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Department of History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics

You can find intellectual enrichment and the tools to succeed in diverse careers with this marketable education for the 21st century.

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Get active in the campus community. There’s a campus life here – give it a try! It will make your experience here a lot better.

Raymond Kosinski

The professors at PNW have always set clear expectations and shared information enthusiastically and engagingly. Discussion was not only had, but encouraged. Overall, the professors at PNW provided an experience that encouraged engagement and helped build connections.

Raymond Kosinski, ‘22, History

Erica Nichols

My learning opportunities afforded to me in PNW's kind and welcoming environment have carried me well through graduate school, all the way to finishing my dissertation, acquiring a Ph.D. in Philosophy and becoming an assistant professor.

Erica Nichols, Philosophy

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PNW provides a great learning environment for its students and resources for their success.

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News & Announcements

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Purdue University Northwest Graduates Encouraged to Commit to Themselves and Their Dreams

Purdue University Northwest celebrated summer and fall 2024 graduates during two ceremonies held Saturday, Dec. 14. A total of 650 candidates were recognized for not only their commitment to academic excellence, but also their grit exhibited through student leadership, community service and extracurricular involvement.

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Classroom to the Courtroom: Meet Fall 2024 PNW graduate Joseph Ignatuk

Joseph Ignatuk, ’24, is set to earn a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) with minors in French and Philosophy.

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Purdue University Northwest students earn 2024 spring semester Dean’s List honors

The Purdue University Northwest (PNW) 2024 spring semester Dean’s List recognizes 1,636 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.

Important Dates

Jan 20

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

There are no classes and campuses are closed.

Jan 26

Deadline to Apply to Graduate for Spring 2025

Speak with your academic advisor to make sure you are eligible to graduate and submit your application.  

Feb 04

Deadline to Submit Spring 2025 Residency Application

Submit your Residency Application and supporting documents to the Registrar’s Office by 4:30 pm.

Feb 19

Pride Professional Development Night

Join the Career Center for Pride Professional Development Night!

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Philosophy Magazine: Symphony of Reason - Spring 2024: Volume IV, Issue 1

The current issue (IV.1) of Symphony of Reason (SOR), PNW’s philosophy magazine, is produced after a one-year (2023) gap. It is, as Dr. Detmer says (in his Foreword), “especially rich in philosophical content.” Divided into six main subsections, it begins with a paper (by PNW student Savannah J. DeBoer) on the ethics of punishment, followed by two philosophical profiles – one each, on western philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre (by Dr. David Detmer) and Kierkegaard (by Prof. Hoon J. Lee).

Next, we have what Dr. Detmer calls a “provocative and enlightening” extended essay by former PNW professor Dr. Renee Conroy – on “aesthetics, the branch of philosophy that historically has dealt primarily with issues concerning the nature and value of art, and of the principles underlying our evaluation and appreciation of works of art.” This is followed by three short essays on abortion (by PNW students Kathleen Nielsen and Kaitlyn Vasilko and PNW alumnus Kayla Vasilko).

After this, Dr. Lee Artz’s critique of Dr. Deepa Majumdar’s essay (in SOR III.1, S 2022) on Mr. Putin’s 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, followed by her spirited reply. Finally, this issue ends with four philosophical poems – one by Prof. Subbarao Majety, and Kaitlyn Vasilko, and two by Kayla Vasilko.

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