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Undergraduate

BA (Honours) Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Learning Outcomes

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Educational aims

This degree aims to:

  • provide you with a good understanding of economics, politics and philosophy at post-introductory level
  • introduce you to a range of concepts, theories, debates and methods from social science and philosophy
  • provide you with skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis and communication
  • enhance employability by providing recognised training in a range of background skills and issues useful in policy making.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Of:

  • micro and macro economic theory
  • a range of theories and themes relevant to economics and/or politics
  • application of different economic theories to current issues
  • understanding of what it means to approach an issue philosophically
  • knowledge of views of selected philosophers
  • knowledge of political themes and selected political topics.

Cognitive skills

You will be able to:

  • carry out analysis using diagrams and/or verbal argument
  • apply theories to events and issues
  • make evaluations of different theories
  • pursue questions by means of data analysis and interpret basic regression results by fieldwork research or through literature searches
  • think logically, understand and construct philosophical arguments
  • understand and evaluate secondary and primary sources
  • conceptualise and write an essay or project involving an element of independent research or study.

Practical and/or professional skills

The award is oriented towards the development of quantitative and qualitative skills deemed relevant to public service in a number of areas.

Key skills

You will be able to:

Communication

  • select and read text and information from different sources, identify what is relevant
  • read and interpret different forms of visual material including economics diagrams and presentation of data
  • select, summarise and synthesise information
  • present written material in a coherently organised form with arguments and information in a logical sequence
  • argue logically
  • use diagrammatic forms of analysis to make economic arguments
  • integrate verbal, diagrammatic and quantitative analysis.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods

This takes place via printed texts, study guides, workbooks, interactive exercises, audio-visual material, with accompanying media notes, essays and other assignment activities, with continuous assessment and feedback.

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