Politics, Philosophy and Economics BA (Hons)

This module is your introduction to the academic study of Politics. Through it you will become familiar with basic terms, concepts, methodologies and issues in the study of politics, which will prepare you for the rest of your degree. We will explore the diverse definitions and the scope of politics, and discuss what politics means to you. We will also introduce you to some of the essential skills needed to succeed a degree level, including academic writing, researching and referencing. 

This module introduces you to the core principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, focusing on understanding how these concepts can be applied in real world scenarios. You will build practical skills, learning to apply theory to address practical challenges faced by businesses. By studying this module, you will develop an understanding of how individual decisions and developments in economic environment may influence business strategies. 

On this module you will investigate key issues in political philosophy, learning about the ideas of thinkers throughout the history of political thought. Through this you will learn the skills to respond to fundamental issues in political thought, questioning who should rule, why we should we obey the state, and what a just society looks like. Throughout the module you will develop your analytical skills by examining arguments and perspectives based on philosophical and conceptual frameworks. 

This module builds on the concepts you will have been introduced to in your first semester, in Principles of Applied Economics. It explores the core principles and techniques of macroeconomic analysis, and will enhance your understanding of how theoretical and applied economic tools are used to analyse and interpret macroeconomic developments. You will investigate how decisions made by the Central Banks and governments impact critical macroeconomic variables, including inflation, consumption, economic growth, and unemployment. By analysing contemporary economic events, you will learn to understand trends in these variables, enabling you to make informed predictions and decisions.

This module will provide you with a detailed understanding of the policy and academic practice of international development and the key debates surrounding issues of global inequality and United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development goals (SDGs). By exploring both historical change and contemporary issues, you will develop a broad understanding of key concepts and relevant literature as well as critically reflecting on the geographically diverse picture of development and inequality in the Global South. You will engage in informed policy focused debates helping you to develop important cognitive, communicative and transferable skills.

On this module you will explore ethics in both religious and secular traditions, applying them to various contexts, such as famine and affluence. You will consider:

• What informs the ethical decisions people make
• How people form their attitudes to moral dilemmas
• Whether there are sources for moral reasoning other than religious ones
• What, if anything, rich nations owe poorer nations

You will reflect on your own assumptions surrounding these issues, and explore the relationship between ethical thought and religious belief.

International trade is extremely controversial. It is thought to be the engine of much worldwide economic prosperity. It is also blamed for inequality between countries and for the rise of populism and nationalism in some parts of the world. On this module we will investigate these controversies. This will help you understand the patterns of international trade, the forces that produce these patterns, and how they impacts different people. Ideas from economic theory, business strategy and political economy will help you to develop this understanding.

International Relations addresses the fundamental nature of power in the international system. The approaches used in this module are essential for understanding regional, international and global events. We will introduce you to some of the major theories in international relations, such as:

• Realism
• Liberalism
• Neoliberalism
• Marxism
• Critical theory
• Constructivism
• Feminism
• Postcolonialism

Using case studies and coverage of historical and contemporary events, you will consider how you can apply these theories to developments in state relations.

Democracy is the dominant form of political organisation around the world, and it is essential to fully understand how it is put into practice. You will explore the development and evolution of democracy. This includes discussions on the concept and various models of democracy, as well as the institutions (executives, legislatures, judiciaries) and processes (electoral and party systems) that rely on it. You will complete a comparative analysis of democratic states throughout the world, examining both established democracies and democracies in transition.

On this module you will examine how political philosophy can help us to address some of the pressing political, moral and ethical issues of the 21^st century. You will learn about the impact that political philosophies can and do have on decision-makers, as well as social groups and wider society. We will discuss a wide range of philosophers and philosophies, engaging with diverse and inclusive perspectives. The issues we explore could include:

• Minority rights
• Freedom of speech
• Criminal punishment
• Global inequalities and wealth distribution
• Abortion and euthanasia
• The environment

This module focuses on modern western philosophy in an important period of intellectual history. You will be introduced you to the most influential philosophers from the beginning of the 17th century through to the end of the 19th century and explore the ethical and religious issues surrounding their work. You will learn about the interaction between philosophical and religious, and construct your own arguments in response to these ideas. This will help you to understand the concepts behind the debates surrounding religious belief in contemporary life.

Understanding research and conducting it is a life skill, as well as being valuable to the functioning of organisations. This module will give you the foundational skills to evaluate, design and conduct research. You will learn to:

• Formulate and scrutinise research questions
• Design and propose research methodology
• Collect qualitative and quantitative data
• Analyse data, reach conclusions using it, and report it

These skills will be transferable in all fields of business, including finance, marketing, economics, tourism and events. You will also learn IT skills for survey design and statistical data analysis. For this module’s assessments you will learn to create video presentations, to work conduct and report research collaboratively, and to propose an original piece of research.

This module will provide you with hands-on, business problem-solving experience, by working on live briefs. In most cases this would include visiting the organisation, communicating your progress with clients, conducting primary or secondary research, and making recommendations in form of report and presentation. This module goes beyond theory, equipping you with authentic workplace skills and a deeper understanding of your own strengths and abilities. All of our projects are designed to develops your skills, while also helping local organisations find solutions to real problems that matters to them. 

The Conservative Party was once called the “natural party of government” and has dominated British politics since its incorporation in the mid eighteenth century. This module explores the traditions and ideas within Conservative party thought, from the Tamworth Manifesto of 1834 to the present day. 

On this module you will explore the persistence of authoritarian rule in the 21st century. You will study the characteristics of authoritarian systems, along with the structures, actors and actions that foster and maintain them. You will also consider the place of authoritarian systems in international politics, and examine their relationships with totalitarianism and democracy. This will involve using case studies to illustrate and analyse theoretical and conceptual approaches to authoritarianism.

On this module you will explore in detail the institutions, structures and processes of global governance. In particular we focus on the institutions of the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. We also cover regional organisations such as the European Union, and other intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations. Global issues will be examined to analyse the work of these institutions, which may include:

• Human rights
• International terrorism
• Global inequality
• The environment
• Conflict and peace

Globalisation has been a defining feature of how the planet has been re-shaped in economic, technological, social and cultural terms throughout the twentieth century, but it is increasingly being questioned. Issues such as uneven development, inequality, climate change, national-populism, and insecure employment have all challenged dominant thought on globalisation. On this module you will explore how globalisation is being revisited and rethought, engaging with arguments related to social justice in a contested global environment. We consider a broad range of perspectives, not just the traditional voices from the Euro-West that have typically been used to interpret the global environment. The module is informed by the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRiME).

This module will give you a critical understanding of business ethics and corporate social responsibility. This will help you to apply these concepts to major stakeholders in different corporations. You will study different concepts and principles so you can explore issues associated with the ethical challenges facing organisations today. 

This year long dissertation module will involve working independently to research a topic of your choice. It is the culmination of your degree studies, and your chance to explore a topic that you are passionate about. You will plan, research, and write a piece of work that demonstrates your ability to structure a sustained argument, research effectively and think independently. A dissertation supervisor will help you define and develop your project throughout the year.

On this module you will develop a substantial piece of specialist work, with the support of a designated research investigation tutor. This could be in the form of either:

• A traditional Dissertation
• A Business Creation Feasibility Project

You will develop research objectives, formulate appropriate methodologies, and apply problem solving and analytical skills in a business context of your choice. You will also need to collect, analyse, interpret, and evaluate the data generated by your research. At the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to showcase your research at the York Business School Undergraduate Research Symposium.