Academic Calendar 2024-2025

Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPEC)

PPEC 200  Introduction to the Study of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics  Units: 3.00  
This course will emphasize the analysis of conceptual complementarities, the assessment of arguments, and the application of principles in factual contexts that are the focus of study within the disciplines of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics.
Learning Hours: 120 (24 Lecture, 12 Group Learning, 84 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite 12.0 units from (ECON 110/6.0, [ECON 111/3.0 and ECON 112/3.0], POLS 110/6.0*, [POLS 111/3.0 and POLS 112/3.0], PHIL at the 100-level).  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Explain in words and illustrate with examples basic economic concepts that can have broader political or philosophical dimensions and applications. These concepts could include: comparative advantage; collective action problems; or Pareto efficiency.
  2. Distinguish different values relevant to the assessment of economic and political institutions, including: liberty; equality; or wellbeing.
  3. Describe and apply different philosophical approaches to these assessments, including consequentialist or rights-based approaches.
  4. Formulate arguments appealing to different normative standards (not just prosperity or practicality) for and against contemporary public and social policy proposals, which could include: international trade agreements; labour market regulations; or the creation of unconditional basic income guarantees.
  5. Identify and assess positions originating from different ideological and disciplinary perspectives, including positions students may find challenging to support.
  
PPEC 300  Topics in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics  Units: 3.00  
This course is devoted to the study of ethical and political aspects of economic institutions. It focuses on practical applications of ideas within the context of contemporary issues, and it will include a diversity of ideological views.
NOTE This course is the required third-year core course for the PPEC degree plan, but it is open to other students with the prerequisites.
Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 36 Online Activity, 48 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite PPEC 200/3.0.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Distinguish normative from empirical questions, while also recognizing that empirical theories may bring with them normative assumptions.
  2. Formulate arguments both for and against contemporary policy proposals by appealing to different normative standards.
  3. Identify and think from the perspective of different ideological positions, including positions one rejects.
  
PPEC 400  Research Seminar in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics  Units: 3.00  
Politics, Philosophy, and Economics approach problems from discipline specific perspectives, but the questions asked have fundamental similarities. In this course students will be exposed to research methods from all three different disciplines, while completing a research intensive project. Peer review and presentation skills will be emphasized.
Learning Hours: 120 (12 Lecture, 12 Seminar, 12 Group Learning, 84 Private Study)  
Requirements: Prerequisite Level 4 or above and registration in the PPEC Specialization Plan and a minimum Plan GPA of 2.60 and permission of the Department.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Recognize, distinguish, and critique a range of discipline-specific research methods employed in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics.
  2. Select a question or topic with a multi-disciplinary dimension for research intensive study.
  3. Critique and develop topics and research approaches in small peer review sessions.
  4. Analyze and explore the chosen question or topic.
  5. Write up and present a synthesis of their research findings.
  6. Engage in collaborative peer review and assessment.