Great Books and Ideas (GBI)

PPEL stands for Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law. It is an multidisciplinary Bachelor of Arts program that examines the intersection of these key fields, offering students a comprehensive understanding of how these disciplines interact and influence societal issues. The program also develops skills that are transferable and useful for many different careers. The program will offer both a major and minor.

Great Books and Ideas (GBI) is a multidisciplinary Bachelor of Arts program at the Hamilton Center. It focuses on exploring seminal texts and fundamental ideas that have shaped Western civilization, preparing students for critical analysis, rigorous debate and effective communication. GBI’s multidisciplinary classes will deal with history, politics, philosophy, art, literature, classics and more. This program will offer both a major and a minor.

PPEL prepares students to address the biggest challenges facing governments, businesses, and communities around the world today. These problems are not only political, or economic, or legal; they are multi-faceted, with intersecting moral, political, economic, and legal considerations. To understand these problems, students’ training must go beyond the boundaries of any single traditional academic discipline. Through the coursework in the PPEL program, students will acquire foundational analytical and quantitative skills; they will learn to analyze problems holistically by integrating multiple disciplinary perspectives; and they will learn to apply their new skills and knowledge to real world problems through case studies and a capstone senior research project.

Great Books & Ideas (GBI) allows students interested in the humanities to confront the deepest questions about human existence thought a multidisciplinary program. It is premised on the idea that ‘all branches of knowledge are connected together’ and it offers students the chance to get to know ‘the best which has been said and thought in the world’. GBI majors will learn through discussion-based seminars focused on the great books which have stood the test of time. Along the way students will develop the ability to write and speak clearly, cleanly and persuasively.

The curriculum includes:

• Core courses in foundational texts and ideas of Western civilization.
• Specialized seminars and tutorials exploring political, historical, philosophical and literary traditions.
• Opportunities for in-depth research and thesis writing under faculty guidance.
• Elective courses that allow for personalized academic exploration.

Throughout your degree: 

• Engage in lively seminars, discussion and debates with peers and faculty.
• Participate in research projects, internships and study abroad programs
• Access career development resources and network opportunities tailored to your degree.