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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Our rigorous programs bring real-world experience to the classroom, building the knowledge you need to succeed.
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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.
My degree has given me a solid foundation upon which I have built a stable career in the public workforce system and has enabled me to excel as I pursue my Juris Doctorate in law school. The breadth and depth of my philosophical education has helped me find success in areas of significant expertise even beyond my colleagues who specialized in that area.
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.
Because of the class sizes, I am on a first name basis with all of my professors...They’re always asking about my future plans and how they can help me reach my goals."
I fell in love with the people in the department and the subject in general. PNW has become a second home for me.
PNW offered a perfect college experience for me. The connections and relationships I’ve made are my favorite thing about attending.
PNW provides a great learning environment for its students and resources for their success.
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News & Announcements
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.
Purdue University Northwest spring graduates encouraged to be brave in their careers
PNW spring 2024 graduates arduously persisted to complete their college degrees. Intensive hours spent studying or researching, leading on-campus events, and shining on the field or court have prepared PNW graduates well for their next professional ventures.
Purdue University Northwest shares Women’s History Month events
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will recognize Women’s History Month throughout March with a slate of events that highlights chapters in women’s history, facilitates inspiring guest speakers, addresses women’s issues and celebrates women leaders.
Important Dates
Jul 22
Untangling the Law – Summer Camp
PNW is hosting a four-day summer program for teenagers interested in law, led by two PNW professors as they explore important court cases.
Aug 02
Summer 2024 Semester Ends
All summer classes end Friday, August 2. There are no finals week for summer courses.
Aug 06
Summer 2024 Grades Due
All faculty is expected to submit final grades for any Summer 2024 session by Tuesday, August 6 at 5 p.m. (Central).
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.