Degree Requirements

The PPEL program aims not simply at breadth of knowledge, but detailed understanding. To do this the major is composed of 34 units.

Overview

120 total units to complete the degree
34 units in the major; 16 of which are upper-division
Electives may be required to reach these totals

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General Education

The General Education curriculum described below applies to all students who matriculate in Fall 2021 or earlier.

Foundations

1st Year English or equivalent
Math: PHIL 110, LING 123, MATH 105, 107, 112 or higher
4th semester second language proficiency

General Education

6 units Tier 1 Individuals & Societies
6 units Tier 1 Traditions & Cultures
6 units Tier 1 Natural Sciences
3 units Tier 2 Humanities
3 units Tier 2 Natural Sciences
3 units Tier 2 Arts
3 units Diversity

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The General Education curriculum described below applies to all students who matriculate in Spring 2022 or beyond.

UNIV 101

1 course, 1 unit - Introduction to the General Education Experience

Foundations

3 courses, 9 units (number of units is variable depending on method of meeting writing & second language requirements)

Math
Writing
4th semester second language proficiency

Exploring Perspectives

4 courses, 12 units

Artist
Humanist
Natural Scientist
Social Scientist

Building Connections

3 courses, 9 units

UNIV 301

1 course, 1 unit - General Education Portfolio

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Disciplinary Foundations (6 units)

In their first and second years of university study, potential PPEL majors must complete two courses of disciplinary study.

Economics Foundations

Complete one course (3 units)

ECON 200: Basic Economic Issues

ECON 205: The Ethics and Economics of Wealth Creation

SBS 200: Intro to Statistics for Social Sciences

Philosophy Foundations

Complete one course (3 units)
Choose one of the following:

PHIL 210: Moral Thinking

PHIL 250: The Social Contract

Core Curriculum (19 units)

Students admitted to Advanced Standing are required in their junior year to take PPEL 401 (formerly 301), 410 (formerly 310), and 326; in their senior year they must take PPEL 440 (formerly 340) and 418 (formerly 350), as well as the capstone seminar, PPEL 496 (4 units).

The PPEL program guarantees course and place availability, allowing all students to complete the core in their third and fourth years of university study. Except with special permission, only students who have completed their disciplinary foundation courses can enroll in the core courses.