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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.

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

John Schlatter

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.

John Schlatter, Philosophy, ’19

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

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."

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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.

Emily Weber-Brokke, ’21, Political Science and Spanish

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

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News & Announcements

A lion sculpture outside PNW's Nils K Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building

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.

Students sit in commencement regalia during the Spring 2024 commencement ceremony

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.

Four students pose together during an international womens day event.

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

Nov 27

Thanksgiving Break

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no classes from Wednesday, November 27 through Saturday, November 30.

Dec 07

Fall 2024 Classes End

Fall Classes end Saturday, December 7. Next week are final exams! Make sure to study and enjoy your break after!

Dec 09

Fall 2024 Final Exams

Get ready to start your final exams! Final exams run from Monday, December 9, through Saturday, December 14.

Dec 14

Fall 2024 Commencement

Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies will be held indoors at the Hammond campus on Saturday, December 14, 2024.

Excerpt from Raphael's painting, "School of Athens."

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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