Adam Smith famously wrote that consumption was the “sole end and purpose of all production.” This was true for communist societies as well as...

Adam Smith famously wrote that consumption was the “sole end and purpose of all production.” This was true for communist societies as well as capitalist ones, but communist societies initially prioritized economic growth and production. To what extent did communist consumer ideology privilege utility over pleasure, and efficiency over individuality? This seminar will explore aspects of consumption and consumer regimes theoretically, and then look specifically at various elements of communist consumer regimes in Eastern Europe and the USSR. Among the types of consumer goods considered may be fashion, automobiles, food, travel, and culture. It will conclude with a consideration of consumer culture in post-communism.

The module aims to develop a range of productive and comprehension language skills in spoken and written Polish at intermediate level; these skills will relate...

The module aims to develop a range of productive and comprehension language skills in spoken and written Polish at intermediate level; these skills will relate both to the students' studies and to practical situations in Poland. Students on a two-year MRes programme, and appropriately qualified MA students on other programmes are entitled to enrol on this module. The module will include development of oral skills, the reading of relatively complex authentic texts, some grammar exercises and some writing in Polish.

Welcome to Qualitative Research Methods! This module introduces students to a variety of qualitative research techniques used in the social sciences. It...

Welcome to Qualitative Research Methods! This module introduces students to a variety of qualitative research techniques used in the social sciences. It provides an understanding of how qualitative and quantitative methods can be used to complement each other to enrich a research project. The sessions cover theoretical, practical and ethical considerations required in qualitative research. Each week, students are introduced to a different qualitative method or approach that can be used in research into crime and security issues. Collectively, the sessions will enable students to construct qualitative research instruments appropriate to real-world research questions, analyse data in a scientific manner, and interpret findings appropriately. Students planning to use qualitative methods in their research projects (including mixed-methods approaches), are strongly encouraged to take this module. Since it is a very interactive module and students are expected to work collaboratively on a group project, students must be willing and able to commit to the group work.

Week 1: Introduction ; Week 2: Theory and design; Week 3: Sampling and an introduction to case study based research; Week 4: Interviews and focus groups; Week 5: Designing group research projects and peer assessments; Week 6: Ethnography and observation; Week 7: Analysis and interpretation ; Week 8: Coding data and reflexivity; Week 9: Quality of qualitative research; Week 10: Group presentations  

 