Page 99 - 2019-2020 Academic Catalog - Providence Christian College

Philosophy, Politics, and History (PPH)
The Philosophy, Politics and History (PPH) concentration explores the big questions and big ideas of human nature, human culture, and human communities. Philosophy examines (among other things) what is real, how that can be known, and how we should then live. Politics considers various ways the communities might live out the answers to such questions and history investigates how such ideas have been enacted in the past and why our current situation is as it now is.
The aim of such learning has traditionally been wisdom – a wisdom borne of exploring big questions and big ideas from multiple angles, especially by bringing them to texts that have stood the test of time. This program of study is rooted in great thinkers and their writings, thinkers from Ancients such as Plato and Aristotle, to Medievals such as Augustine and Aquinas, to Moderns such as Immanuel Kant and John Locke, to many contemporary theorists. By approaching Philosophy, Politics and History from an interdisciplinary humanities perspective such as this, rooted in a theologically informed Christian Worldview, PPH students gain knowledge, insight, and creativity as they seek to grasp what things truly matter and why, and how that redounds to the glory of God and the good of people.
God’s cultural mandate enjoins our participation in bringing His Kingdom shalom into every aspect and corner of human existence. By training students to engage such big questions and big ideas from a number of fields, this concentration enables them to grapple with questions of human flourishing theoretically, practically, and historically. Therefore, this concentration can be excellent preparation for careers not only in philosophy, politics and history, but also for law, public policy, and for seminary, among others.
The PPH concentration begins in the first year by laying the essential groundwork for critical thinking with a core focused upon economics, mathematics, philosophy, political theory, religion, and Western Civilization. Additional courses on composition and presentation require students to not only learn material but communicate information cogently and persuasively—essential skills in business. PPH majors are also introduced to entrepreneurial thinking that shapes the concentration in enrolling their first year in “Principles and Practice of Innovation.”
Second-year students complete additional studies in the liberal arts core while enrolling in two history classes, Greek and Roman History and Renaissance and Reformation, in the Fall and Spring semesters.
Upper-class PPH students enroll in classes on Classical & Medieval Philosophy, Modern & Post-Modern Philosophy, Ethics, Comparative Government, Democracy in America, and International Relations. Electives and other core course requirements round out a student’s academic preparation, before their program culminates in their participation in their Capstone project, the goal of which is for students to employ all of the elements of their Providence Christian education in independent research and exposition.
Mission Statement:
The Philosophy, Politics, and History (PPH) concentration is designed to equip students with the ability to understand and evaluate contemporary culture by providing a sound overview of the central events, issues, and ideas that have shaped our world and then developing the critical and personal skills necessary to engage it from an informed and Reformed Christian worldview for the good of others and the glory of God.
Concentration Learning Outcomes:
After active participation and completion of the PPH program, graduates will be able to:
97