Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) (On-campus and distance learning) Curriculum for BA degree programme

Transcription

1 Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) (On-campus and distance learning) Curriculum for BA degree programme

2 Name of curriculum: PPE: BA degree programme in Philosophy, Politics and Economics Contact: Head of Department of Social Sciences and On-Campus and Distance Learning Coordinator Length of degree programme: Seven semesters Number of credits: 180 ECTS, Cycle 1.2 under Iceland s National Qualification Framework for Higher Education and Degrees from 2011 Third edition, April

3 Table of Contents Description of study programme... 5 Programme structure and teaching methods... 5 Distance learning... 6 Electives and internships... 6 International studies cooperation with universities abroad... 6 Programme composition... 7 Course descriptions... 9 Methods, procedures and management (18 credits)... 9 Research Methods... 9 Information Technology... 9 Confident Communication Statistics Leadership and Management Philosophy (36 credits) Ethics Political Philosophy History of Ideas Gender Studies Ancient Philosophy Ancient Political Philosophy Logic Political Ideas and Ideologies Philosophy of Science Economics (36 credits) Microeconomics Macroeconomics International Economics Globalisation and Financial Institutions Game Theory The Economy and Law Development Economics Institutional Economics Environmental and Resource Economics Politics (36 credits) Icelandic Government and Politics Comparative Politics International Politics Iceland and the European Integration Conflict and Peace Studies

4 Climate Change and International Politics Religion and Politics Arctic Politics Human Rights and International Politics Sustainability and Social Responsibility U.S. Politics Other Elective Seminar Term project Internship BA Thesis Intended learning outcomes

5 Description of study programme The undergraduate study programme in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) aims to prepare students for participation in the working world, where exacting demands will be made of them and developments will be rapid. The programme also provides solid preparation for diverse graduate-level studies in the humanities and social sciences. It combines study in three core disciplines of the humanities and social sciences that are normally taught separately. In bringing together the methods and insights of all three, the result is an unusual and richly varied undergraduate programme that enables students to understand how the differing viewpoints of these academic fields can work to complement each other. Applicants must have completed a matriculation examination (stúdentspróf) to be admitted to the programme. Students who have completed Bifröst University s University Gateway (Háskólagátt) are considered to meet this requirement. An exemption may be made from the matriculation examination requirement if an applicant possesses experience and/or knowledge that can be assessed as equivalent to completion of a matriculation examination. Completion of the study programme leads to a BA degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE, 180 credits), which fulfils the requirements for a Bachelor s degree, Cycle 1.2 under Iceland s National Qualification Framework for Higher Education and Degrees from 2011, issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. With a view to contributing towards society s progress in the direction of a better and richer environment, humane society and responsible participation, the University has signed up as a participant in the Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative, headed by the United Nations. Concurrent to this, the University aims to promote awareness of sustainability both in connection with study and research at the University and campus life in the University Village. Programme structure and teaching methods PPE is a cross-disciplinary programme, combining the methods and approaches of three disciplines to develop students knowledge and understanding of society, culture, politics and the economy. Students are continuously encouraged to cultivate and foster their independent thinking skills and to leverage these three disciplines in doing so. Students complete a minimum of 36 credits in each of the three subject areas of the study programme. PPE courses are organised to allow for rigorous assignment work, in addition to which students work together in groups to carry out research projects and complete independent group projects term projects, which are presented and submitted for evaluation by instructors and student peers. Students complete two such projects over the course of their studies, worth eight ECTS credits each. Critical thinking and community-based topics are emphasised. Term projects are often carried out in collaboration with businesses, municipalities, public institutions and other parties outside the University. The duration of the PPE undergraduate study programme is seven semesters, including two summer semesters. Instruction takes place in three-, six- and twelve-week sessions. In spring and fall semesters, teaching in most subjects is organised into six-week sessions, but heavier and more demanding subjects are taught over twelve weeks. Summer-semester courses are taught consecutively in three-week sessions. During the summer, students also complete term projects and present them for defence. Full-time students complete 30 ECTS credits in fall and spring semesters and 20 credits in summer semesters. Students who maintain a full-time pace complete 20 credits in their final semester (a fall semester), including a 12-credit BA thesis. The thesis is an independent student project, carried out in cooperation with an instructor. 5

6 Distance learning PPE can be completed as a distance-learning programme, which is organised alongside and fully in line with the on-campus study programme. Bifröst University has many years experience of distance instruction, and a large segment of the University s graduates has completed all or most of a study programme via distance education. The organisation of distance learning programmes enables students to engage in studies at whatever location in the world they may be situated. Course materials (both lectures and supplementary materials of various kinds) are accessible on the University s distance-learning web. The University emphasises compatibility with many platforms and technologies, so that students can, for example, listen to lectures on MP3 players or watch them on tablets, laptops or desktop computers, depending on their individual needs. For each course, students are expected to meet at least once together at Bifröst University, along with their teachers, during a working weekend. Working weekends are an important component of distance learning and are used for lectures, discussions and project work. Working weekends generally take place from Friday to Sunday. Food, accommodation and other services are offered on campus. Distance-learning examinations are held at numerous locations around the world. In Iceland, these locations include continuous-education centres throughout the country; options for students outside of Iceland include embassies, consulates or universities with which Bifröst University has made arrangements at any given time. Electives and internships Students enrolled in PPE have the opportunity to take two types of electives. Students complete a fixed number of credits in philosophy, politics and economics, but for the non-mandatory component they may choose any subjects within the discipline in question. Students also take 20 credits in free electives. They may use free electives either to deepen their knowledge of one of the three disciplines or to explore courses outside these disciplines in the fields of law or business administration. To strengthen ties with the community and the field of work in which students are interested, Bifröst University has developed a vocational training programme in collaboration with businesses, institutions and organisations. Students can thus complete an internship as part of their electives. Students who have demonstrated initiative and independent thinking in their studies as well as good academic performance may apply for an internship position during their studies. Undergraduate students must have completed at least 110 credits and achieve a firstclass grade to be eligible for an internship. An internship lasts four to five weeks and is worth 8 ECTS credits. International studies cooperation with universities abroad Bifröst University s international relationships are most strongly manifested in its extensive collaboration with foreign universities. Undergraduate students at Bifröst University have the option of spending one to two exchange semesters at one of Bifröst s partner schools, and the study programme is structured so as to allow students to complete the same number of credits at the partner school as they would otherwise have completed at Bifröst over this same period. Bifröst University receives foreign exchange students from its partner universities as well, and collaboration and interaction with exchange students is an important part of the international experience that Bifröst offers its students. The University s academic staff also collaborates extensively with universities abroad in the areas of teaching and research. The University is a member of the Erasmus programme and likewise has bilateral agreements with numerous universities outside Europe. Bifröst participates in the University of the Arctic (UArctic), a consortium of over 100 universities in Canada, the United States, Russia and the Nordic countries. 6

7 Programme composition PPE students academic studies are composed of the following courses. Courses marked with a star are subject to minimum participation requirements and the University s latitude at any given time. Courses that are not mandatory are variable, and other comparable courses may be offered in their place. First- and second-year students take summer courses together. Summer courses are therefore taught every other year. Methods, procedures and management (18 credits) Research Methods (mandatory) Information Technology (mandatory) Confident Communication (mandatory) Leadership and Management (mandatory) Statistics (mandatory) Philosophy (36 credits) Ethics (mandatory) Political Philosophy (mandatory) History of Ideas Philosophy of Science Gender Studies (summer) Ancient Philosophy (summer) *Logic *Ancient Political Philosophy *Political Ideas and Ideologies Economics (36 credits) Microeconomics (mandatory) Macroeconomics (mandatory) International Economics Globalisation and Financial Institutions Development Economics (summer) Environmental and Resource Economics (summer) *Game Theory *The Economy and Law *Institutional Economics (summer) Politics (36 credits) Icelandic Government and Politics (mandatory) Comparative Politics (mandatory) International Politics Conflict and Peace Studies Sustainability and Social Responsibility Iceland and the European Integration *Climate Change and International Politics *Religion and Politics *Arctic Politics *Human Rights and International Politics Term projects (16 credits) 7

8 Electives and vocational training (20 credits) BA thesis (12 credits) First year (60 ECTS) Fall semester (30 ECTS) Ethics (6 ECTS) Microeconomics (6 ECTS) Icelandic Government and Politics (6 ECTS) Research Methods (6 ECTS) Confident Communication (2 ECTS) Information Technology (4 ECTS) Spring semester (30 ECTS) Political Philosophy (6 ECTS) Macroeconomics (6 ECTS) Comparative Politics (6 ECTS) Statistics (6 ECTS) Leadership and Management (6 ECTS) Summer semester (20 ECTS) (2014)* Term Project with Project Management I (8 ECTS) Ancient Philosophy (6 ECTS) Environmental and Resource Economics (6 ECTS) Second year (60 ECTS) Fall semester (30 ECTS) Spring semester (30 ECTS) Philosophy of Science (6 ECTS) Ancient Political Philosophy (6 ECTS) International Economics (6 ECTS) Globalisation and Financial Institutions (6 ECTS) International Politics (6 ECTS) Conflict and Peace (6 ECTS) Iceland and the European Integration (6 ECTS) Sustainability and Social Responsibility (6 ECTS) Elective (6 ECTS) Elective (6 ECTS) Summer semester (20 ECTS) (2015)* Term Project with Project Management II (8 ECTS) Gender Studies (6 ECTS) Development Economics (6 ECTS) Third year Fall semester (20 ECTS) Vocational training or elective (6 ECTS) BA thesis (14 ECTS) 8

9 Course descriptions Methods, procedures and management (18 credits) Research Methods Semester: Fall, year 1 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Business Administration Business Law Prerequisites: General undergraduate-level entrance requirements Language: Lectures in Icelandic and course materials in Icelandic and English Instructor: Sigrún Lilja Einarsdóttir, assistant professor Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work Required course The course is an introductory course in methodology, where basic methodological concepts, the structure of written work and procedures for preparing scientific dissertations and research reports will be presented. The course will deal with preparing and carrying out a research project, choosing and defining the subject, formulating a hypothesis, reliability, internal and external validity, causation and ethical problems in research. Students are familiarised with different research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) and receive training in the creation of questionnaires, the preparation of interviews and the main issues relating to case studies and the various types of field observations. Students will likewise gain training in appropriate working methods and procedures in preparing research plans, collecting data, managing and finding source material and presenting projects. On completion of the course, students will: Understand and be able to articulate the main basic concepts of methodology. Be able to explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative research methods and differentiate between different types of research design. Adopt professional working procedures in selecting and evaluating literature and have gained training in doing literature searches and using databases. Have received training in reading scientific literature and analysing sources. Be able to present their subject matter in a concise and effective manner. Be able to write short academic papers. Be able to prepare a research plan, provide argumentation for their choice of research method and cite and record their sources in conformity with the APA system. Information Technology Semester: Fall, year 1 4 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Business Administration Business Law Prerequisites: General undergraduate-level entrance requirements Language: Icelandic Instructor: Jón Freyr Jóhannsson, adjunct lecturer Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work Required course The purpose of this course is to increase students proficiency in the use of information 9

10 technology in their work and studies. The main focus will be on using Microsoft Excel to solve applied problems in the area of mathematics, finances and operations, as well as in general data processing. In addition to material specified in the course plan, various concepts and subjects in the field of information technology will be presented. After the course, students will: Be familiar with and able to explain some of the main concepts and subjects in the field of information technology. Have knowledge of and be able to distinguish between common methods of solving problems involving use of spreadsheets. Be able to make systematic use of spreadsheet tools (Excel) in tackling diverse projects relating to their work and study. Be able to create models in Excel. Be able to use Word systematically in setting up essays and assignments, including preparing a bibliography using the techniques of Word. Be able to prepare PowerPoint presentations. Have adopted time-saving and practical methods. Confident Communication Semester: Fall, year 1 2 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Business Administration Business Law Prerequisites: General undergraduate-level entrance requirements Language: Icelandic Instructor: Sigríður Arnardóttir, sessional lecturer Teaching methods: Lectures, projects Required course The concept for this applied course is rooted in the so-called Bifröst spirit: for decades, students of Bifröst University have graduated to become business leaders and social advocates. Many of these distinguished graduates have stated that the training they received at Bifröst, including speaking experience and social activities, has proved exceptionally valuable for them. The purpose of this course is to cultivate the Bifröst spirit, which still thrives here among our students. We believe that no school in Iceland can boast as dynamic a social programme through the years as Bifröst University. The following will be covered in this course: 1. Expressing oneself with confidence 2. Making a good impression in public speaking 3. A confident presence at meetings and in the media what characterises the best? 4. Promoting products or services 5. Communication skills 6. A confident presence recording and assignments 7. What do I as a student want to do 8. Expression After the course, students will: be able to express themselves confidently be able to leverage media outlets, conferences and other events to promote themselves have gained communication skills be able to prepare their career 10

11 Statistics Semester: Spring, year 1 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Business Administration Prerequisites: General undergraduate-level entrance requirements Language: Icelandic Instructor: Kári Joensen, assistant professor Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work Required course The objective of the course is for students to become acquainted with the rudiments of probability theory and statistics and be able to apply statistical methods in evaluating options and interpreting research data. Data collection using different sampling methods will be discussed, and several common sources of statistical error that accompany such surveys will be covered. The course will examine how to perform statistical tests for means and proportions and how to estimate the confidence interval for such proportions. Finally, the course will investigate the use of linear regression in preparing simple forecasts. Students recognise the most common types of statistics and understand their different properties Students are acquainted with the axioms of probability theory Students understand the premises of statistical testing and parameter estimation Students understand the premises of linear regression Students are able to present information based on survey data in a clear and illustrative manner Students are able to assess the reliability of surveys and can identify sources of error that commonly have an effect on traditional survey research Students can identify the confidence interval for means and proportions Students are able to set out and perform statistical testing Students are capable of using statistical methods in evaluating options and making decisions Students can fit a simple and a multivariate linear regression model to data, can assess the model s quality and calculate its predicted value with error estimation Leadership and Management Semester: Spring semester, year 1 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Business Administration Business Law Prerequisites: General undergraduate-level entrance requirements Language: Icelandic Instructors: Dr. Erla Sólveig Kristjánsdóttir and Sigurður Ragnarsson Required course Teaching methods are diverse and build on Bifröst University s tradition of project-based learning. Lectures and guidance from the instructor are provided directly to on-campus students or with audio and video through the University s learning management system. See a more detailed description in the course plan. Leadership is a multifaceted phenomenon, and this course will deal with leadership based on various elements. Central concepts and theories of leadership studies will be examined, together with new trends such as ethical and authentic leadership. Students have an opportunity to examine and develop their own knowledge and understanding of leadership 11

12 roles. Other key issues will be covered, such as leadership in teams, different leadership styles, international leadership, effective communication, gender differences and so on. Special emphasis will be placed on servant leadership, and the main points of this theory and its relevance will be addressed. Students: Learn about key course topics, such as leadership in teams, leadership and ethics, authentic and servant leadership, international leadership, gender differences and so on. Learn about several key theories, such as theories relating to personal characteristics, behaviour and leadership styles, circumstances, charismatic leadership and so on. Will be able to leverage various methods and aspects that are part of effective leadership. This entails that students: Recognise the importance of ethical and servant leadership and how these types of leadership can help leaders and followers to succeed. Understand the difference between managers and leaders, and what this difference entails in the context of effective leadership. Gain a comprehension of how it is possible to provide leadership to a team. Understand team leadership and how it works in praxis. Are capable of identifying professional leadership and criticising poor leadership. Are capable of explaining how key components of leadership may be used. Are capable of assessing and determining appropriate leadership in differing circumstances. 12

13 Philosophy (36 credits) Ethics Semester: Fall, year 1 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Business Administration Business Law Prerequisites: General undergraduate-level entrance requirements Language: Most lectures in Icelandic but also some in English. Most course materials in English. Assignments in Icelandic. Instructor: Jón Ólafsson, professor Teaching methods: Lectures, assignments and small-group discussions. Required course The course provides basic training in the approaches of philosophical ethics. The focus will be on the fundamental theories of Western philosophy and on some of the most important thinkers of the Western world. Insight will be provided into how classical theories of thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill relate to contemporary ethical issues today. The course will also examine some of the hot topics in contemporary ethics and how ethical theories can be applied to find solutions to pressing problems with which we are contending today. On completion of the course, students will: Know, understand and be able to discuss the principal theories and concepts of philosophical ethics. Be able to recognise ethical issues and apply ethical theories to them. Be able to formulate a reasoned stance on issues in ethics. Have gained proficiency in engaging in dialogue, be able to express themselves in a clear and logical manner and have received training in critically assessing their own views and ideas and those of others. Political Philosophy Semester: Spring, year 1 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Prerequisites: General undergraduate-level entrance requirements Language: Lectures in Icelandic, course materials in Icelandic and English Instructor: Jón Ólafsson, professor Teaching methods: Lectures and assignments Required course Contemporary political debate has been largely shaped by American philosopher John Rawls s theory of justice, which can be said to have reinvigorated and given Western liberalism a new lease on life. The course deals with Rawls s theory, its origin, its influence and responses to the theory. The course will also provide a general discussion of liberalism and libertarianism, utilitarianism, multiculturalism, participatory politics, discursive politics, feminism and other topics. Some of the pressing questions of today will be discussed, such as freedom of the individual, equality, identity, tolerance and disparity. 13

14 Learning outcomes After the course, students will possess: A substantial knowledge of the leading theories of contemporary political philosophy. The ability to grapple with political questions in light of theory. An understanding of ethical dilemmas in politics, and how such a quandary may be addressed. History of Ideas Semester: Spring semester, year 2 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Language: Icelandic Instructor: NN Teaching methods: Lectures, assignments and working weekend The course deals with dominant trends in nineteenth- and twentieth-century philosophy and political theory, discusses the context of key works and their history of influence and introduces their authors. Students read selections from the works of some of the main thinkers of this period and become acquainted with the theories and attitudes that have had the greatest impact in later times. The course begins with a discussion of the Enlightenment and Romanticism, which sets the tone for the principal themes considered by the authors to follow. Key authors are Friedrich Nietzsche, G.W.F. Hegel, Søren Kierkegaard, Walter Benjamin, Hannah Arendt and Jean-Paul Sartre. On completion of the course, students will: Know and be able to describe the development of ideas and theories over the period. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the history of influence on Western thought over the last 200 years. Be capable of analysing the origins of theories and their interrelatedness. Gender Studies Semester: Summer semester 6 ECTS Degree programme: BA in PPE Language: English Instructor: Björg Hjartardóttir Teaching methods: Lectures, section meetings, discussions and assignments Introduction to the methodologies and subject matter of gender studies. Our focus will be on the analysis and discussion of concepts and phenomena necessary for understanding how gender shapes the social status of people in different parts of the world and ways to fight gender oppression. Topics include: sex and gender, nature, liberty, oppression, autonomy, gendering, gender mainstreaming, ideology, and equality. After the course: Students can explain key theoretical concepts of gender studies Students show awareness of the variability of the way gender divisions manifest themselves in different parts of the world Students are able to analyze international affairs through the lens of gender 14

15 Ancient Philosophy Semester: Summer semester 6 ECTS Degree Programme: BA in PPE Language: English Instructor: Eyjólfur Kjalar Emilsson, professor at the University of Oslo Teaching methods: Lectures, section meetings, discussions and assignments This course discusses central theories in ancient philosophy. Students will read selected parts of the writings of Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, the Stoics and the Neoplatonists. The views of ancient philosophers on issues such as rhetoric, neutrality of science, nature, happiness, wellbeing, virtues and vices will be discussed. After the course, students should: Be able to explain the key characteristics of ancient philosophy Be able to discuss the work of the main ancient Greek philosophers Ancient Political Philosophy Semester: Spring, year 2 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Language: Icelandic Instructor: Páll Rafnar Þorsteinsson Teaching methods: Lectures, assignments and working weekend The course introduces the main theories associated with ancient political philosophy, and selected chapters will be read from the works of Aristotle, Plato and Epicurus. Ancient political thought on rhetoric, the objectivity of science and nature, happiness, success, virtue and pleasure is discussed. On completion of the course, students will: Understand the main characteristics of ancient political philosophy. Possess knowledge about the works of key ancient Greek authors. Logic Semester: Fall; year 2 or 3 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Language: Icelandic Instructor: NN Teaching methods: Lectures, assignments and working weekend The principal objective of the course is to introduce students to the main concepts and methods of logic, both deductive logic and inductive logic. Students will also receive a brief introduction to decision theory. The objective is for students to gain an understanding of the language of logic such as will enable them to comprehend the role of logical expressions in philosophical writings with respect to deductive logic in particular and to develop critical thinking skills 15

16 concerning the use of inductive logic in the social sciences. Students are not expected to have a prior background in logic or mathematics, and the course is intended to benefit all those with an interest in logic and its connection with philosophy and the social sciences. On completion of the course, students will: Know the main concepts and methods of logic Understand the role of logical expressions in philosophical writings Have the capability to apply critical thinking to the use of logic in the humanities and social sciences Political Ideas and Ideologies Semester: Spring semester; year 2 or 3 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE (students are expected to have completed courses in ethics, political philosophy and history of ideas). Language: Icelandic Instructor: NN Teaching methods: Lectures, assignments and working weekend The course covers theories in the field of political philosophy that have emerged or risen to prominence after the end of the Cold War. The course will deal with the development of democracy in the direction of participatory, discursive and deliberative democracy and with theories concerning citizenship, multiculturalism, secularism and marginalised groups. This debate is examined in the context of dominant ideologies of the twentieth century, in particular liberalism and communism. The question will be raised whether modern political discourse remains yoked to ideology or whether the leading political ideas of today can cope with contemporary political problems, such as extreme poverty, religious extremism, environmental issues and so on. On completion of the course, students will: Know about the main theories in the field of political philosophy from the time of the Cold War Understand key concepts that characterise different ideologies Can use concepts from political philosophy to analyse discourse on the foremost topics in contemporary politics today. Philosophy of Science Semester: Spring semester, year 2 or 3 6 ECTS Degree Programme: BA in PPE: Philosophy, Politics, Economics and BBA in Business Administration Language: English Instructor: Ian Watson, assistant professor Teaching methods: Lectures, section meetings, discussions and assignments Modern science has ancient roots, but its methodology was much influenced by the scientific revolutions of the 17th century. Among the questions the course asks and tries to answer are: 16

17 What is science? What are the basic procedures of scientific reasoning? How do scientific theories change, especially theories that have long been accepted as fact? What are the similarities and differences between scientific theories, religious beliefs, and other kinds of knowledge? How do the social sciences differ from the natural sciences? The written work includes an analysis of a scientific debate or scientific revolution of each student s choosing. A grasp of the basic outlines of the history of science. The ability to identify scientific theories and their elements. The ability to perceive and analyze the historical contingency of scientific theories and develop a critical view of a given theory or debate. An understanding of the problems of social science as opposed to the natural sciences 17

18 Economics (36 credits) Microeconomics Semester: Fall, year 2 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Business Administration Business Law Prerequisites: General undergraduate-level entrance requirements Language: Lectures in Icelandic and course materials in English and Icelandic Instructors: Guðmundur Ólafsson, assistant professor, and Árni Sverrir Hafsteinsson, sessional lecturer Teaching methods: Lectures, discussions and project sessions The course introduces the key elements of microeconomics and deals with its position in the sciences, the business setting, supply and demand, elasticity, markets and the effect of government. The course covers the effects of trade on individuals and businesses in taxation and in international trade. Externalities, public goods and common resources are described. Production functions and cost functions are discussed. Consumer behaviour is explained. Various types of market structures are scrutinised (i.e., perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly and monopolistic competition), and their differences and unique features are described. The basics of economic risk, uncertainty and information asymmetry are explained. Markets for factors of production are discussed, as are wages, wage gap, income distribution and poverty. On completion of the course, students will: Have a good knowledge of the fundamentals of microeconomics. Know about the main concepts in microeconomics and their application in the economy. Have a comprehensive picture of microeconomics, encompassing company management, consumer behaviour in the market and major influencing factors. Have knowledge about international trade, various effects of government, key elements of company management and the main market structure types. Have become acquainted with how theory can be used in company management through assignments and examples. Macroeconomics Semester: Spring, year 1 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE and Business Administration Prerequisites: General undergraduate-level entrance requirements Language: Lectures in Icelandic and course materials in English and Icelandic Instructor: Guðmundur Ólafsson, assistant professor Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work Required course The course introduces the core theories, methods and topics of macroeconomics. The objective of the course is to give students insight into the main subject matter of macroeconomics and the methods, theories and concepts on which the discipline is based. The course s applied value will also be emphasised by interweaving theory with the economic debate here in Iceland and abroad. Topics covered include: Indices and national accounts; the economy over the short term: production and demand, business cycles and the effects of fiscal and monetary policy; the economy over the medium to long term: economic growth and aggregate supply, inflation and expectations, financial and labour markets; economics in open economies: exchange rate issues 18

19 and current account balance, financial crises and optimum currency areas. Students recognise the fundamental concepts of macroeconomics and can explain the core methods and data used in macroeconomics. Students understand the basic dynamics of economic development and are acquainted with the primary objectives of monetary and fiscal policy in open economies. Students understand and can explain the value of the methods of macroeconomics. Students have received training in applying the methods of macroeconomics. Students are equipped with expertise in selecting macroeconomic methods and can present arguments to support their selection. Students have received training in adopting the language of economics in presenting and representing material. International Economics Semester: Fall, year 2 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Prerequisites: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics Language: Lectures in Icelandic and course materials in English and Icelandic Instructor: N.N. Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work The course deals with economics in an international context and is divided into two parts. The first part covers international trade and trading conditions as well as international cooperation and government policy on international trade. The second focuses on international capital flows and currency matters. Economic management of a floating exchange rate and the effects of exchange-rate adjustments are discussed. Countries fixed exchange rate policies are also examined, and optimum currency area and monetary unions will be explored in continuation. Know the main theories and driving forces in the international business world. Be able to analyse the main causes and effects of globalisation. Gain an understanding of different policies on international trade and their connection with living conditions. Gain proficiency in presenting and applying basic models of international economics. Globalisation and Financial Institutions Semester: Spring, year 2 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Language: Lectures in Icelandic and course materials in English and Icelandic Instructor: Magnús Sveinn Helgason, sessional lecturer Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work The course is an introduction to the globalisation of the economic and financial system, from the 19th century to the present day. Emphasis will be placed on financial crises and their nature and origins. The role of the international monetary and financial system in encouraging increased trade, more growth and globalization. The course brings together historical and economic analysis to elucidate the forces that have shaped the modern economy and to analyse the 19

20 process that has led to the globalisation of financial markets. The approach is both historical and applied, emphasising how the world economy and financial markets have actually developed rather than theoretical discussion of how development should have taken place. The course examines how the world economy came into being, how it has developed from the 19th century and what institutions have maintained and shaped this system. Institutions, innovation and the development of financial markets will be discussed, as will global financial crises. Particular focus will be placed on how the forces that have formed this system were manifested in Iceland in the run-up to the collapse of the financial system in On completion of the course, students will: Possess knowledge about important economic theories, concepts and arguments concerning topics such as economic development and industrialisation, international trade and the role of financial institutions and markets and theories on financial crises. Have a good understanding of the development of financial institutions and the international economy. Can explain the nature and origins of the economic system of the twentieth century. Can explain the nature and main features of financial crises, including the Icelandic example. Game Theory Semester: Fall term, year 3 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Prerequisites: It is expected that students have completed 60 ECTS Language: English Instructor: Ian Watson, assistant professor Teaching methods: Lectures, section meetings, discussions and assignments. This course will introduce you to the basic concepts of game theory and its applications across all the social science disciplines, including economics, political science, business, studies, and sociology. You ll also see how game theory fits into the larger context of using simulations and agent-based models to understand behaviour in society. We focus on using game theory concepts to understand real life social phenomena, rather than deriving or proving theorems; however, you will need to use a lot of basic mathematics. At the end of the course, you should have a good foundation for taking a more mathematically rigorous game theory course at the Master's or doctoral level. Students will understand the basic analytical concepts used in game theory, such as players, strategies, outcomes, payoffs, and equilibrium. Students will be familiar with common types of games, such as the prisoner's dilemma and games of coordination. Students will be able to use these concepts in analyzing real world situations. The Economy and Law Semester: Fall, year 2 or 3 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Language: Lectures in Icelandic and course materials in English and Icelandic Instructor: Ágúst Einarsson, professor Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work 20

21 The course is an introduction to New Institutional Economics (NIE) and Law and Economics, disciplines relating to economics and law. The course begins with a discussion of key microeconomic concepts connected to law and legal institutions. Following this, basic elements of economies, law and economics are examined. The setting of economies, economics of property rights, organisation of private governance and organisation of public governance are explored. Also discussed are the economics of tort law, the economics of contract law and the economics of criminal law. Assignments (short essays) are completed in connection with individual course components. There will be discussion of how economic principles and viewpoints are connected with legislation and problems in the field of law. Institutions within the economy and the effect of laws and regulations on profitable and efficient results within individual sectors of the economy are likewise addressed. After the course, students will: Possess knowledge about the connection between law and economics. Be able to apply theories of New Institutional Economics and Law and Economics in an academic context and in their daily work and to distinguish between these settings. Be able to apply economic points of view in explaining legal issues, grouped according to the different branches of law. Understand and be able to work with information relating to economic and legal perspectives on economic institutions. Have become acquainted with how theory can be applied to real-life scenarios through assignments and examples. Development Economics Semester: Summer 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Language: English Instructor: NN Teaching methods: Lectures, section meetings, discussions and assignments The goal of the course is to introduce the main issues of development economics. What affects economic growth, inequality, and poverty? Why do some countries achieve high levels of economic development and others do not? What are the policies governments can implement to change the growth path of their countries? The course uses economic analysis to examine a number of key issues such as education, health, population structure, labour force and localization policies, poverty alleviation, the role of women in development, the role of private sector in development, and the impact of natural resources production on development. Students will master the basic development economic theories and learn how to apply them to real situations. Students will know the major components of the economic development system and their interrelationships. Students will gain an understanding of the applications of micro- and macro-economic principles to analyzing economic problems and issues. 21

22 Institutional Economics Semester: Summer term 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Language: English Instructor: NN Teaching methods: Lectures, section meetings, discussions and assignments Why are some countries rich and other countries poor and what is the appropriate role of the state? These questions have occupied the economic field since its birth. The most popular interpretation of the different performance across countries has built on the traditional tools of the orthodox approach (neoclassical model), which nevertheless have not proven successful on giving complete answers. This course will introduce a changed approach to the same question but rather than applying the standard neoclassical tool box micro-, macro-, and welfare economics will use/introduce the tools of New Institutional Economics (NIE) which explains the differential abilities of different countries by their differences in economic and political institutions. Throughout the semester we will thus construct the analytical framework employed by new institutional economists by relaxing the traditional behavioural and informational assumptions of neoclassical economics. Topics to be covered will include the importance of property right and transaction cost economics, Coase and the nature of the firm, moral hazard and agency and the property right approach. We will read some of the literature that specializes in testing the explanatory power of this framework. After the course, students should: Be able to explain key concepts and ideas related to NIE and become familiar with theoretical underpinnings of those ideas; Be able to understand key arguments for why institutions such as transaction costs and property rights matter for economic development; Be able to analyze, reflect upon and writing about various economic issues/dilemmas related to allocation of scarce resources. Environmental and Resource Economics Semester: Summer, year 1 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Language: Lectures in Icelandic and course materials in English and Icelandic Instructor: N.N. Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work The course covers the basics of environmental and resource economics. The interaction between the economy and the environment, the economic value of the environment and the main methods of measuring environmental quality will be discussed. The course will also address utilisation of natural resources, right of possession and classic subjects relating to the tragedy of the commons. The concept of sustainable development will be introduced, and utilisation of renewable and non-renewable natural resources and the ability of the market to ensure optimal use of natural resources will be discussed. After the course, students will: 22

23 Possess knowledge of the primary concerns of environmental and resource economics. Understand how economic methods can be applied in connection with sensible use of natural resources and protection of natural assets. Be capable of conducting a basic analysis of the value of environmental quality as part of a cost-benefit analysis. 23

24 Politics (36 credits) Icelandic Government and Politics Semester: Fall, year 1 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Prerequisites: General undergraduate-level entrance requirements Language: Lectures in Icelandic and course materials in English and Icelandic Instructor: Eiríkur Bergmann Einarsson, professor Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work Required course The course deals with government and the development of modern states; democracy and central government institutions; different structures of government and public administration; policy formulation, policy implementation and bureaucracy; political behaviour, interest and interest groups; the media and their role; elections and voting behaviour; political parties, party systems and differing ideologies. After the course, students will: Possess knowledge of and be able to describe the principal characteristics of Icelandic politics and the political system. Possess knowledge of and be able to apply the core concepts and theories of political science. Be able to analyse issues in Icelandic politics in an independent manner. Comparative Politics Semester: Spring, year 1 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Prerequisites: General undergraduate-level entrance requirements. Language: Lectures in Icelandic and course materials in English and Icelandic Instructor: Magnús Árni Magnússon, associate professor Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work Required course This course offers a comparison of political systems in various states. Its main focus is on Britain, the U.S., Germany, France and the Nordic countries. Differences between the party systems of these states are discussed, and differing political traditions are analysed. After the course, students will: be able to describe theories central to the Western political tradition. be able to identify the differences between the various political systems in the states in the foreground of this course and administration within them. be able to analyse and explain the differences between different political systems with comparative analysis. International Politics Semester: Fall, year 2 6 ECTS 24

25 Degree programme: PPE Language: Lectures and course materials in English Instructor: Magnús Árni Magnússon, associate professor Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work The course deals with the history and development of the international system and the most important topics in international politics. The main theories in the field of international communications are applied to analyse the situation in international politics in an age of globalisation and altered circumstances in the wake of the Cold War s end. The course begins with a discussion of the links between international politics and globalisation, followed by a review of the history and development of the international system and central theories. The course delves into the roles of the various parties who are actors in international politics: independent states, international institutions, multinational corporations and non-governmental organisations. The course wraps up by focusing the spotlight on individual issues including environmental affairs, international trade and poverty in developing countries and examining how these issues relate to international politics. Iceland s position, as a small state, will be raised as a reoccurring theme in lectures and discussion as applicable. After the course, students will: Have knowledge of the main topics of international politics Have an understanding of the international system, the dominant power system and the changes that changes that have occurred over the last decades Have developed the skills to apply theories of international communication to understand and analyse complex issues that fall within the framework of international politics Iceland and the European Integration Semester: Fall, year 2 6 ECTS Degree programme: PPE Language: Lectures in Icelandic and course materials in English and Icelandic Instructor: Eiríkur Bergmann, professor Teaching methods: Lectures, project sessions and project work The course examines economic and political cooperation between European states. The historical development and main policies of the European Union are discussed, including the customs union, internal market and the introduction of the Economic and Monetary Union. The course also addresses institutional development in the EU and the regulatory framework on which this cooperation reposes. Finally, Iceland s involvement in European economic cooperation is analysed through Iceland s participation in EFTA and the EEA Agreement, and ongoing accession negotiations with the European Union are discussed. After the course, students will: Understand and be able to discuss the main features and policies of the European Union. Be familiar with Iceland s participation in European cooperation. 25