Trinity College Dublin

CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES

Module Preference Form

Junior Freshman Students, 2017-2018

NAME: (BLOCK CAPITALS) ______

In the Junior Freshman year, European Studies students take an introductory module in Social Science. Please find below details of the available modules and make your selections on this form in order of your preference (1, 2, 3). Note that for timetabling and other reasons it is not always possible for students to take their first preference, and that a place on any particular module cannot be guaranteed. Please also note that the preferences expressed on this form are final, and may not be changed at a later date.

Option / Choice
EC1010 Introduction to Economics
EC1040 Introduction to Economic Policy
PO1600 Introduction to Political Science
SO1310/1311 Introduction to Sociology

You may return your completed form by post to the European Studies office at the address below, or email the completed form as a scanned attachment to . For any queries please contact the European Studies office at this email address. This form must be returned by Tuesday 5 September 2017.

Centre for European Studies

Room 3037 Arts Building,

Trinity College Dublin,

Dublin 2.

Introduction to Economics (EC1010)

Aims and Content

This module provides students with a broad introduction to, and overview of, introductory economics, covering both microeconomics and macroeconomics. The module focuses on the principles of economics, and provides a foundation for the more advanced modules in economics available in later years. The module does not assume any previous knowledge of economics. The first part of the module covers microeconomics, which is concerned with the allocation of scarce resources between competing uses at the disaggregated level of individuals, households and firms. The central issue concerns the respective roles of the price mechanism and of the government in resource allocation. The second part of the module covers macroeconomics, which is concerned with economy-wide aggregates such as the overall scale of economic activity, the rate of inflation, the levels of employment and unemployment and the exchange rate. The central issue concerns the role of the government in tackling macroeconomic challenges such as reducing unemployment, promoting growth and maintaining price stability.

Introduction to Economic Policy (EC1040)

Aims and Content

The first part of this module aims to provide students with a comprehensive outline of some of the core elements of micro economics and their applications. By the end of the first half of the module students will be able to use their knowledge of economic theory and policy so as to have a better understanding of the drivers of demand and supply and of the decision making processes of individuals and businesses. Students should also have an understanding of market failures and how governments can sometimes improve market outcomes. The second part of this module provides students with a comprehensive outline of some of the core elements of macroeconomics and their applications. By the end of the second half of the module students will be able to use their knowledge of economic theory and policy so as to have a better understanding of how an economy functions.

Introduction to Political Science (PO1600)

Aims and Content

This module aims to equip students with a basic knowledge of the key problems and questions around which politics revolves and to equip students with the fundamental conceptual, theoretical and analytical tools used in the consideration of political questions. There are four main sections in the course. The first section considers the basic principles of politics, including discussions of power, the major ideologies, the state, and democracy. The second section examines main political institutions including the executive, the judiciary and interest groups. The third section examines issues such as electoral systems, political parties, and public opinion. The final section examines developments in global governance, with a particular focus on themes in European Union politics and international relations.

Introduction to Sociology (SO1310/1311)

Aims and Content

This module introduces students to the discipline of Sociology. Sociology enables us to understand and critically explore the social world in which we live. The module introduces students to the distinctive questions that sociologists ask about human society, and the theories, concepts and analytical tools used in the search for answers. Students are encouraged to develop a ‘sociological imagination’ in order to understand the inter-relationships and dependencies between the individual, society and wider global processes. The module considers the nature of sociology in terms of its historical origins, its key theoretical traditions and the role of research in analysing social issues. It examines major themes such as multiculturalism and citizenship; migration and immigrant incorporation; racism, identities and education; the changing role of families; the changing nature of work; the emergence of knowledge economies; network societies; social inequalities and change; gender; the social construction of reality.