Applied Sociology|Comparative Politics|European Politics|Political Theory|Politics

Comparative politics is a field of political science that offers ideas and techniques for explaining differences and similarities between countries,...

Comparative politics is a field of political science that offers ideas and techniques for explaining differences and similarities between countries, institutions and groups. Its aim is to reach general conclusions about the way the political and social world works. This module introduces the core ideas and methods of comparative politics. It focuses on the comparison of post-communist states and the differences between the region and other parts of the world (Western Europe, Africa, Latin America). The module considers some key themes in social and political science such as the state, democracy, political institutions, political culture and participation. The module is primarily intended for students taking BA Politics and East European Studies and HPE, it assumes awareness of basic political science concepts.

This module provides an introduction to contemporary macroeconomic theory and policy. The course concentrates on building a coherent model, based on an...

This module provides an introduction to contemporary macroeconomic theory and policy. The course concentrates on building a coherent model, based on an analysis of three different markets (the goods market, the financial markets and the labour market), which can then be used to addresssome of the most important questions facing economic policy makers and to explain both past and future economic events. The major macroeconomic event of the last ferw years is the on-going crisis afflicting the global economy.

Understanding and analysing this crisis (the so-called 'Lesser Depression') and the policy responses which have (and haven't) accompanied it is a major part of the course.

While 'Introduction to Macroeconomis' can be taken as a stand-alone course, it also provides the necessary foundation for the level 2 unit, 'European Macroeconomics' and together these 2 units provide a solid background for more advanced studies in macroeconomics.

Aims and objectives

1. To build a coherent short-and medium-run model of the Macroeconomy.

2. To show how this coherent modelling framework can be utilised to inform macroeconomic policy debate in the European and global Economy.

3. To understand the causes and consequences of the policy response to it. A working knowledge of contemporary short-and medium-run macroeconomic theory.

4. The ability to apply tools of macroeconomic theory to actual economic phenomena, such as the recent global economic crises.

5. Teh foundation necessary to pursue further study in macroeconomics and to access a range of macroeconomic publications.

6. The knowledge and confidence to access and interpret a range of macroeconomic data.

7. Practice in a range of cognitive skills.