Philosophy, politics and economics: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:36, 22 April 2005

Revision as of 17:03, 3 July 2005

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'''Philosophy, Politics and Economics''' ("'''PPE'''") is a [[academic degree|degree]] which is one of the most famous and prestigious at the [[University of Oxford]]. In the past, this was a programme taken by many who seek a career in [[politics]] or public life - and quite a few who subsequently achieve it - orbut now also by those seeking a broader range of subjects for their first degree. Though nowadays available at many [[United Kingdom|UK]] [[university|universities]], it is usually associated with the [[University of Oxford]], where famous PPE graduates include [[Harold Wilson]], [[Bill clinton]], [[Benazir Bhutto]], amongst others.

PPE was originally designed as a modern alternative to [[classics]] for those wanting to enter the public sphere as it was thought that a course in Philosophy and Ancient History was no longer sufficient for those entering the civil service. It was thus initially nicknamed "Modern Greats".

==Course of Study at Oxford==

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There is some choice in the first year courses. Students will usually only study the politics of three of the four countries listed and certain colleges make Logic optional.

At the end of the first year students sit "Prelims" - preliminary examinations - in all three subjects. These are officially marked only by "pass", "fail" or "distinction" (though students will be unofficially informed of their scores). A Pass is equivalent to 3rd or better in the Oxford system and a Distinction is a 1st or high uppers first. If students pass these exams, they carry on into their second year. If they fail, they must retake the exams. Potentially, if the student fails on the second attempt they might be sent down (Oxford term for being expelled, or possibly just suspended). If a student gets a mean mark across his three papers equivilentequivalent to a distinction he will normally be awarded a scholarship or postmastership by his college.

'''Final Honours Schools'''

In the second and third years students work towards their Final Exams. Students usually specialise in two of the three subjects, (though it is possible to continue taking all three), they- are also given the opportunity to study [[Sociology]] and [[International Relations]]known as partgoing of the Politics section of their degree'tripartite'. Students will take core courses perscribed for all PPE students studying their subjects and then will usually choose four optional papers from a list of the various courses offered. These courses are now taught through a mixture of tutorials and departmental classes (though tutorials are still the primary method). At the end of the third year students take their eight Finals Papers (or seven papers and one [[thesis]]). The exams are marked according to the Oxford system of degree classes - a First, an Upper Second (2.1), a Lower Second (2.2), a Third, pass or fail.