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Politics with Economics Unit Catalogue
ECOI0003: Core skills for economists: introduction to
computing
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW25 OR25 EX50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the course unit is to familiarise students with University computing
facilities and to explore the application of these facilities to economics and
to empirical political data. Students should develop the spreadsheet skills
to simulate the theoretical models they are learning about in economics and
politics. They should also learn how to use the CAL resource WinEcon and how
to use computers for accessing information.
Content:
The Unit reviews University facilities. The main part of the Unit uses an Excel
spreadsheet package to develop skills in building small numerical models and
in summarising and describing economic and political data. Basic skills: word
processing, networking (Word, email, internet); presentation software (Powerpoint);
spreadsheets (Excel); relational databases (Access). Applications: Microeconomic,
Macroeconomic and political analysis using Excel; Data management and analysis.
ECOI0004: Core skills for economists: introductory data
analysis
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW50 PR25 EX25
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to provide students with experience in the use of real
statistical data in economics and to further develop their computing skills,
including the use of Excel spreadsheets, and graphic representation of data.
The learning objectives are that students should understand: (i) the meaning
and reliability of data (ii) data sources (iii) the ways of summarising data.
Content:
The course unit will look at different sources of data, including national and
international, published in e.g., The Blue Book, Economic Trends and by the
International Monetary Fund; electronic data sources on CD Rom; data sources
such as the Family Expenditure Survey and the British Social Attitudes Data.
Definition and reliability of trade and national income and expenditure data.
Difference between real and nominal data. Index numbers, calculation of and
the inclusion of quality. Graphic representation of data: pie charts, histograms,
time series plots, and scattergraphs. Tabular representation of data. Key texts:
R. Mason, D. Lind and w. Marchal Statisitical Techniques in Business and Economics
C. Johnson and S. Briscoe Measuring the Economy.
ECOI0005: Core skills for economists: Elementary mathematics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to provide students without A-level Mathematics with
the knowledge of elementary mathematics that is relevant to economics and to
prepare them for the Core Skills: Mathematics unit (UNIV0036) in semester 2.
Students should be able to: (i) understand elementary mathematical concepts;
(ii) solve simple mathematical problems; (iii) apply mathematics to simple economic
problems.
Content:
The course unit begins with a review of GCSE algebra, and students should read
the book by P. Abbott Teach Yourself Algebra, useful for revision. Topics will
include: variables and functions; coordinates and graphs; powers and indices,
exponential and logarithmic functions; linear equations; quadratic equations;
simultaneous equations; sequences and series; differentiation, maxima and minima;
integration. Key text: T. Bradley and P. Patton Essential Mathematics for Economics
and Business. Other texts: Ian Jacques Mathematics for Economics and Business.
Chris Birchenhall and Paul Grout Mathematics for Modern Economics.
ECOI0006: Introductory microeconomics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES40 EX40 OT20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: The Unit is designed to provide an introduction to the methods of microeconomic
analysis, including the use of simple economic models and their application.
Students should gain an ability to derive conclusions from simple economic models
and evaluate their realism and usefulness. Learning Objectives: By the end of
the course unit students should be able to understand and apply basic microeconomic
principles to the economic decisions of households and firms under a variety
of market conditions. They should be able to use these principles both to describe
and to appraise these decisions. They should be competent in the verbal, diagrammatic
and basic mathematical concepts and techniques used in introductory microeconomics.
Additional provision is made for those students without A Level Economics. The
Unit is supported by the CAL package WinEcon.
Content:
An introduction to economic methodology; the concept of market equilibrium;
the use of demand and supply curves, and the concept of elasticity; elementary
consumer theory, indifference curves and their relationship to market demands;
elementary theory of production, production possibilities and their relationship
to cost curves; the output decisions of perfectly and imperfectly competitive
firms and industries; supply curves; the idea of general competitive equilibrium;
the efficiency properties of competitive markets; examples of market failure.
Key texts: Richard G. Lipsey and K. Alec Chrystal 'An Introduction to Positive
Economics'. Jean Soper and Phil Hobbs (eds) 'The WinEcon Workbook'. M. L. Katz
and H.S. Rosen 'Microeconomics'. Alan Griffiths and Stuart Wall 'Applied Economics:
An Introductory Course'.
ECOI0007: Introductory macroeconomics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES40 EX40 OT20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: The Unit is designed to provide an introduction to the methods of macroeconomic
analysis, including the use of simple macroeconomic models and their application
in a UK policy context. Students should gain an ability to derive conclusions
from simple economic models and evaluate their realism and usefulness in policy
making. Learning Objectives: By the end of the course unit students should be
able to understand and apply basic macroeconomic principles to the economic
decisions of the policy-maker. They should be able to use these principles to
both describe and appraise these decisions as well as to understand how macroeconomic
problems arise. They should be competent in the verbal, diagrammatic and basic
mathematical concepts used in introductory macroeconomics, providing a suitable
platform for the more advanced study of this subject in future years. Additional
provision is made for those students without A Level Economics. The Unit is
supported by the CAL package WinEcon.
Content:
The circular flow of income and expenditure; national income accounting; aggregate
demand and supply; the components and determinants of private and public sector
aggregate expenditure in closed and open economies; output and the price level
in the short- and long-run; monetary institutions and policy; inflation and
unemployment; the balance of payments and exchange rates; economic growth, the
Kondratieff. Key texts: Richard G. Lipsey and K. Alec Chrystal 'An Introduction
to Positive Economics'. Jean Soper and Phil Hobbs (eds) 'The WinEcon Workbook'.
M.J. Artis (ed) 'The UK Economy: a Manual of Applied Economics'. Alan Griffiths
and Stuart Wall 'Applied Economics: An Introductory Course'.
ECOI0008: The modern world economy 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX70 OT30
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: The aim of this Unit is to equip students with an historical, institutional
and descriptive understanding of economic issues and institutions in a global
context. The Unit is appropriate for specialist students of economics and will
support and provide a relevant policy context for first year units in introductory
micro and macroeconomics. The Unit is also appropriate for non-specialist students,
who may wish to take only one or two course units in economics, and will introduce
them to some of the central principles of economics via the policy questions
and institutional arrangements which confront modern economies. Learning objectives:
By the end of the course unit, students should be able to develop an informed
commentary on both academic and more popular arguments on: 1. Patterns of growth
and development at national, regional and global levels. 2. The role of multilateral
corporations in the global economy. 3. The impacts of globalisation on the workforces
of both developed and developing economies. 4. The scope for national economic
policies within the globalised economy.
Content:
Growth and development in the world economy since the Second World War; patterns
of international trade and investment; the role of multi national corporations;
employment and income distribution in the world economy; limitations on national
policy effectiveness; international economic institutions and the regulation
of international trade, investment and finance. Key text: Peter Dicken, 'Global
Shift'.
ECOI0009: The modern world economy 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES30 EX70
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This Unit is a continuation from ECOI0008 The Modern World Economy 1. Its aim
is to provide students with an understanding of the economic issues which have
affected various regions of the world in the post second world war period. It
is designed to be accessible to both specialist and non-specialist students
of economics. Learning objectives: By the end of the course unit students should
be able to understand: 1. The determinants of economic activity in selected
regions of the world economy. 2. The reasons why there are significant differences
in this activity among such regions. 3. The policy issues which confront nations
within these regions.
Content:
The course unit comprises three regional studies: the European Union, Transitional
Economies of East and Central Europe, East Asia. European Union: The development
of economic integration in Europe; static and dynamic effects of economic integration;
trade creation and diversion and the economics of customs unions; factor mobility
and the common market; fiscal and monetary harmonisation; optimum currency areas
and the European Monetary System; the role of the European Central Bank and
the problem of Europe-wide macroeconomic policy. Transitional Economies: Central
planning, operation and failure; the state of transition today; expanding the
European Union to embrace Central and Eastern Europe. East Asia: Interpretations
of the East Asian "miracle" (pre-1997); causes and consequences of the current
crisis; longer term prospects for sustainable development. Key texts: D. Swann
'The Economics of the Common Market'. James Forder, ' Both Sides of the Coin:
The Arguments Against the Euro and EMU'. F. McDonald, 'European Economic Integration'.
D. Dyker (ed), 'The European Economy'. D. Gros and A., 'Steinherr Winds of Change'.
Grahame Thompson (ed), 'Economic Dynamism in the Asia-Pacific World Bank The
East Asian Miracle'.
ECOI0012: Economic thought & policy 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims of the Unit:
* To familiarise students with a range of primary source texts written by major
economists from the late eighteenth to late nineteenth century.
* To stimulate an interest and knowledge base in the historical development
of economics in Britain.
* To convey the relevance of the economics of earlier writers to an understanding
of present day economic thought and debate. Learning Objectives: Students will
have developed an understanding of the economic models and contributions to
policy of a number of major economists in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries
and the context within which these models were relevant. Students will have
acquired "first hand" knowledge through reading primary sources.
Content:
The historical development of economic thought and policy from the beginning
of the industrial revolution in the eighteenth century to the emergence of neoclassical
economics. The main economists considered are Smith, Malthus, Ricardo, J.S.
Mill and Jevons. Key texts: Primary sources Ekelund and Hebert,'A History of
Economic Theory and Method'. R. Heilbroner,'The Worldly Philosophers'.
ECOI0013: Economic thought & policy 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This Unit extends the aims and objectives of Economic Thought and Policy 1 (ECOI0012)
by considering the influence of late nineteenth and early twentieth century
economists on the development of economic ideas and policy.
Content:
The main economists considered are Marshall, Pigou, Pareto, Wicksell, Myrdal
Ohlin, Hayek and Keynes. The course unit is organised around four broad topic
areas: The development of welfare economics from Marshall onwards; The competitive
model and increasing returns to scale; Money, business cycles and effective
demand in the 1920s and 1930s; Keynesian and post-Keynesian macroeconomic policy.
Key texts: G.L.S. Shackle,'The Years of High Theory'. Ekelund and Hebert,'A
History of Economic Theory and Method'. David Laidler,'Fabricating the Keynesian
Revolution'. Primary sources.
ECOI0014: Money & finance
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to provide an introduction to the analysis of financial
behaviour, and to use this analysis to explain and evaluate recent trends in
UK financial markets, institutions, and policy within the context of European
monetary and financial integration. The learning objective is that, at the end
of the course, students should be able to i) understand the roles of financial
markets and the institutions that participate in them, ii) analyse the effects
of changes in financial market structures on market behaviour, iii) analyse
the effects of government financial policy on the workings of financial markets.
Content:
Risk and return: financial instruments and their pricing; financial intermediation;
money and capital markets; the foreign exchange market; deposit- and non-deposit-taking
financial institutions; government borrowing, the regulatory regime, and the
role of the central bank. Key texts: P.G.A. Howells and K. Bain,'The Economics
of Money, Banking and Finance: a European Text'. C.A.E. Goodhart,'Money, Information
and Uncertainty'. M. Artis and M. Lewis,'Money in Britain'.
ECOI0015: Economics of industry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the Unit is to examine industry and the policy context within which
it operates, with particular reference to the UK. The emphasis is in part on
providing a descriptive account of the key features of industrial structure
and in part on providing an account of theoretical models which can be used
to explain the behaviour of firms and industries. Learning Objectives: Students
will have acquired familiarity with key topics in industrial economics such
as pricing theory, advertising, innovation and the analysis of market structure
and barriers to entry and be able to apply these concepts to contemporary industrial
developments. Students will have gained an understanding of industrial and competition
policy.
Content:
The Unit provides a descriptive review of contemporary industrial structure
and of the relationship between industry in the UK, Europe and beyond. It reviews
the two main paradigms for analysing industry, namely the Structure-Conduct-Performance
model and the New Industrial Economics. It applies microeconomic theory to explain
why firms exist and how they select price, output and marketing strategies.
It examines the role played by government policy in the operation and regulation
of industry. Key texts: Stead, Curwen and Lawler,'Industrial Economics'. Jacobson
and Andreosso-O'Callaghan,'Industrial Economics and Organisation: A European
Perspective'. George, Joll and Lynk,'Industrial Organisation'.
ECOI0016: Economics of social policy
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to build on students` knowledge of microeconomic principles
and apply and extend it within the context of social policy. Students will acquire
an understanding of what economics has to say about some of the major areas
of social policy. Efficiency and equity issues within this important area will
be stressed. Learning objectives include the possession of a sound grasp of
how economics can illuminate areas of social policy, and the demonstration of
analytical ability by applying economic principles to social policy problems.
Content:
The course unit introduces some of the main issues that economists emphasise
when they discuss social policy. The lectures are divided into two groups. In
the first we look at some of the basic ideas which economists have used to analyse
social policies. We discuss politico-social theories and the role of the state;
the concepts of equity and efficiency; the economic justifications for intervention;
the economics of insurance, and the measurement of economic welfare and poverty.
In the second group we look at some of the main economic issues in six different
areas of social policy: financing the welfare state; education; health; housing;
poverty, and pensions. Key texts: N. Barr,'The Economics of the Welfare State'.
Le Grand, Propper and Robinson,'The Economics of Social Problems'.
ECOI0023: Social change and development
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre ECOI0077
Aims & learning objectives:
Aim: To introduce students to some of the key concepts and methods used in the
social analysis of change and international development, grounding theoretical
exploration in practical approaches to particular issues. Learning objectives:
Students should learn how the key concerns of sociology (social structure and
social relations) and social anthropology (culture) can be used to extend understanding
of the process involved in social change and international development. By the
end of this course unit students should be equipped critically to discuss the
concepts and practice of social change drawing on the analytical traditions
of sociology and social anthropology and the experience of a range of contexts
in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This course unit builds on the foundations
laid in ECOI0077 Introduction to International Development. It focuses on development
as something that happens: social change. This complements ECOI0043 Governance
and the Policy Process in Developing Countries, which considers development
as something which is done: policy and programme intervention.
Content:
Social change and development as essentially contested: both as concepts and
as forms of practice. A way of ordering the world by contrasts: in time - tradition/modernity;
and space - first/third world; and in time as space - modern=western. Models
of social change and the implication of sociology and anthropology in these.
Interrogating notions of identity, tradition and modernity: in colonialism;
in notions of city and countryside; poverty and progress; health and reasoning;
cultures of production and exchange. The dynamics of social change: in divisions
of labour and within households. Issues around agency, consciousness and social/political
action. The implications of globalization and the post-colonial order. Key text:
Roger Keesing,'Cultural Anthropology: A Contemporary Perspective'. Nancy Scheper-Hughes,
'Death Without Weeping: The Violence of Everday Life in Urban Brazil'.
ECOI0024: Economics of development 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES40 OR10 EX50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the Unit is to relate economic theory to debates over the determinants
of global poverty, and over the prospects for economic development and poverty
reduction in low and middle income countries (LMICs), particularly of South
Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The learning objectives of the course unit are
that students should acquire an improved understanding of:
* the economic performance and prospects of LMICs;
* how the economies of LMICs interact with those of high income countries (HICs);
* the nature and determinants of global poverty, and the prospects for poverty
reduction;
* the relevance of theory to the analysis of the economic problems and prospects
of LMICs;
* the relationship between economics and other social science disciplines relevant
to the analysis of the economic problems and prospects of LMICs - particularly
sociology, anthropology and political science. Students who are interested in
issues of economic development are advised to take the second semester course
unit in Economics of Development 2 (ECOI0025) and/or Economics of Transition
(ECOI0026).
Content:
The following topics will be covered: classical models of agrarian transformation
and industrialisation; the current status of development economics; economic
development, institutions and culture; evaluation of economic liberalisation;
economic development and demography; strategies for poverty reduction. Key texts:
G.M. Meier (ed),'Leading Issues in Economic Development'. A.P Thirlwall,'Growth
and Development'. J.G. Copestake,'Theories of Economic Development'. (on www.bath.ac.uk/deid/j.g.copestake).
ECOI0025: Economics of development 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES40 OR10 EX50
Requisites: Pre ECOI0024
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to provide an in-depth understanding of selected topics
in the economies of developing countries, beyond that provided by ECOI0024 Economics
of Development 1. The objectives are to show students how to apply economic
theory to the problems of developing countries and how to assess empirical evidence
on these issues.
Content:
The course interleaves lectures with seminars in which students will make presentations
on selected topics. The course covers the following topics: growth theory and
the performance of developing economies; household economics and intra-household
allocation; rural factor markets; stabilisation; liberalisation and structural
adjustment; population. Key texts: D. Ray,'Development Economics'. R. Jha,'Macroeconomics
for Developing Countries'.
ECOI0026: Economics of transition
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES20 EX80
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of the Unit are to use economic analysis to understand the changes
which are taking place in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union,
and to develop a critical awareness of the problems which have beset transition,
and an appreciation of their possible solutions. The learning objectives include
the students being able to describe the process of transition; to demonstrate
an awareness of the role played by the legacy of planning in the present state
of transition; and to show the weaknesses in present policies and to outline
how progress might be possible.
Content:
Topics covered will include the planned economy and legacy of planning under
communism; the speed and sequencing of adjustment to market economy; institutional
change; privatisation; financial markets; the labour market; foreign trade;
growth and inflation; public finance issues. Key texts: D. Gros and A. Steinherr,'Winds
of Change'. M. Lavigne,'The Economics of Transition: from Socialist Economy
to Market Economy'. Mark Knell (ed),'The Economics of Transition: Structural
Adjustments and Growth Prospects in Eastern Europe'.
ECOI0040: International relations 1: A history of international
relations theory
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to provide students with an understanding of the main
concepts, theories and perspectives used to study international relations, and
to introduce them to the historical development of those aspects of international
relations theory that are relevant today. By examining how different types of
historical international systems have existed in the past, what caused wars
to occur and what helped to maintain peace, students will have a better idea
of the causes of conflict and cooperation today. Learning objectives: By the
end of this course unit students should be able to do the following:
* identify the main perspectives of international relations
* explain the key Western thinkers and their ideas which contributed to the
main perspectives on international relations
* explain how the key thinkers, ideas and concepts are related to the development
of different historic international systems. Although the unit can be studied
as a self-contained module, it forms part of a specialist stream in international
relations with ECOI0041.
Content:
An historical survey of the main theories of international relations and the
main historical state-systems in which they arose: the Greek-state system, the
middle ages, the Renaissance and the emergence of the modern state system. The
course unit examines a series of important, enduring questions in international
relations theory about international systems: (1) what were the origins of different
international systems; (2) what factors contributed to order and stability;
and (3) what factors promoted not only disorder and instability, but also system-wide
change, the change to to an entirely different type of international system.
Key texts: Michael Doyle,'Ways of War and Peace: Realism, Liberalism, and Socialism'.
Torbjorn Knutsen,'A History of International Relations Theory'. Joseph Nye,'Understanding
International Conflicts: An Introduction to Theory And History'.
ECOI0041: International relations 2: contemporary international
relations
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES40 OR10
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of this Unit are to provide students with an understanding of how contemporary
thinkers have contributed to the main perspectives of international relations;
to consider the impact of globalisation on international relations; to show
how international conflict has changed in the twentieth century, particularly
since the end of the Cold War; to provide students with an understanding of
how diplomacy has changed in the twentieth century. Learning objectives: By
the end of the course unit students should be able to:
* critically evaluate the main perspectives of international relations
* explain the impact of the end of the Cold War on global security
* explain what international relations scholars mean by globalisation, and critically
evaluate what impact it has had on international relations
* explain how the changing nature of international conflict has posed new challenges
for humanitarian organisations in developing countries Although the unit can
be studied as a self-contained module, it forms part of a specialist stream
in international relations with ECOI0040.
Content:
Topics include how International Relations has changed since the end of the
Cold War, the State, and non-state actors, the balance of power, problems of
diplomacy, international organisation, war and international conflict, nationalism,
religion and international stability and international political economy. A
set of themes emerge from these topics that are ethical in nature: the relationship
between order and justice, state sovereignty and humanitarian intervention,
the nature and meaning of international obligation in a society of sovereign
states, the idea of universal human rights and cultural relativism, and ways
of maintaining international order: the balance of power, international regimes,
and new approaches to global governance. Key texts: J. Goldstein,'International
Relations'. C. Kegley and E. Wittkopf,'World Politics: Trend and Transformation'.
Gordon Graham,'Ethics and International Relations'.
ECOI0042: Politics of developing countries: ethnicity,
religion and nationalism
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES40 OR10
Requisites: Pre ECOI0078
Aims & learning objectives:
Two of the most important developments at the end of the Twentieth Century are
the global spread of democracy and the resurgence of religion, ethnicity and
nationalism in politics. Therefore the aim of the Unit is to provide students
with an understanding of the ongoing saliency of ethnicity, religion and nationalism
to the politics of selected post-communist and developing countries. The learning
objectives are that by the end of the course unit students should be able to:
* critically evaluate the role of ethnicity, religion and nationalism in the
main perspectives of development
* understand the role of religion and revolution in South Africa, Poland and
Latin America
* understand the role of Islam in different types of Muslim countries
* understand how religion challenges the secular state in India, Turkey, Algeria
and Egypt. Although the unit can be studied as a self-contained module, it forms
part of a specialist stream in the Policy Process and Politics of Development
with ECOI0043 Governance and the Policy Process in Developing Countries and
ECOI0080 Policy and Politics.
Content:
Introduction to the politics of developing countries; the concepts of ethnicity,
religion and nationalism; the transition to democracy; the consolidation of
democracy. Case studies of: Poland, Yugoslavia, South Africa, Turkey, India,
Algeria, Egypt and Latin America. Key texts: J. Esposito and J. Voll,'Islam
and Democracy'. Jeff Haynes,'Religion and Politics in the Third World'. Jeff
Haynes,'Religion in Global Politics'. David Westerlund (ed),'Questioning the
Secular State'.
ECOI0043: Governance and the policy process in developing
countries
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES40 OR10
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to provide an explanation of the dynamics of governance
and the workings of the policy process in developing countries. The learning
objectives are that students should develop a critical undetstanding of the
policy process in the developing country context, applying and extending their
knowledge of the key concepts of power and the institutions through which it
is expresed. This unit can be studied as a self-contained module, which complements
in particular ECOI0023 Social Change and Development. It also forms part of
a specialist stream in the Policy Process and Politics of Development with ECOI0042
The Politics of Developing Countries: Religion, Ethnicity and Nationalism and
ECOI0080 Policy and Politic.
Content:
Good governance: the genesis of the concept, its practical implication. State,
non-state and civil society actors in development. Policy formulation and implementation
in developing countries; policy networks; the roles of external doners; corruption.
Institutionalizing good governance, promoting inclusionary practice. Key texts:
Grindle and Thomas,'Public Choices and Policy Change: The Political Economy
of Reform in Developing Countries'. Turner and Hulme,'Governance, Administration
and Development'. R. Rhodes,'Understanding Governance'. Wuyts, Marc. Mackintosh,
Maureen and hewitt, Tom (eds),'Development Policy and Public Action. Oxford:
Oxford University Press/Open University. R Grillo and R L Stirrat (eds) 1997.
Discourses of Development. Anthropological Perspectives. Oxford: Berg.
ECOI0077: Introduction to international development
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the Unit is to introduce students to the major issues in international
development. The learning objectives are that students should: 1. Learn to 'think
sociologically' about international development issues 2. Have some knowledge
of the development of capitalism and the nation-state system and the ways in
which these have interacted to produce problems of poverty, international debt
and violence 3. Appreciate the different contributions to understanding development
made by different social science disciplines 4. Understand the ideological arguments
between the major development paradigms.
Content:
From mercantilism to globalisation; the current structure of the world economy
and polity; the diversity of poor country trajectories; disciplinary approaches
to international development; development paradigms; wealth and poverty; trade,
debt and the international financial institutions; violence; gender relations;
the environment; development and the development industry. Key texts: Peter
Preston,'Development Theory'. Diana Hunt,'Economic Theories of Development'.
Ankie Hoogvelt,'Globalisation and the Postcolonial World'. Katy Gardner & David
Lewis,'Anthropology, Development and the Post-modern Challenge'. Andrew Boyd,'An
Atlas of World Affairs'.
ECOI0078: Developing countries in world politics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the Unit is to give students an introduction to the main personalities
and events in the international arena since 1945 which have contributed to the
present position of developing countries in the current global order. Learning
objectives: By the end of the course unit students should be able to identify
the main personalities and events in world politics and explain their influence
on the politics and economics of developing countries. They should be able to
explain the role of developing countries in the origins and development of the
Cold War, and have an appreciation of the main debates about the Cold War.
Content:
The emergence of the League of Nations and the United Nations system; Bretton-Woods;
Developing Countries in the Cold War; India and South Asia: Independence and
Partition; Southeast Asia and Peasant Revolutions; African independence and
the South African liberation struggle; the Middle-East: Arab nationalism and
oil wealth; Latin America: revolution and dictatorship. Key texts: Peter Calvocoressi,'World
Politics Since 1945'. Geir Lundestad,'East, West, North, South: Major Developments
in International Politics Since 1945'. J. Dunbabin,'The Post-Imperial Age: The
Great Powers and the Wider World'.
ECOI0079: Economics of politics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this Unit is to apply introductory microeconomic theory to analyse
political behaviour. Students will investigate the extent to which a rational
choice model sheds insight on political behaviour and political institutions.
Thus, the intention is to provide students with an integrative link between
their understanding of economic theory and political science. The learning objective
is that by the end of the course students will be able to apply introductory
microeconomic theory to analyse political behaviour. They will be able to use
microeconomics to explain and predict why governments prefer one policy option
to another. They will be able to assess the costs involved in democratic decision
making processes. They will be able to identify and assess alleged 'failings'
of the political processes and associated prescriptions.
Content:
The course unit begins with a review of microeconomic welfare theory. This is
applied to explain and predict the behaviour of politicians, bureaucrats, voters
and pressure groups. The implications of adopting different collective decision
making rules are investigated. Case studies are used to illustrate theory. Assessment
is offered of the public choice school's assertion that government failure leads
to an excessively large public sector. Key texts: K.A. Shepsle and M.S. Bonchek,'Analyzing
Politics: Rationality, Behavior and Institutions'. J. Cullis and P. Jones,'Public
Finance and Public Choice'.
ECOI0081: Economic organisation of the European Community
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this course unit is to apply introductory microeconomic and macroeconomic
principles to a range of European policy areas. The learning objective is that
students will have enhanced their understanding of European economic issues
begun in The Modern World Economy and to demonstrate the value of theoretical
analysis.
Content:
The following topics will be covered: EU trade policy and the economics of customs
unions; Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies of the EU; fiscal harmonisation
and EU budgetary policy; EU environmental policy; EU industrial and competition
policy; European Monetary Union and exchange rate arrangements. Key texts: T.
Hitiris,'European Union Economics'. M.J. Artis and N. Lee (eds),'The Economics
of the European Union'. A. El-Agraa (ed),'The European Union'.
ESML0001: French written & spoken language 1A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To stimulate the production of authentic and accurate written and spoken French;
to provide a grounding in French grammatical and syntactic structures; to revise,
broaden and consolidate grasp of lexis and grammatical structures; to extend
awareness of style and linguistic register; to develop skills in translation
from French into English; to practise receptive and communicative skills.
Content:
(a) Translation: varieties of register, written translation from French into
English, introduction to essay writing. (b) Grammar/creative writing: introduction
to résumé, systematic practical grammar course, introduction to
CALL multimedia, development of lexis. (c) Spoken Language: comprehension, text
recreation, controlled oral production, course-related conversation sessions.
ESML0002: French written & spoken language 1B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre ESML0001
Aims & learning objectives:
To stimulate the production of authentic and accurate written and spoken French;
to provide a grounding in French grammatical and syntactic structures; to revise,
broaden and consolidate grasp of lexis and grammatical structures; to develop
awareness of style and linguistic register; to develop skills in translation
from French into English; to practise receptive and communicative skills.
Content:
(a) Translation: varieties of register, written translation from French into
English, introduction to essay writing, dictée. (b) Grammar/creative
writing: introduction to résuméé, systematic practical grammar
course, development of lexis, prose translation, text comparison. (c) Spoken
Language: comprehension, text recreation, controlled oral production, course-related
conversation sessions.
ESML0007: French written & spoken language 2A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre ESML0002
Aims & learning objectives:
To continue the production of authentic and accurate written and spoken French;
to provide further work in French grammatical and syntactic structures; to revise,
broaden and consolidate grasp of lexis and grammatical structures; to extend
awareness of style and linguistic register; to develop skills in translation
from French into English; to practise receptive and communicative skills.
Content:
(a) Translation: varieties of register, written translation from French into
English, extempore translation, cloze tests. (b) Grammar/creative writing: introduction
to guided essay, systematic practical grammar course, development of lexis.
(c) Spoken Language: comprehension, text recreation, controlled oral production,
course-related conversation sessions.
ESML0008: French written & spoken language 2B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX54 CW20 OR26
Requisites: Pre ESML0007
Aims & learning objectives:
To continue the production of authentic and accurate written and spoken French;
to provide further work in French grammatical and syntactic structures; to revise,
broaden and consolidate grasp of lexis and grammatical structures; to extend
awareness of style and linguistic register; to develop skills in translation
from French into English; to practise receptive and communicative skills.
Content:
(a) Translation: varieties of register, written translation from French into
English, extempore translation, cloze tests, dictée. (b) Grammar/creative
writing: introduction to guided essay, systematic practical grammar course,
development of lexis, text comparison. (c) Spoken Language: comprehension, text
recreation, controlled oral production, course-related conversation sessions.
ESML0013: French written & spoken language 4A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre ESML0008
Aims & learning objectives:
To develop advanced skills in the comprehension and production of written French;
To provide a structured but informal context for the development of a variety
of advanced oral skills. To exploit competence in written and oral French developed
during the first two years of the course and, where appropriate, during the
third year placement in France (or equivalent).
Content:
Written Language: translation from French into English; summarization and re-writing
(in French); language commentary (in French); analysis of style and register
(contemporary social, political, literary). Spoken Language: explication and
debate, through lector-led group discussion and individual presentation. Material
covers a wide range of political, social, cultural subjects, within the context
of current French concern.
ESML0014: French written & spoken language 4B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX38 CW17 OR27 OT18
Requisites: Pre ESML0013
Aims & learning objectives:
To develop advanced skills in the comprehension and production of written French.
To provide a structured but informal context for the development of a variety
of advanced oral skills. To exploit competence in written and oral French developed
during the first two years of the course and, where, appropriate, during the
third year placement in France (or equivalent). By the end of the unit, students
should be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with native speakers
of French on social, political and cultural topics, orally and in writing in
a broad range of appropriate registers and in both professional and social contexts.
Content:
Written Language: translation from French into English; summarization and re-writing
(in French); language commentary (in French); analysis of style and register
(contemporary social, political, literary). Spoken Language: explication and
debate, through lector-led group discussion and individual presentation, focusing
on and in preparation for the requirements of the final oral examination. Material
covers a wide range of political, social, cultural subjects, within the context
of current French concern.
ESML0030: German written & spoken language 1A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The unit pursues a dual aim. (1) To refresh and consolidate students knowledge
and understanding of grammatical structures; to enable them to apply the acquired
skills to the production of coherent and fluent written composition; to introduce
them to a variety of German texts dealing with appropriate contemporary issues.
(2) To improve students communicative and listening skills (oral/aural) and
to expand their vocabulary so that they are able to express themselves clearly
in everyday as well as in academic contexts as appropriate; to enable students
to formulate their own ideas and to interact effectively in German and to adjust
flexibly to various situations by using a suitable register.
Content:
(1) In respect of i. the consolidation of German language structures: this unit
focuses on the various classes of words, their declension and their function
within the phrase/ sentence; ii. written communication: a variety of linguistic
skills are developed by means of translation into and from German and essay
writing in German (2) Spoken language classes may consist of free discussions
with the entire group, interactive exercises (e.g. role play, small-group discussions,
one-to-one exchange of ideas). Austrian and German video material and newspaper
articles form the basis for discussion and assessment, whilst improving awareness
of contemporary life in the German-speaking world.
ESML0031: German written & spoken language 1B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre ESML0030
Aims & learning objectives:
The unit builds on ESML0030, pursuing the same dual aim. (1) To refresh and
consolidate students knowledge and understanding of grammatical structures;
enable them to apply the acquired skills to the production of coherent and fluent
written composition; to introduce them to a variety of German texts dealing
with appropriate contemporary issues. (2) To improve students communicative
and listening skills (oral/aural) and to expand their vocabulary so that they
are able to express themselves clearly in everyday as well as in academic contexts
as appropriate; to enable students to formulate their own ideas and to interact
effectively in German and to adjust flexibly to various situations by using
a suitable register.
Content:
(1) In respect of i. the consolidation of German language structures: this unit
focuses on complex grammar points and German syntax; ii. written communication:
a variety of linguistic skills are developed by means of translation into and
from German and essay writing in German. (2) Spoken language classes may consist
of free discussions with the entire group, interactive exercises (e.g. role
play, small-group discussions, one-to-one exchange of ideas). Austrian and German
video material and newspaper articles form the basis for discussion and assessment,
whilst improving awareness of contemporary life in the German-speaking world.
ESML0036: German written & spoken language 2A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre ESML0031
Aims & learning objectives:
To build on knowledge (grammatical accuracy and range of vocabulary) and writing
skills acquired in Year 1. Having successfully completed this unit, students
should be able, at the appropriate level, to: translate texts (German to English);
summarize English texts into German and write short essays expressing a personal
opinion on a given topic.
Content:
German to English translation, English to German summarisation, German essay-writing
in response to text-based questions.
ESML0037: German written & spoken language 2B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX54 CW20 OR26
Requisites: Pre ESML0036
Aims & learning objectives:
To build on knowledge (grammatical accuracy and range of vocabulary) and writing
skills acquired in Year 2 semester 1. Having successfully completed this unit,
students should be able, at the appropriate level, to: translate texts (German
to English) with an increased awareness of nuance of meaning; summarize English
texts (as wide-ranging in topic and style as time and circumstances permit)
into German and write short essays with good grammatical awareness and fluency
of style, and to translate a dictated English text into German.
Content:
German to English translation, English to German summarisation, German essay-writing
in response to text-based questions; extempore German-to-English translation.
ESML0048: German written & spoken language 4A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre ESML0037
Aims & learning objectives:
To refine students' ability to translate competently from German into English
in a variety of contemporary registers. To develop their summarisation skills
so that they are able to produce a précis in sophisticated German of
a complex English text on a subject of broad contemporary interest. To enable
students to write coherent, well-argued and grammatically correct essays in
German in response to issues raised in complex German texts. To enhance students'
knowledge of the spoken language acquired during their year abroad so that they
are able to converse fluently on contemporary issues and deliver sophisticated
oral presentations on topics of their choice.
Content:
Written language: (a) Translation from German into English is the focus of one
of the two weekly hours. The main emphasis in this semester will be placed on
dealing with texts written in more colloquial registers. (b) The second weekly
hour is devoted to the production of German in summarisation and essay-writing
exercises. In this semester particular attention will be devoted to developing
essay-writing skills. Spoken language: The emphasis is on project work carried
out both on a group and an individual basis, with the chosen topics of an appropriately
complex and controversial nature.
ESML0049: German written & spoken language 4B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX38 CW17 OR27 OT18
Requisites: Pre ESML0048
Aims & learning objectives:
To refine students' ability to translate competently from German into English
in a variety of contemporary registers. To develop their summarisation skills
so that they are able to produce a précis in sophisticated German of
a complex English text on a subject of broad contemporary interest. To enable
students to write coherent, well-argued and grammatically correct essays in
German in response to issues raised in complex German texts. To enhance students'
knowledge of the spoken language acquired during their year abroad so that they
are able to converse fluently on contemporary issues and deliver sophisticated
oral presentations on topics of their choice.
Content:
Written language: (a) Translation from German into English is the focus of one
of the two weekly hours. The main emphasis in this semester will be placed on
translating texts written in more formal registers. (b) The second weekly hour
is devoted to the production of German in summarisation and essay-writing exercises.
In this semester particular attention will be paid to developing summarisation
skills. Spoken language: As before, project work will be carried out both on
a group and an individual basis. Additional emphasis will now be placed on developing
students' presentational skills in preparation for their oral examination.
ESML0062: Italian written & spoken language 1A (post
A level)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To consolidate students' existing knowledge of Italian grammar and syntax, and
to enable them to deploy these structures correctly in written texts and exercises.
Aural comprehension and oral communication skills in practical contexts are
developed through the use of authentic audio-visual material and class contact
with native speakers.
Content:
Written Language: a grammar text is used to revise the fundamentals of the language
and as a basis for regular exercises. Translation texts are used to familiarise
students with contemporary written Italian, in particular the language of the
press and modern narrative. Spoken Language: conversation groups, role-playing,
supervised audio-visual classes provide practice in the spoken language and
are used as a stimulus for creative written work.
ESML0063: Italian written & spoken language 1B (post
A level)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre ESML0062
Aims & learning objectives:
To expand students' knowledge of Italian grammar and syntax and to enable them
to deploy these structures fluently and effectively in the production of written
texts and exercises. Aural comprehension and oral communication skills are further
extended through the use of advanced audio-visual material and class contact
with lectors.
Content:
Written Language: more complex grammatical problems are studied with the aid
of specially prepared handouts and explored through regular exercises. Excerpts
from the Italian press and other authentic sources are used to expand writing
skills in more formal contexts. Spoken Language: the oral activities from Semester
1, such as supervised audio-visual practice and role-playing, will continue
and equip students with more sophisticated communicative skills for more formal
contexts.
ESML0068: Italian written & spoken language 2A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Students must have taken either ESML0061, or ESML0063. Aims & learning objectives:
To broaden students' command of contemporary written Italian with greater emphasis
on resolving complex grammatical points; to build on the communication skills
acquired in the Year 1, and to improve oral proficiency and aural comprehension.
Content:
Written Language: prose and translation exercises from a variety of literary
and non-literary texts; general essays. Spoken Language: role-playing, paired
and group activities, dictation, summarisation of audio-visual texts in Italian,
reading, conversation classes.
ESML0069: Italian written & spoken language 2B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX54 OR26 CW20
Requisites: Pre ESML0068
Aims & learning objectives:
To build on students' linguistic competence as acquired in Semester 1. To expand
students' vocabulary in social and cultural areas and to develop sensitivity
to style and register.
Content:
Written Language: prose and translation exercises from a variety of literary
and non-literary texts; general essays. Spoken Language: role-playing, paired
and group activities, dictation, summarisation of audio-visual texts in Italian,
reading, conversation classes.
ESML0074: Italian written & spoken language 4A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre ESML0069
Aims & learning objectives:
To refine students' competence in written and spoken Italian; to extend the
range of terminology and linguistic registers, including the political and economic.
To perfect students' skills in translating texts from and into Italian in a
variety of registers. To develop their summarisation skills and enable them
to express complex ideas and arguments in writing. To draw upon students' periods
of residence in Italy in order to strengthen oral fluency and conversational
skills.
Content:
Written Language: prose, translation, summarisation (in Italian); analysis of
style and register (contemporary social, political and literary). Spoken Language:
précis-writing, presentations, lector-organised discussion and debate
on issues linked to Year 4 Options and Italian current affairs.
ESML0075: Italian written & spoken language 4B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX56 CW17 OR27
Requisites: Pre ESML0074
Aims & learning objectives:
To further develop and consolidate students' skills in translating complex texts
from and into Italian, and in developing a sophisticated argument in the form
of a long essay in Italian. To enable students to converse competently and fluently
and to deliver sophisticated oral presentations in Italian on social, political
and cultural topics.
Content:
Written Language: prose, translation, and essay writing classes based on excerpts
from the press, contemporary writers and specialised journals. Spoken Language:
Oral presentations, lector-organised discussion and debate on political, social
and cultural topics.
ESML0081: Russian written & spoken language 1A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To consolidate knowledge of basic grammar, broaden vocabulary and improve aural
comprehension. To develop fluency in spoken Russian at the level of everyday
conversation.
Content:
Prose and essay composition; translation into English; grammar revision; conversation.
Students must be qualified in Russian to approximately A-level standard.
ESML0084: Russian written & spoken language 1B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre ESML0081
Aims & learning objectives:
To further consolidate knowledge of basic grammar, broaden vocabulary and improve
aural comprehension. To further develop fluency in spoken Russian at the level
of everyday conversation.
Content:
Prose and essay composition; translation into English; grammar revision; conversation.
ESML0089: Russian written & spoken language 2A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre ESML0084, Pre ESML0085
Students must have taken either ESML0084, or ESML0085. Aims & learning objectives:
To deepen knowledge of Russian grammar, expand lexis and develop translation
skills in several registers. To give students practice in expressing themselves
in writing. To improve aural comprehension and to begin to develop fluency in
spoken Russian at the level of everyday conversation.
Content:
Written Language: systematic review of Russian grammar with exercises and drills
drawn from a variety of sources; translations into Russian and English with
discussion of grammatical points, lexis etc. Essay writing in Russian with discussion
of stylistic points and vocabulary. Spoken Language: small group conversation
on a range of themes; role-playing; task-based use of audio-visual material.
To assist vocabulary acquisition, work in written and spoken language will be
organised around themes of geography & peoples and culture & recreation.
ESML0092: Russian written & spoken language 2B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX54 CW20 OR26
Requisites: Pre ESML0089
Aims & learning objectives:
To deepen knowledge of Russian grammar, expand lexis and develop translation
skills in several registers. To give students practice in expressing themselves
in writing. To improve aural comprehension to the point at which the gist of
a TV news item can be understood and to develop fluency in spoken Russian at
the level of everyday conversation.
Content:
Written Language: systematic review of Russian grammar with exercises and drills
drawn from a variety of sources; translations into Russian and English with
discussion of grammatical points, lexis etc. Essay writing in Russian with discussion
of stylistic points and vocabulary. Spoken Language: small group conversation
on a range of themes; role-playing; task-based use of audio-visual material.
To assist vocabulary acquisition, work in written and spoken language will be
organised around themes of social issues, history and politics.
ESML0095: Russian written & spoken language 4A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre ESML0092
Aims & learning objectives:
To consolidate knowledge of Russian grammar, further expand lexis and further
develop translation skills. To enable students to translate modern literary
Russian and non-technical academic and journalistic Russian, into English. To
enable students to translate selected English passages into Russian, and to
express ideas and arguments in writing. To improve fluency in spoken Russian.
Content:
Written Language: translation into and from Russian and discussion of grammatical
points, lexis etc. Conversation and audio-visual classes. Spoken Language: discussion
of selected topics on a range of themes (ecology, social issues, feminism etc).
ESML0096: Russian written & spoken language 4B
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX56 CW17 OR27
Requisites: Pre ESML0095
Aims & learning objectives:
To consolidate knowledge of Russian grammar, further expand lexis and further
develop translation skills. To enable students to translate modern literary
Russian and non-technical academic and journalistic Russian, into English with
minimal use of a dictionary. To enable students to translate selected English
passages into idiomatic Russian, and to express complex ideas and arguments
in writing. To develop fluency in spoken Russian.
Content:
Written Language: translation into and from Russian and discussion of grammatical
points, lexis etc. Conversation and audio-visual classes. Spoken Language: discussion
of selected topics on a range of themes (culture, politics in Russia etc).
ESML0101: Russian national option R4: Gorbachev & Perestroika
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES67 CW33
Requisites: Pre ESML0094, Pre HASS0005
Students must have taken either ESML0094, or HASS0005. Aims & learning objectives:
To investigate political and social developments in the years 1985-1991 in greater
depth than in ESML0094.
Content:
Origins of perestroika; glasnost and democratization; nationalities issues and
conflicts; the collapse of communism.
ESML0102: Russian national option R5: Politics in post-communist
Russia
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES67 CW33
Requisites: Pre ESML0094, Pre HASS0005
Students must have taken either ESML0094, or HASS0005. Aims & learning objectives:
To examine the dilemmas of economic and political reconstruction and of external
relations posed by the collapse of the communist political order in Russia,
and efforts to resolve these problems since August 1991. To develop skills in
political analysis and seminar techniques.
Content:
Political institutions and actors in Russia in August 1991; dimensions of the
crisis surrounding the collapse of Soviet communism; theoretical approaches
to transition; first steps of the political leadership; reform and political
conflict; dilemmas of foreign policy; political elites; civil society; political
culture; 1993 Constitution; elections and party formation; legal order and corruption;
local government; federalism and ethnic politics; gender politics; prospects.
ESML0103: Europe 1A: Introduction to European studies
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES67 CW33
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To begin an exploration of the historical and cultural identity of Europe; to
introduce basic political concepts (nationalism, imperialism, communism and
fascism) in a European historical context; to introduce cultural studies as
a discipline in the context of European culture in the first half of the twentieth
century.
Content:
Defining Europe - history, languages and culture; nations and empires in 19th
Century Europe; the First World War; communism and fascism in interwar Europe;
the Second World War; studying European culture; images of war in 20th Century
Europe.
ESML0104: Europe 1B: Europe since 1945
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES67 CW33
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To compare the experience of Eastern and Western Europe since 1945; to introduce
students, in this context, to analysis of the political structure and culture
of liberal democracies and to analysis of the structures and problems of modern
economies; to examine the interaction of culture and politics in post-war Europe.
Content:
Europe in the Cold War era; politics and culture in post-war Europe; economic
and social change in Western Europe; liberal democratic politics in Europe -
elections and party systems; political culture; the rise and fall of European
communist states and command economies; economic and political problems in the
age of globalisation; postmodernism in European culture.
ESML0105: Europe 2A: Politics of the European Union
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX67 CW33
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to key theories of European integration; to trace the
development of the E.C. from the 1950s to the present; to examine issues of
contemporary relevance to European integration. Students will develop an awareness
and understanding of European integration issues and be able to discuss them
on the basis of background knowledge attained during lectures and readings.
Content:
Theories of European integration; the origins of the E.C.; the Rome Treaty and
the Single Act; Britain and the E.C; the road to Maastricht; the institutions
of the E.C. and E.U.; the democratic deficit; the 1996 Inter Governmental Conference;
the E.U. as a world actor; monetary union; citizenship and "the people's Europe";
the E.U., Eastern Europe and enlargement; the future of the E.U.
ESML0107: European option E1: Intellectuals & identity
in contemporary Europe
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX67 CW33
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an overview of nationalism in various twentieth-century European
contexts and of the role of intellectuals (both literary authors and social/political
commentators) in influencing debates on issues such as national identity. The
changes in post-1989 Central and Eastern Europe will provide a focus for the
latter part of the unit.
Content:
The work of intellectuals such as Barzini, Konwicki, Grass, Arendt and Foucault.
ESML0108: European option E2: Politically committed
European culture: the end of an era?
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX67 CW33
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an historical understanding of the development of politically committed
culture (literature and film) in the post-1945 era in both Eastern and Western
Europe. To take account of the factors which led to the growing disillusionment
on the part of creative intellectuals regarding the value of their efforts to
bring about socialism with a human face: the dominance of Stalinism during the
Cold War, the crushing of reform movements in Eastern Europe (especially the
Prague Spring in 1968), general scepticism in Western Europe since the 1960's
regarding the value of committed culture. To study some examples of the post-engagement
culture in Eastern Europe and Russia since the collapse of communism. The close
study of works by leading authors of the post-1945 period will provide the focus
for the seminars which form the core of the unit.
Content:
Introductory lectures on the issue of commitment and French, German, Italian,
Czech and Russian attitudes to it. A selection from the following range of works:
A dossier of Camus's writing, De Sanctis: Bitter Rice; Wolf: The Quest
for Christa T., Solzhenitsyn: One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich,
Kundera: The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Perec: Things; Sciascia:
Candido; Klíma: Waiting for the Dark, Waiting for the Light, Makanin:
Baize Table with Decanter.
ESML0294: European option E5: In search of Europe (1)
- Europe divided
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES67 CW33
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To explore the concept of Europe 1945-1989. To discuss the implications for
both Western and Eastern Europe of Soviet-American rivalries during the Cold
War.
Content:
The Cold War; strengths and weaknesses of the Soviet bloc before 1989; Cold
War and détente in Western Europe (1960s-1980s); 1989 and the collapse of Cold
War era political systems.
ESML0295: European option E6: In search of Europe (2)
- Europe in the 1990s: towards unification?
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES67 CW33
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To explore the concept of Europe since 1989, examining the nature of European,
national and regional identities.
Content:
Immediate consequences of 1989; the resurgence of particularism; forces for
integration.
ESML0385: European political thought
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Students should acquire a solid understanding of the history and development
of political theory in Europe.
Content:
The course provides a survey of the major European politcal thinkers from Niccolo
Machiavelli to Antonio Gramsci.
ESML0410: Political ideologies
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES50 EX50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a grounding in the study of political ideologies, namely the thought
which has been central to modern political debate, and to show the importance
of ideas to the study of politics. By the end of the unit students should be
able to demonstrate i) an understanding of the notion of ideology, and of the
key political ideologies discussed, and ii) an ability to engage with and analyse
the main debates and arguments discussed in the course.
Content:
The lectures will focus on the main ideologies which have helped shape the modern
world, together with more methodological debates surrounding the study of ideology.
Lectures will include: what is 'ideology'?; liberalism; conservatism; Marxism;
social democracy; nationalism; feminism; ecologism; and the 'end of ideology'
debate.
ESML0411: Politics Dissertation 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
This unit is for BSc Politics with Economics students only. Aims & learning
objectives:
The aim of the unit is for students to design and conduct a research project
on an approved politics topic (NB politics is understood broadly to include
related political aspects of related subjects such as social policy). The objective
is for students to attain research skills, the ability and confidence to work
and conduct primary research independently, and a critical awareness of the
importance of methodology and analysis in political research and writing. (Further
details of the Politics Dissertation are given in the Student Handbook for Politics
with Economics students.)
Content:
Students will choose a specific research topic, in consultation with a suitable
supervisor, and design a research project.
ESML0412: Politics dissertation 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
This unit is for BSc Politics with Economics students only. Aims & learning
objectives:
To complete work undertaken in Politics Dissertation 1 unit (ESML0411).
Content:
Discussion, further reading and writing up of a 10,000 word research project.
ESML0413: Placement
Academic Year
Credits: 60
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment:
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The placement enables students to gain valuable practical experience relating
to one or both of their academic studies and career choice. Placements are arranged
both in the public and private sectors The former typically allow students to
work on practical areas related to their degree, especially when working in
central government departments. In the case of placements which are not directly
related to the core politics/economics academic content of the degree, these
are chosen to help students further their transferable skills, such as IT, written
and presentational ones. This type of placement can also provide important additional
information and skills relevant to career choice.
Content:
Further information about the type of placements which students have undertaken
in the recent past can be obtained from the Director of Studies.
ESML0414: American politics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim is to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of central
arguments and debates relating to the American political system, and to equip
them to contribute to these debates, citing relevant evidence.
Content:
The course applies the concepts and theories of political science to the United
states of America, assessing the role played by formal and informal political
entities. Notions of liberal democracy are assessed by reference to debates
on the role of political parties, interest groups, elites and political culture
on political outcomes in America. A number of case studies consider the political
significance from a European perspective of questions of race and poverty, judicial
review, and the American foreign policy process.
ESML0415: Media politics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim is to provide students with a grounding in the theory and practice relating
to the political significance of the mass media, with reference to a number
of case studies. Students should attain an awareness of the significance of
the media in the public sphere and in the democratic process. They should also
attain skills in conceptualising the media's role.
Content:
The course examines alternative theories of the political role of the mass media,
and applies these to case studies. Topics include the Frankfurt School and mass
culture, Marxist and pluralist notions of the media, the 'propaganda model',
notions of public broadcasting, cinema and politics, the global role of the
media, and the media and war.
ESML0416: Totalitarian politics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To further student's knowledge of comparative politics and history by examining
20th century European communist and facist movements and regimes, with particular
attention being paid to the relevance of the concept of 'totalitarianism' to
these. The main focus will be on Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. By the end
of the unit, students should be able to demonstrate: i) an understanding of
the main theories of the rise, nature and failure of communism and fascist regimes;
ii) familiarity with the concept of 'totalitarianism' and debates relating to
its use.
Content:
The concept of 'totalitarianism'; the role of ideas and ideology in the genesis
of fascist and communist movements and regimes; state and leadership in communist
and fascist regimes; coercion and support; the Holocaust; the decay of communism;
the possibility of the revival of fascism and communism in Europe.
ESML0417: British politics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a grounding in the study of the British political system, including
wider aspects of Britain's relations with the EU. Students will attain a broad
knowledge of British Politics, and the skills of being able to engage with the
main arguments and debates, and analyse major problems in the subject area.
Content:
The lectures will focus on a wide range of specific topics central to beginning
to study politics (parties, institutions, etc.). Lectures will include: conservatism;
social democracy; voting behaviour; the media; electoral systems; parliament;
executive; Britain and the European Union.
ESML0428: Film, politics & society
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students with a grounding in debates about the social and political
significance and "effects" of film and television drama and documentary, in
various industrial, national and global contexts. Students should attain the
ability to read and interpret film texts and to understand and assess the visual
and other codes of film language; they should also gain a confidence in discussing
and analysing the significance of film in particular political and historical
contexts.
Content:
The course draws on a number of theoretical approaches to film and the mass
media, and draws on theoretical work on the political and social significance
of film. The course deals with questions of the construction and reception of
political meaning in film and television drama, and at issues relating to film
and national identity, film policy, political culture, censorship, propaganda,
and the notion of documentary. Examples are drawn in particular, but not exclusively
from American and European film.
ESML0441: Women & politics in Europe
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES67 CW33
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the relationship between gender
and politics in contemporary Europe by examining theory and a number of thematic
case studies. By the end of this unit students will have a basic theoretical
knowledge of the relationship between women and politics and will have explored
certain aspects of the realities of women's involvement in politics across Europe.
Content:
This course will first introduce some of the major debates in contemporary feminist
political theory. It will then move into a comparative analysis of the relationship
between women and the political processes in Europe by examining feminist movements,
women's voting patterns, women's participation in government and political parties,
social policy concerning women and women's involvement in the European parliament
and commission.
ESML0468: Transitions to democracy
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES67 CW33
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the "third wave" of transitions to democracy which began in the
last quarter of the 20th century by examining the general scholarly literature
on this subject and the experience of a number of individual countries in four
different regions of the world (Southern Europe, Latin America, East-Central
Europe, the former USSR); to develop skills in comparative political analysis
and seminar techniques. Students who complete the unit successfully will be
able to demonstrate:
* a clear grasp of the key issues in democratization in each region;
* familiarity with theoretical arguments surrounding "third wave" transitions;
* the ability to critically evaluate these arguments by reference to national
and cross-regional case studies.
Content:
The unit will begin with a lecture introducing the "third wave" and a discussion
of the nature of democracy to establish criteria. This will be followed by lectures
on theories of transition, addressing the debate over structure and agency,
the significance of institutional choices, and the role of civil society. Introductory
lectures on the four regions will be followed by seminar case-studies of individual
countries presented by students, each focusing on an aspect of transition highlighted
by the experience of the country concerned. The countries and themes chosen
will vary from time to time but in the first instance will be: Spain - the importance
of agency and pacts; Greece - the role of the military; Colombia - the drugs
trade; Chile - the issue of impunity; Nicaragua - the importance of external
relations; Cuba - the limits of democracy; Poland - abortion and the role of
the Church; Hungary - political parties and society; Croatia - economic development;
Bosnia - war and ethnicity; Ukraine - institutions; Georgia - political culture.
The unit will end with a general discussion, after which students will write
an essay comparing an aspect of transition in at least two different regions.
Key texts: S. Huntington The Third Wave. Democratization in the Late 20th
Century (1991); D. Potter Democratization (1997).
MANG0040: European integration studies 1
Semester 1
Credits: 5
Contact:
Topic: IMML - 50% MANG 50% ESML
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Students should have taken MANG0006 or MANG0070, or equivalent Economics
unit. IMML students must take MANG0059 in the next semester if they take this
unit. Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a basic grounding in the theory, politics and economics of European
integration. Students will complete the course with a sound knowledge of European
Union institutions and key economic policies.
Content:
Subjects covered will be: integration theory; EU political institutions, their
legitimacy and their accountability; the EU decision-making process; EC finances
and funds; the single market and Europe's lost competitiveness; competition
policy; the EU, world trade and developing countries; regional policy; economic
and monetary union; the enlargement of the EU, the EEA and Central and Eastern
Europe. Lectures will be supplemented by case study discussions, tutorial sessions
and a revision workshop.
MANG0059: European integration studies 2
Semester 2
Credits: 5
Contact:
Topic: IMML - 50% MANG 50% ESML
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES100
Requisites: Pre MANG0040
IMML students must take this unit if they have taken MANG0040 in the previous
semester. Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an advanced knowledge of the impact of European policies on individuals,
managements and work organisations in the European Union. Students will complete
the course unit with a detailed knowledge of social, environmental and sectoral
impacts of integration and how business interests can influence the EU decision-making
process.
Content:
Subjects covered will be: Social and employment policy issues and the firm;
EU environment policy and its impact upon business and communities; the harmonisation
of company law; sectoral impacts of the single market and business strategies;
lobbying the EU; transport policy and trans-European networks; implementation
of EC law; the future direction of the EU. Lectures will be supplemented by
case study discussions, a decision-making game, and tutorial sessions.
MANG0069: Introduction to accounting & finance
Semester 2
Credits: 5
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide students undertaking any type of degree study with an introductory
knowledge of accounting and finance
Content:
The role of the accountant, corporate treasurer and financial controller Sources
and uses of capital funds Understanding the construction and nature of the balance
sheet and profit and loss account Principles underlying the requirements for
the publication of company accounts Interpretation of accounts - published and
internal, including financial ratio analysis Planning for profits, cash flow.
Liquidity, capital expenditure and capital finance Developing the business plan
and annual budgeting Estimating the cost of products, services and activities
and their relationship to price. Analysis of costs and cost behaviour
MANG0071: Organisational behaviour
Semester 1
Credits: 5
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX60 CW40
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To develop the student's understanding of people's behaviour within work organizations
Content:
Topics of study will be drawn from the following: The meaning of organising
and organisation Socialisation, organisational norms and organisational culture
Bureaucracy, organisational design and new organisational forms Managing organisational
change Power and politics Business ethics Leadership and team work Decision
-making Motivation Innovation Gender The future of work
PSYC0001: Psychology 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to basic concepts and current
themes and debates within psychology. Students will understand basic ideas in
psychology and have a familiarity with some classic studies and methods. They
will understand how psychologists approach problems of mental processing.
Content:
Lectures will be broadly based on the question "Who am I"? They will put forward
the idea that in order to understand ourselves and our behaviour we need to
remember that we are members of human societies with histories and cultural
traditions: that who we are is, at least in part, determined by those around
us, our families and our friends and the social groups to which we belong. The
topics covered include: society and the individual, conformity and deviance,
gender and social identity, the self, language and social life, thinking and
reasoning, personality, life-span developments, clinical psychology.
PSYC0008: Cognitive psychology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre PSYC0001, Pre PSYC0002, Pre PSYC0058
Aims & learning objectives:
To equip the student with an understanding of cognitive psychology including
current methodological and theoretical issues. Students will understand the
principles of human cognitive functioning, and the main debates and theoretical
controversies. They will be familiar with the methodological issues surrounding
research on cognition.
Content:
How psychologists model and investigate information processing, problem solving,
reasoning, perception and the representation of knowledge. Consciousness, monitoring
and attention. How we use tools, and their relationship to thinking. Models
of mind/brain relations. Problems of logic and rationality. Individual and interpersonal
factors in tasks and problems. Experts and novices. Decision making.
PSYC0009: Social psychology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre PSYC0001
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the relationship between individual, social and cultural psychological
processes Students will understand the ways in which psychologists approach
problems of communication and the construction of meaning. They will be familiar
with the debates about the individual and the social and cultural context.
Content:
Language as dialogue and social negotiation. Rhetoric and discourse: how to
persuade, argue, negotiate and interpret. The construction and communication
of representation of meaning. The relationships between individual schemas,
representations and lay theories, and social and cultural repertoires. Effective
and ineffective communication. The role of metaphor and narrative in individual
and cultural meaning.
PSYC0015: Economic & political psychology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre PSYC0009
Aims & learning objectives:
The theoretical basis of this course will be on the psychological organisation
of social, political, economic and ethical beliefs, and their development and
aetiology. The implicit models of psychological processes that underpin expert
and common-sense conceptions of rationality and ethics. The problematic nature
of links between beliefs and action. The tensions between 'discourse' and 'ideology'
models of explanation.
Content:
Topics include: psychological models of ideology in the organisation of beliefs;
mainstream and emergent political-social beliefs (feminism, Green politics);
lay beliefs, e.g., about unemployment, poverty, ethics; concepts of fairness
and equity; moral development; elite beliefs - what constitutes 'legitimation'?
Political propaganda and rhetoric. Social movements, social change and intergroup
relations. Students must have undertaken one other unit from Cognitive (SOCS0089),
Developmental (SOCS0088) and Clinical Psychology (SOCS0091), as well as the
necessary pre-requisite (SOCS0090).
PSYC0017: Controversies in cognition
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre PSYC0007, Pre PSYC0008, Ex PSYC0063
Aims & learning objectives:
To equip the student with an understanding of current issues and controversies
in psychology
Content:
The course will address key issues in contemporary psychology relating to cognition,
language and models of mind. These will include: problems of consciousness and
the interface of neuroscience, cognitive science and philosophy; connectionist
theory and its implications; the rise of evolutionary psychology; debates about
culture and human development. This unit shares teaching with the postgraduate
unit PSYC0063 of the same title.
PSYC0057: Becoming a social person
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre PSYC0001
Aims & learning objectives:
To equip the student with an understanding of how we become 'social beings'.
Students will understand the core questions of social psychology and the development
of social processes. They will be acquainted with classic studies in social
and developmental psychology and the ways in which psychologists have approached
the social nature of the human.
Content:
The unit will use 'classic' studies in social and developmental psychology to
address the following: How do we form early relationship and attachment? How
do we make friends? How do we form impressions of others? How do we behave in
groups? How do groups affect our identity? What is the basis of prejudice, discrimination
and inter-group relations? How do we develop and change our beliefs and attitudes?
PSYC0058: The intelligent being
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre PSYC0001
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a foundation understanding of cognitive processes. The student will
understand the basic questions that psychologists have addressed regarding learning,
memory and reasoning. They will have been introduced to the methods and theories
by which research has been conducted in general psychology.
Content:
This unit will introduce some of the classic studies which address the questions:
How do we learn? How do we remember? How do we reason and solve problems? How
have psychologists thought about learning, remembering and reasoning? How have
psychologists thought about intelligence and how has it been measured? How does
intelligence develop? What is the role of emotion in our understanding of the
world? What can we learn from the errors we make? The unit will highlight different
approaches in psychology and where they contrast.
SOCP0001: Introduction to social policy & the welfare
state 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce basic concepts of social policy; to examine the historical evolution
of social policy and the welfare state in Britain; to review and analyse recent
developments in major social service areas; to introduce the work of 'classic'
writers in social policy.
Content:
Services and sectors in Social Policy; 1834 Poor Law; the 1842 'Sanitary Report';
The Liberal Reforms and the Introduction of Pensions; Beveridge and the impact
of the 2nd World war; the Post-War Welfare State; Thatcherism and Social Policy;
Educational Reform; Housing; Community Care
SOCP0002: Introduction to social policy & the welfare
state 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre SOCP0001
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an introduction to social policy as a field of study. To examine
the nature and extent of poverty and inequality in Britain today, as a means
of developing an understanding of social policies as a field of study.
Content:
Introduction to Social Policy; Concepts and Definitions of Poverty; Social Exclusion;
Evidence on the Incidence of Poverty and Inequality; Demographic Factors and
their relationship to Poverty; Poverty, Gender and 'Race'; Poverty and Policy.
SOCP0003: 'Race' & racism
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To develop an understanding of issues of 'race' and ethnicity. To examine the
dimensions of discrimination and disadvantage in Britain. To analyse key policy
areas to highlight the prevalence and effects of racism. To evaluate attempts
to eradicate racism, discrimination and disadvantage.
Content:
Concepts of 'Race' and Ethnicity; Racial Inequality in Britain; Racism; Colonialism;
Racial Harassment; Immigration; Race Relations Law; Multi-Culturalism, Anti-Racism
and Education; Urban Unrest; 'Race', Racism and Policing; 'Race' and Citizenship.
SOCP0004: Family and gender
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To examine changing patterns of family and working life, the causes of these,
and their implications for gender roles and for social policy, in the UK and
elsewhere.
Content:
Definitions of the family; The politics of the family; The regulation of sexual
behaviour, marriage & divorce; Lone parenthood; Feminist theory and the family;
Childhood and children's rights; Support for families; Concepts of Family policy;
The relationship between family policy and other areas of policy.
SOCP0005: Politics and the policy process
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Ex ECOI0080
Aims & learning objectives:
This unit introduces students to key concepts for analysing the policy-making
process. By the end of the unit students should have a basic understanding of
problems and issues in the making and implementation of social policy in Britain.
This course has a common lecture programme with the Politics and Policy course,
however each course has a separate seminar programme.
Content:
Each lecture covers one conceptual topic, including: Introduction to Policy
Analysis; Theories of the State; Power; Models of Decision-making and Policy
Formulation; Implementation; Street-Level Decision-Making; Organisational Constraints;
Interest Groups and Policy Communities. The seminars apply these to topical
issues in social policy.
SOCP0006: Political values & social policy
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This unit introduces students to a range of values and principles used to justify
the role of the state in social policy. By the end of the module students should
be familiar with the broad range of principles and should be able to apply some
of them to current debates.
Content:
Each lecture will cover one core principle, including: Need, Freedom, Equality,
Justice, Citizenship, Community. The seminars will apply each to one issue or
problem in contemporary social policy; for example, training schemes and equality
of opportunity; citizenship and rights to a basic income.
SOCP0011: Health policies & politics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This course aims to develop an understanding of how health policy integrates
with wider social policy issues, as well as a detailed understanding of the
content and dynamism of health policy processes. As a result , students should
* understand the impact of different welfare models on health care systems in
Europe and America
* understand the political forces behind health care reform in the British NHS
* understand the pressures exerted on health care systems and the range of responses
that have arisen
* be able to compare and contrast the strengths of the different approaches
and their uses in different settings
Content:
1. Health, health care and health policy 2. Comparing health systems: the UK
3. Comparing health systems: the USA and Europe 4. Pressures on health care
systems (1) Demographic and economic changes 5. Pressures on health care systems
(2) Science and technology 6. Politics of reform: 50 years of the NHS 7. Rationing
and priority setting 8. Medicine and the media: the effect on policy 9. Paying
for care and the mixed economy 10. Evaluating health care and health policy
11. Informing health policy: the politics of data gathering 12. The New Public
Health
SOCP0012: European social policy: a comparative approach
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0001, Pre SOCP0002
Aims & learning objectives:
This unit introduces students to the social policies of several European countries.
By the end of the module students should have a basic knowledge of the patterns
and development of welfare policies in these countries and be able to situate
them in relation to models of different welfare state regimes.
Content:
The course adopts two approaches to the material. In the first part, it examines
in depth the development of social policies in specific countries which represent
different 'welfare regimes': Germany, Sweden, Italy and Russia/ Central Europe.
Second, it then compares specific policy areas across these countries, such
as pensions and health services. The module concludes by considering the impact
of the EU and the prospects for converging social policies in Europe.
SOCP0013: Social security policy and welfare reform
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0001, Pre SOCP0002
Aims & learning objectives:
To compare different ways of meeting financial need, including historical and
cross-national comparisons. To examine the assumptions and values that structure
social security provision. To examine approaches to welfare reform in Australia,
the USA and the UK in the 1980s and 1990s.
Content:
The scope of structure of social security policy; Models of social security
policy; Reviews and reforms; Australia, UK, USA; Social Security expenditure
trends; Benefit take-up and adequacy; Fraud and Abuse. Reform in relation to
specific policy areas: Unemployment and work incentives; Families and lone parents,
Child Support; Housing; Pensions; Disability.
SOCP0043: Sociology of industrial societies 1: classical
theories
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES100
Requisites: Co SOCP0044
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the basic sociological questions, theories and evidence of industrial
society
Content:
To answer the following questions: 1) How and why is industrial society distinctive?
2) Does industrial society have a logic of social differentiation, based on
conflict , control, or social order? Differences in work, authority and decision
making, kinship and gender, culture and community. The theories of Marx, Durkheim
and Weber.
SOCP0044: Sociology of industrial societies 2: social
change & social control
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co SOCP0043
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the changing nature of industrial societies, modern and post-modern
theories and evidence of social stratification, organisation and control
Content:
To answer the following questions: 1) Do industrial societies display common
trends, even superseding industrialism? 2) What are the main modes of social
regulation and social control in changing societies? Theories and evidence of
post-industrialism, convergence, managerialism, ethnic and gender forms of social
stratification in relation to social control and citizenship.
SOCP0047: Sociology of work & industry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0044
Aims & learning objectives:
This course examines sociological approaches to the changing forms of work and
work organisations. Key issues include rationalisation and bureaucratisation;
the introduction and impact of new technologies; managerial and worker strategies
in the control of work; conflict and accommodation at the workplace; corporate
structure - ownership, control and managerialism, implications for theories
of class and gender relationships. The course investigates these issues in three
broad contexts: the period of early industrialisation, the development of mass
production and 'Fordism' and the growth and consolidation of modern industrial
structures.
SOCP0048: Understanding industrial behaviour
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0044
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the course is to give students a Sociological understanding of industrial
behaviour, showing the competing paradigms and theories that describe industrial
relationships, institutions and social structures.
Content:
The course takes students through the main debates in management and work organisation
theory, looking at Taylorism and Fordism. The Hawthorne Studies and the early
Human Relations School. This is followed by an analysis of the Socio-Technical
School and its prescriptions. Contingency Theory and Labour Process Theory bring
the debates up to the 1990s. During the course a number of case study examples
are used to illustrate the key points of the differing schools.
SOCP0051: Social structure & languages of class
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of this unit are to demonstrate differences in structural theories
of industrial and capitalist societies, and to develop an understanding of the
ways in which classical sociological theory has been developed and changed to
explain social stratification and inequality.
Content:
Parsons' AGIL framework, and the Functionalist Theory of Stratification. Althusser
and 'structuralist' Marxism, contributions from the Frankfurt School. Empirical
issues and evidence from the sociology of class and stratification.
SOCP0055: Comparative industrial relations
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES40 CW10
Requisites: Pre SOCP0043, Pre SOCP0044
Aims & learning objectives:
This course examines the changing role of trade unions in industrial societies
- their relationship to the state and political parties, the significance of
ideology and different national traditions; the economic and social causes and
consequences of industrial conflict. Comparative cross-national studies will
focus on the post-war period, conflict and maturation approaches and union responses
to economic, social and political adversity.
SOCP0056: Environmental policy & the countryside
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To develop a clear understanding of the politics of the policy process as it
applies to the countryside and the environment
Content:
Concern for the environment has become a radical and innovative element in European
politics. By focusing on developments between the passage of the 1981 Wildlife
and Countryside Act and the publication of the 1995 Rural White Paper the Unit
explains the factors which have transformed the agenda of rural policy making.
Corporatist politics and competitive pluralist politics are contrasted and special
attention is given to the changing balance of private and public rights and
responsibilities in the countryside.
SOCP0059: Core skills for social scientists: social
research methods
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Co SOCP0110
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to classical, influential examples of investigations and
research in various social sciences, and to introduce the main methods as well
as philosophical and methodological issues raised by each.
Content:
Classical and influential case studies in political, sociological and psychological
research; different types of methods; classification, quantification and meaning;
controversial studies and their implications.
SOCP0060: Quantitative methods: Surveys & data analysis
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co SOCP0110
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to the main assumptions, concepts and methods of survey
methods, sampling, descriptive and inferential statistics, and to establish
basic competence sufficient for investigative, exploratory data analysis using
the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). By the end of the course
the students will be able to:
* use techniques for conducting a small surveys
* use a number of basic statistical techniques and tests employed in descriptive
and inferential statistics
* use the basic functions of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
in analysing quantitative data
* recognise the broader theoretical and methodological issues that arise from
(and accompany) the use of quantitative methods in social research.
Content:
Basic principles of surveys, construction of questionnaires and sampling; Basic
descriptive statistics and Graphical Representation of Quantitative Data; Measures
of central tendency and variability; Introduction to the Statistical Package
for Social Sciences (SPSS); The normal distribution and z-scores; Tests of associations:
An overview of tests for Nominal, Ordinal and Interval/ Ration variables; Introduction
to Inferential Statistics; Estimates, Hypothesis testing and Predictions; Tests
for significance for Nominal variables (the chi-square test).
SOCP0069: Social theory & social philosophy
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aims of this unit are to demonstrate the significance of different theories
of scientific methodology for the social sciences and the distinctive contribution
of the interpretivist perspective to sociological and related social sciences.
Students should learn the problematic relevance of natural science models for
social science and the substantive and methodological claims and value of interpretivist
social theory.
Content:
Positivist models of scientific method and the interpretivist tradition in sociology:
Popper, Kuhn, Winch and Weber. 'Actor-based' approaches: Goffman and ethnomethodology.
SOCP0070: Social issues in contemporary Europe
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: PR100
Requisites:
Aims and Learning Objectives: To develop student understanding of the major
social themes affecting Europe today. This unit will adopt a comparative perspective
that looks at the changing boundaries social agendas in place in major European
countries. The course will attempt to display elements of convergence and divergence
within those different and developing social agendas.
Content:
The idea of Europe as a social entity; EU developments promoting common social
policies; comparative demographics regarding family, gender, employment, labour
market, education, welfare and social policies. Comparative analysis of social
institutions and modes of approach to common problems.
SOCP0072: The social dialectics of business sovereignty
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:
Aims and Learning Objectives: To identify the changing boundaries and interactions
between business and society in relation to both the evolution and impact of
socio-political demands for business accountability and the social foundations
of business activiy; so that students understand the main challenges to business
sovereignty and the inter-dependence social relationships and business enterprise.
Content:
Changes in social and political challenges to capitalist enterprise. Philosophical,
historical and social structural sources of these challenges. Socialist, corporatist
and environmentalist and communitarian challenges. The social foundations of
business commerce and trade: trust, association, community, values, and citizenship.
SOCP0084: The politics of the welfare state
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre SOCP0001, Pre SOCP0002
Aims and Learning Objectives: To discuss and assess different theories of policy-making
in the area of social policy. To apply them to selected current social policy
issues.
Content:
Socio-economic explanations; political explanations; institutional explanations;
theory of welfare retrenchment; public opinion and the welfare state; the middle
classes and the welfare state; the think tanks and the welfare state; globalization
and the welfare state; population ageing and pension reform; the development
of active labour market policies.
SOCP0110: Core skills for social scientists: information
technology methods
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: PR50 CW50
Requisites: Co SOCP0059, Co SOCP0060
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce students to basic computing skills needed to support methods modules
in Years 1 and 2.
Content:
Through practical experience students will acquire basic skills in word-processing,
spreadsheets, simple databases, file management, use of networked PCs and accessing
remote sources (WWWeb); competence will be assessed through practicals and through
successful use of skills in later methods modules.