Building Global Mindsets, an Education for the 21st Century: Programs in Politics, Economics & Beyond
Today’s guest speaker in Chapel, Professor and Provost of IE University, Dr. Manuel Muñiz, gave an insightful lecture about international relations, economics, diplomacy and global change. His conclusion encouraged LCS students to develop their global mindset and interdisciplinary and systems thinking in order to be effective leaders in the 21st century. Students who were inspired by Professor Muñiz’s lecture might consider undergraduate studies in social sciences, specifically Politics, Philosophy, Economics (often branded as PPE). Here are some notable interdisciplinary programs that align well with the PPE framework. These programs offer great flexibility and an interdisciplinary mindset, ideal for students seeking the analytical breadth in which to explore and deepen their interest; helping prepare them for the complex world that awaits them.
Canadian Options
- University of British Columbia – Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
UBC offers a dedicated PPE program that allows students to study the three disciplines in an integrated way, with options to focus more deeply on one area or keep a balanced approach. - University of Waterloo – Honours Arts and Business
While not a named PPE program, Waterloo allows students to combine majors across disciplines (e.g., Political Science + Economics + Philosophy), often paired with co-op experiences for real-world application. - Mount Allison University – Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
One of the few small liberal arts universities in Canada offering a named PPE program, emphasizing critical thinking, ethics, and policy. - University of Ottawa – Interdisciplinary School of Political Studies
Offers flexibility to combine Political Science with Philosophy and Economics courses, especially appealing for bilingual students. - McGill University – Joint Honours or Interfaculty Programs
McGill students can construct a similar interdisciplinary path by combining majors and minors in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics, especially within the Faculty of Arts or B.A. & Sc. programs. - Carleton University – Bachelor of Global and International Studies (BGInS)
Offers streams like Global Politics and Global Development, with course options across philosophy, economics, and political theory.
- University of Toronto – Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy: Offers undergraduate opportunities focused on global affairs, public policy, and international development.
- University of Toronto – First Year ONE Programs: Interdisciplinary, theme-based programs designed to help students make connections across fields and develop a global outlook from day one.
- University of King’s College – Foundation Year Program (Halifax): A rigorous first-year experience emphasizing philosophy, history, literature, and political thought, ideal for students interested in the roots of contemporary issues.
- Western University – School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities (SASAH): Combines humanities with real-world engagement and global experiences.
- Huron University College (Western University): Known for its strong liberal arts focus and global leadership initiatives, Huron encourages students to think critically and act with purpose.
- Bishop’s University (Sherbrooke, QC): A close-knit learning environment with strong offerings in political studies, international studies, and liberal education.
International Options
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE): A world leader in social sciences with outstanding programs in international relations, politics, and economics.
- University of Warwick – Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE): Offers a highly regarded and flexible PPE program, known for its innovative teaching and strong links between theory and real-world application.
- Durham University – Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE): Combines academic excellence with a collegiate experience, and strong faculty expertise across disciplines.
- University of St Andrews (Scotland) – International Relations or Sustainable Development: Offers a global perspective with strong ties to diplomatic studies and interdisciplinary research.
- Leiden University (Netherlands): Offers internationally oriented social science and international relations programs in English, within a highly global academic environment.
- Utrecht University (Netherlands): Home to innovative interdisciplinary programs like Liberal Arts and Sciences, designed to address complex global challenges.
- The University of Tokyo – PEAK (Programs in English at Komaba): Offers liberal arts and interdisciplinary education in English with a strong global focus.
- Yonsei University (South Korea) – Underwood International College: Offers fully English-taught majors in International Studies, Asian Studies, and Comparative Literature & Culture.
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK): Offers international relations and global studies programs with an emphasis on East-West integration.
- Singapore Management University (SMU): Known for global business and social science programs with a strong regional focus and international exchange opportunities.
United States
- Georgetown University – Walsh School of Foreign Service: A premier program for students interested in diplomacy, international politics, and global leadership.
- Tufts University – School of Arts and Sciences with a focus on International Relations: Combines academic rigor with global engagement through programs like the Tufts European Center.
- American University – School of International Service (SIS): Known for strong experiential learning in global affairs and international development.
- Claremont McKenna College – International Relations or PPE tracks: Offers small class sizes and access to think tank-style research opportunities.
- Syracuse University – Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs: Syracuse’s Maxwell School offers programs in international relations, political science, and public administration, with an emphasis on global issues and solutions.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison – Political Science and International Studies: Offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to engage in both global political issues and economic theory, providing a strong foundation for those interested in diplomacy.
- University of Vermont – Political Science and Economics: UVM’s program offers a balance of political science and economics, with a focus on environmental policy and global change, ideal for students passionate about sustainable leadership.
- University of Miami – International Studies and Political Science: Miami’s interdisciplinary programs offer opportunities to explore international relations and public policy with a global outlook, perfect for students interested in global diplomacy and economics.
- Michigan State University – James Madison College (International Relations & Political Economy): Known for its focus on international relations and public policy, MSU’s James Madison College gives students a solid foundation in political science, economics, and philosophy.
- University of Colorado Boulder – Political Science and International Affairs: Strong programs in political science and international relations, designed to foster interdisciplinary learning and global perspectives.
- Indiana University Bloomington – Political Science and International Studies: Offers a broad selection of political science, economics, and international studies courses, with a focus on preparing students for public policy and international diplomacy roles.
Encourage your student to explore these options if they were inspired by today’s talk—they represent just a few of the many outstanding paths available to students passionate about making a difference on a global scale. In line with Dr. Muñiz’s message, Lakefield College School is deeply committed to nurturing students who are not only academically accomplished but also globally aware and socially responsible. Our emphasis on character, integrity, and community provides students with the skills to lead with purpose in an increasingly interconnected world. Whether pursuing studies in the social sciences or exploring other pathways, LCS students are encouraged to think critically, act compassionately, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.
School Information
4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 admissions@lcs.on.ca
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Lakefield College School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
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