Chair's Message

Welcome to the Department of Philosophy, History and Politics

It’s with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Department of Philosophy, History and Politics at Thompson Rivers University. We are grateful for the privilege to work, live and play on the traditional lands and unceded territory of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwépemc’ulucw. As a department deeply committed to the principles of truth, justice, and reconciliation, we believe there has never been a more important time for creative and critical thought as we look to navigate an increasingly complex world.  

Our approach to teaching and research prepares students for a world of change and uncertainty while offering innovative and pragmatic programing designed to empower future leaders. Our department offers three unique majors in (Philosophy, History, and Economics and Political Studies), three minor programs (Philosophy, History and Political Studies), and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Economics and Political Studies.  Our classroom environments are inclusive, safe, and supportive spaces for rigorous dialogue and debate.

For example, our deep thinkers may be drawn to our courses on Contemporary Moral Issues, the Philosophy of Literature, and the History of Marriage and Gender.  For historians, our courses on the History of Queer Activism, Communism and the Soviet Gulag, or the Global History of Capitalism offer exciting investigations into human society. And our courses on Law and Politics, the Politics of Child Rights and Labour, American Politics and great power competition driven by China’s global rise will be appealing to those considering careers in government.

Beyond the classroom our students enjoy a strong sense of community in the many groups and club activities available throughout the year including trivia nights, film screenings and the legendary PHP Beer Conference.  We are also home to TRU’s Model United Nations Club, the BC Interior Ethics Bowl, PHP Dialogues Undergraduate Journal, and one of Canada’s most successful student-led interdisciplinary research conferences that brings together hundreds of young scholars from across North America.

Supporting student-led research is of critical importance for building careers and supporting innovation. In PHP, our students have opportunities to work with faculty on complex research projects and as teaching assistants. This experience has launched many of our learners into thriving professions and go on to receive full scholarships at top graduate schools throughout North America and beyond.

I encourage you to read through our website and explore our exciting programs. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about our work. 

Best wishes,

Robert Hanlon
Chair, Department of Philosophy, History and Politics