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Teaching methods
The Department employs a variety of teaching methods in different courses. Lectures and small group tutorials form the backbone of the teaching. Personal contact with members of the academic staff is considered to be essential if each student's personal enthusiasm for their studies is to be stimulated. A range of activities is pursued within the tutorial groups depending upon the course. Some courses emphasise problem solving as a means of reinforcing and cementing the important ideas - for example the course in Microeconomic Theory. Occasionally we use game playing to encourage discussion and understanding - for example when competing groups of students try to control a computer model of the economy in Principles of Macroeconomics. Other courses place greater emphasis on writing short and accurate technical pieces (Welfare Economics) or longer more discursive papers (Business and Society).
In all cases tutors encourage group discussion and involvement . In order that students are able to use all their knowledge and skills from politics, history and economics to confront important issues of international concern a programme of inter-disciplinary discussion groups is compulsory for all students doing International Studies. Once per term, students receive inter-disciplinary readings on a problem of international concern. This material is then debated under the direction of a 'discussion leader' sometimes invited from outside the University.
See also:
Student:staff
ratio
See also:
The 2-year honours
degree