 456 Environmental Ethics
- TPHIL 466 Philosophy of the Future
- TPOLS 230 International Human Rights (formerly TPOLS 311)
- TPOLS 251 Cultural Studies
- TPOLS 260 American Political Theory
- TPOLS 275 Political Rhetoric
- TPOLS 300 Mass Media and US Politics
- TPOLS 305 Campaigns and Elections
- TPOLS 310 Modern European Political Theory
- TPOLS 312 19th Century Revolutions and Revolutionaries
- TPOLS 317 The Politics of Race and Ethnicity in the United States
- TPOLS 319 Theories of Political Violence (formerly TPOLS 420)
- TPOLS 321 American Foreign Policy
- TPOLS 329 Making of Modern Africa (formerly TPOLS 229)
- TPOLS 340 Middle East Politics
- TPOLS 343 Community and Labor Organizing: A Multicultural Perspective (formerly TPOLS 456)
- TPOLS 353 U.S. Congress
- TPOLS 360 Genocide
- TPOLS 361 United States Courts and Civil Liberty
- TPOLS 371 The Politics of Security
- TPOLS 382 State Government
- TPOLS 400 American Presidency
- TPOLS 405 Advanced Campaigns and Elections
- TPOLS 410 Labor Rights and Human Rights
- TPOLS 426 World Politics
- TPOLS 440 American Foreign Policy in the Middle East
- TPOLS 450 Contemporary Theories of Culture
- TPOLS 460 Political Economy of the European Union
- TRELIG 345 Christian Thought and Ethical Practice
- TRELIG 350 Philosophy, Religion and the Environment
- TRELIG 467 Philosophy of Religion
(*denotes courses restricted to Global Honors students)
Economics Option emphasizes economic theory and reasoning. It provides a solid foundation for understanding how the interplay of economics and politics shape our everyday lives. Particular emphasis is placed on analytical and critical thinking skills and problem solving. To fulfill this option, you must take four classes from the list of Economics option classes, as well as two additional classes from either the Politics and Philosophy or International Studies options.
List E: Economics Option Electives
- TBECON 420 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
- TECON 210 Ethics and Economics
- TECON 313 Theories of Economic Development and Social Change
- TECON 316 Current Issues in U.S. Public Policy (formerly TECON 416)
- TECON 320 Gender and Development
- TECON 321 Economics of Education (formerly TECON 420)
- TECON 325 Contemporary Issues in International Political Economy (formerly TECON 425)
- TECON 332 Rise of East Asia
- TECON 350 Economic History of Europe
- TECON 360 Poverty in Developing Countries
- TECON 361 Current Issues in the Chinese Economy (formerly TECON 461)
- TECON 362 China's Rise and its Global Economic Implications (formerly TECON 460)
- TECON 370 Economics and Social Mobility
- TECON 394 Comparative Economic Development
- TECON 401 Topics in Economic History
- TECON 410 Economics of Public Policy
- TECON 417 Political Economy of India
- TECON 418 Urban Problems and Policies
- TECON 421 Environmental Policy
- TECON 430 Behaviorial Economics
- TECON 440 Global Economic Challenges
- TECON 441 International Economics (formerly TECON 340)
- TECON 450 Labor Economics and Policy
- TECON 470 Economics of Health and Health Policy
- TECON 480 Seminar in Economic Analysis
- TGEOG 349 Geography and International Trade
- TPOLS 330 International Political Economy of Latin America
- TPOLS 460 Political Economy of European Union
- TPOLS 485 Study Abroad in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
International Studies Option focuses on the study of relations between states, domestic groups and transnational actors from an interdisciplinary perspective that includes politics, philosophy, history and economics. Students gain the background knowledge and skills necessary to understand the sources of conflict, cooperation and peace in the global arena. To fulfill this option, you must take four classes from the International Studies option list, with the choice of using up to five credits from a study abroad course or one third quarter or higher language course as one of the four option classes. Two additional classes from either the Politics and Philosophy or Economics options are also required.
List F: International Studies Option Electives
- TCOM 430 Global Networks, Local Identities
- TECON 325 Contemporary Issues in International Political Economy (formerly TECON 425)
- TECON 332 Rise of East Asia
- TECON 360 Poverty in Developing Countries
- TECON 361 Current Issues in the Chinese Economy (formerly TECON 461)
- TECON 362 China's Rise and its Global Economic Implications (formerly TECON 460)
- TECON 394 Comparative Economic Development
- TECON 417 Political Economy of India
- TECON 440 Global Economic Challenges
- TECON 441 International Economics (formerly TECON 340)
- TECON 460 China's Rise and its Global Economic Implications
- TEGL 435 Migration in the Modern World (formerly TSOC 435)
- TGEOG 349 Geography and International Trade
- TGEOG 435 Contemporary Geopolitics
- TGH 301 Global Interactions*
- TGH 303 Global Challenges*
- THIST 271 Modern East Asia
- THIST 350 Modern Germany since 1848
- THIST 364 Modern Russia
- THIST 365 Europe in the Twentieth Century
- THIST 457 Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust
- THIST 464 Modern China
- THIST 465 Modern Japan
- THIST 466 Modern Korea
- THIST 474 Imperial China
- THIST 475 Twentieth-century Britain
- THIST 484 The Pacific War
- TLAW 215 Introduction to International Organizations (formerly TPOLS 328)
- TLAW 423 International Law (formerly TPOLS 423)
- TLAW 422 International Humanitarian Law (formerly TPOLS 422)
- TLAW 424 The Politics and Law of International Human Rights (formerly TPOLS 368)
- TPHIL 200 Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Rights
- TPHIL 361 Ethics in Society
- TPOLS 230 International Human Rights (formerly TPOLS 311)
- TPOLS 251 Cultural Studies: Torture and Human Rights
- TPOLS 275 Political Rhetoric
- TPOLS 305 Campaigns and Elections
- TPOLS 310 Modern European Political Theory
- TPOLS 319 Theories of Political Violence (formerly TPOLS 420)
- TPOLS 321 American Foreign Policy
- TPOLS 329 Making of Modern Africa (formerly TPOLS 229)
- TPOLS 340 Middle East Politics
- TPOLS 341 Conflict and Cooperation in the Middle East (formerly TPOLS 431)
- TPOLS 350 Politics and Film in the Middle East
- TPOLS 371 The Politics of Security
- TPOLS 425 Comparative Social Policy
- TPOLS 426 World Politics
- TPOLS 435 Popular Movements in Latin America
- TPOLS 440 American Foreign Policy in the Middle East
- TPOLS 450 Contemporary Theories of Culture: post 9/11
- TPOLS 451 Human Rights and the Use of Force
- TPOLS 460 Political Economy of the European Union
- TRELIG 321 Comparative Religion
- TRELIG 333 Buddhist Thought
- TRELIG 366 Islam
- TSUD 444 Green Internationalism and the City
- TURB 430 Pacific Rim Cities
- TURB 460 Urban Issues in the Developing World
- TWOMN 420 Women in the Global Economy
(*denotes courses restricted to Global Honors students)
For questions about the PP&E major, contact advisors Heather Hucks.
Additional courses may be approved and added to courses lists to provide students more flexibility and options.
Please refer to this page often for the most up-to-date information.
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