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Department Head

Jennifer Prewitt-Freilino

History, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences (HPSS) Concentration Coordinator

Xiangli Ding

An interdisciplinary liberal arts department, History, Philosophy and the Social Sciences (HPSS) offers a wide variety of courses on the nature of human life—past and present—in its psychological, social, political, intellectual, philosophical and cultural contexts and manifestations. Courses in world history, philosophy, psychology, anthropology, political science, sociology, religion and American and cultural studies are designed to help students broaden their knowledge while developing stronger critical thinking, reading and writing skills.

Concentration

The Department of History, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences (HPSS) offers courses open to undergraduate and graduate students and a 21-credit undergraduate concentration in HPSS (like a minor). The requirements for the concentration can be found here.

Graduation Requirement for Undergraduates

All undergraduate students are required to complete either Topics in History, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences or the HPSS Advanced Inquiry Seminar. For students entering RISD in 2025 or later, this requirement is fulfilled by HPSS S301 Advanced Inquiry Seminar, which is typically taken in the junior year (but may be taken in either the second semester of sophomore year or first semester of senior year with consultation with a student's major advisor). For students entering prior to 2025, the requirement is fulfilled by course Topics in History, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences, taken during the first-year. No waivers or transfer credit for HPSS S101 or HPSS S301 are permitted.