BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics Bachelor's degree at the University of Stirling

This is an introductory module to certain central questions of philosophy, including: What is my mind, and how does it relate to my body? Do I really have free will? Is morality the same in all times and places, or is morality different in different cultures and eras? Is there a moral difference between causing harm and merely letting harm happen? What is it to know something? And what do I really know? For example, do I really know that I am not a brain in a vat being fed experiences quite different from how things actually are? This module does not assume any prior knowledge or study of philosophy. Nor does it assume that you have studied essay-based subjects at higher/A-level. You only ne

Economics is much more than measuring inflation and maximising profit. At its heart, economics is a way of understanding interactions in everyday life, both with each other and our natural environment. In this module, you will use real-world problems such as climate change and inequality to learn the key concepts in economics. This module, like all our introductory teaching of economics, uses the CORE project as its syllabus. This data-driven, interactive, interdisciplinary and modern economics syllabus empowers you to actually do economics, not just learn economics. This is combined with an immersive and technology-enabled learning experience using debates and class experiments. You’ll expl

Politics is about the use of power, and cooperation, to address conflict within countries or across the globe. It is essential to learn how governments work, how citizens can participate to influence political processes, and how political systems change (for better or worse). These questions are not only foundational to the study of Politics but also speak to concerns of interest to all citizens of modern liberal democracies such as the UK. You will explore topics including: how people participate in elections, political parties, groups, or protest; who has power, and how they are held to account; the role of governments and non-governmental organisations, from local to national and internat

In this module you’ll be introduced to political theory and analysis by exploring ideas and concepts central to political debates in the contemporary world. The ideologies examined range from liberalism, to socialism, anarchism and ecologism. Concepts investigated include: human rights democracy freedom power These concepts and ideas are explained both through referring to classical theoretical texts and through use of practical examples from everyday life and contemporary politics at home and abroad. Location/Method of Study Stirling, On Campus/On Campus, UK Module Objectives The module discusses ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, Marxism, fascism, anarchism, ecologism

How should we think about matters of race, gender, and sexuality? What are the ethical implications of artificial intelligence? How should we live in face of impending environmental disaster? This module explores these questions and more. It serves both as an introduction to philosophy and also as an exploration of how philosophy relates to matters of real human significance. You’ll cover the following topics from across metaphysics, ethics and political philosophy: How in general should benefits and burdens be distributed in a society? What duties do we have to those in need? How should we think about racial justice? How should we think about gender justice? How ought I to act in view of cl

Interactions between governments, banks, firms, and households on a national and international scale affect economic policies, trade, and cooperation. This module continues your journey into learning economics by moving the focus from individual decision making and single markets (the microeconomy) towards the wider economy and interactions on a larger scale. This module uses the curriculum open-access resources for economists (CORE) approach to learning economics and current data to equip you to better understand the most important contemporary issues that policymakers face in the globalised world. You will explore: how interactions in the wider economy can be measured and affected through

How should you, as an individual, relate to wider society? This question is as old as philosophy itself. In this module, you’ll study different answers to this question that occur in the history of philosophy. These answers will also have a bearing on contemporary questions, such as: what is our obligation to obey political authority, why is free speech important, and how can philosophy be the antidote to certain kinds of evil that we encounter? The historical thinkers you'll study are Socrates in Ancient Greece; Thomas Hobbes in the seventeenth century; John Stuart Mill in the nineteenth century; Hannah Arendt in the aftermath of World War II. Reflecting on their answers helps us to reach o

International politics is fundamental to understanding the world in which we live, being concerned with the ideas, interests, and institutions that frame the interactions of global actors and shape international outcomes. You'll develop your knowledge and understanding of international politics from the perspective of the system, actors and issues that shape our contemporary world. You will discover how power, anarchy, sovereignty, governance, conflict and cooperation shape and inform the world around us, and engage with some of the world’s most pressing global issues and political challenges. You'll explore topics including: war, peace and security; trade, finance, equality and development;

One of the key skills that an economist has is the ability to analyse problems using both argument and simple quantitative tools. Building on the introduction to microeconomics in your first year, this module equips you with the problem-solving, quantitative, and analytical tools that empowers and deepens your learning journey in economics. The module uses simple mathematical tools that you will apply to a wide range of economic scenarios. You will explore: the economic application of simple mathematical concepts such as linear equations, exponents, fractions, and differentiation; how to quantify real-world economic problems and their solutions; modelling microeconomic interactions in greate

The module provides a general introduction to the topic of "Knowledge" and "Mind". The first part of the module provides a general introduction into epistemology (theory of knowledge). We will cover topics such as the Gettier Problem, consider different definitions of knowledge, assess modal constraints on knowledge, and discuss the prospects of contextualism in particular as a response to scepticism. The second part of the module provides an introduction into current themes in the philosophy of mind. We will cover the extended mind hypothesis, the idea of 4E (embodies, embedded, enacted, extended) mental processes, and the idea of group minds. The module will provide a general introduction

This course is an introduction to the philosophical investigation of morality. You’ll concentrate on that branch of moral theory often called normative ethics. You'll explore questions such as: How should one live? What is a good life? What actions are morally right, wrong, good and bad? What is it to be a virtuous person? What duties do we have to others? What are the correct moral principles? Moral theories attempt to specify and justify, in a systematic and rigorous way, answers to such questions. You’ll focus on understanding and evaluating the three major moral theories: consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Within this module, you’ll also look at various theories of value an

In this module you will deepen your understanding of core political philosophy concepts such as freedom, equality, justice, and democracy and apply these perspectives to contemporary political and policy debates and issues, such as free speech, the regulation of recreational drugs, inequalities in education, entitlements to social security, the appropriate response to crime and punishment, and freedom of movement and immigration. You will learn how to constructively engage in political debate, analyse and evaluate competing normative arguments, engage critically with opposing perspectives, and apply philosophical reasoning to contemporary political challenges. You will also explore the appro

The role of a macroeconomist requires being able to use data with theory and a practical knowledge of the trade-offs in designing policy. This module will provide you with a deeper understanding of how the macroeconomy operates and how the government can influence the macroeconomic outcomes of an economy. You'll use real-world scenarios and current macroeconomic data in applying a wide range of models and approaches in macroeconomic theory. You will explore: the monetary system and monetary policy; government debts, deficits, and fiscal policy; models of the macroeconomy to evaluate examples of macroeconomic policy design; exchange rates, interest rates, inflation, and unemployment; an intro

The value of heritage in society is widely recognised. It informs collective memory, identity, and sense of place, as well as supports social cohesion, democracy and sustainable development. Yet, heritage is also shaped and reshaped by society. Across historical and geographical contexts, heritage has been used to legitimise political power, fuel conflict and destruction, and pursue social justice. Above all, it is not just a reflection of the past, but a means to address contemporary challenges making it a resource for fashioning the future. In this module, you will critically explore the relationship between heritage and society in diverse arenas of societal activity. You will discuss key

The course provides insights into the process of US foreign policy-making, its challenges and implications. You are encouraged to engage individually and collectively in the thematic and theoretical debates which have evolved in US foreign policy, to understand and criticise influential strands of normative and theoretical understanding, and to analyse the dynamic and competitive environment of Foreign Policy Decision-Making (FPDM) while evaluating contemporary US foreign policy and its key orientations. By taking this module, you will: explore theoretical understandings of the origin and development of US foreign policy understand the constitutional, legislative and domestic political agenc

The aim of this module is to provide a critical overview of the concept of climate justice and to facilitate students' understanding of, and critical thinking on, the key issues that underpin the term. Apart from providing you with a strong theoretical grounding on climate justice, this module is designed to cover climate justice as it relates to a wide array of social, political, economic, and environmental issues. This includes the climate movement, just transition, international climate governance, international development, migration and displacement, climate finance, health, climate colonialism, gender, sexuality, and intersectionality, and urban issues. This module places a strong emph

International politics is essential to understanding the world in which we live. Yet understanding international politics requires that you develop knowledge and insight into the different theoretical tools necessary to explain, predict and critique the world around us. On this module you will advance and hone your understanding of the different theoretical and analytical approaches used in the scholarship of international relations, including for example realism, liberalism, constructivism, feminism and critical theory. You will explore: the theoretical discourses and 'myths' that have shaped international relations as a discipline the assumptions and propositions that guide different theor

The Middle East continues to be a core region where different powers and dimensions of international politics are played out. The effects of the Arab Spring and the rise of radical Islamism continue to shape a region that is traditionally characterised by the postcolonial condition. The Middle East continues to be a major theatre of conflict and cooperation, where many of the prevalent themes of International Politics are played out in daily practice. From resource conflicts and clashing ethno-nationalisms to climate change and the old and new geopolitics of inter-imperial rivalries, this module provides an introduction to the core themes of the politics of the Middle East. It offers a deep

Political parties define how we see and understand politics. Parties remain central to political life, even as they face competition from other forms of political participation and mobilisation. In this module, you will gain a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the role of political parties. Together, we will explore how parties operate in a party system and campaign for votes. Each week’s session will take the form of an interactive workshop, consisting of theoretical discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities using primary sources (ie. survey datasets, manifestos, speeches, social media feeds, campaign videos, and party paraphernalia). This format will allow you to develop

In this module, you will be introduced to the field of global political thought through a comparative and "world" approach to political theory. You will examine how political ideas emerge, circulate, and are contested across diverse historical, cultural, and political contexts, while critically reflecting on the methods used to interpret and compare political traditions. You will also explore political thought from across Asia, Africa, the Islamic world, Indigenous societies, Latin America, and Europe, organised around shared political questions. Core themes could include understanding the origins and different coming together of (political) order and disorder, war and peace, political actio

This module gives students the opportunity to learn about how the policy process works in the real world. Using contacts with public and third sector organisations, it is designed to help you think about employment routes and develop employability skills, alongside the academic requirements. The first half of the module looks at neighbourhood inequalities – what they are, how they come about and, most importantly, how national and local policy tries to address them. As part of this section, you will research a specific neighbourhood as part of a group project, learning about the reality of inequality through examining a range of different sources of evidence. The second half of the module fo

In this module you will develop your economic modelling skills by incorporating uncertainty and strategic interactions in the models you have previously learnt. You will learn to critically evaluate the importance of strategic interaction in real world situations using game theoretical techniques. In various sessions, you will synthesise recent debates on the causes of coordination failures (climate change, Brexit, Covid-19, market power) using different 'games'. You will analyse real world coordination failures in a group setting, and reflect on possible solutions individually. You will communicate the results of your critical reflection as a group in presentations. You will learn how to id

The way firms, industries and markets interact has profound implications for the overall functioning of economic systems. In this module you will study the general workings of markets and industries, in particular the way in which firms compete with each other when markets are characterised by imperfect competition. You will explore: market power of firms; price discrimination; product differentiation; advertising and information; research and development and patents. Underpinned by microeconomic theory, you will develop an appreciation and critical understanding of the strategic behaviour of firms in real-world markets, and how this shapes the functioning and performance of markets over tim

Over the last 30 years, economics has undergone a credibility revolution. This moment has sought to move economics from theory to empirics. This work is grounded on the need for economic theory to be evidence based and consequently economists have sought to use causal inference fuelled by experiments and quasi-experimental methods to analyse policies. This module will arm you with the toolkit of the modern economist. This module is in two halves. In the first, you’ll be given a grounding on linear regression with a strong emphasis on practical interpretation and use of ordinary least squares, the workhorse model of this module. In the second half of the module we focus on causality, and how

Governments often play a crucial role in how we interact and make decisions in the economy. Why do governments intervene in markets? Is such intervention always appropriate, sufficient, or timely? In this module, you will explore the design and function of governments. Using the framework of welfare economics, we will evaluate the provision of public goods, the correction of market failures by use of taxation or regulation, and other economic policy instruments. We will also learn how policymakers increasingly use behavioral insights to better understand and change the behavior of citizens. We will then apply these conceptual insights to better understand how policies are made in sectors suc

In 2019, the value of global export trade was approximately 19 trillion US dollars, which represents a tripling from the start of the 2000s. While 88% of foreign currency transaction involved the US dollar, the majority of these dollars are traded in the UK, with 43% of global turnover. More Chinese yuan are traded in UK than anywhere else outside of Hong Kong. International finance is thus a key component of the global economy. This module will provide you with an understanding of the key areas of international finance including: the determination of exchange rates; the relation between exchange rates, interest rates and inflation rates; the nature of foreign exchange risk and its managemen

This module provides a survey of key topics in feminist philosophy. Its overarching aim is to explore how important theoretical questions around sex and gender bear on practical ethical and political debates. Accordingly, in the first part of the module we’ll examine some of the fundamental theoretical and conceptual questions in feminist philosophy, such as: How should we understand the category ‘woman’? How does gender intersect with other axes of oppression? What is the difference between sexism and misogyny? Is liberalism compatible with feminism? With this grounding in place, in the second part of the module we’ll delve into sharply contested ethical and political issues in feminist phi

Parents often tell their children that they ought to eat their vegetables, that they ought to be kind to their siblings and to animals, and that they ought to do their homework. It’s no doubt true that children actually ought to do these things. It’s no doubt also true that there are a number of things that adults ought to do. But what makes it the case that someone ought to do something? According to a very influential line of thought, what we ought to do is determined by the balance of normative reasons for and against doing this thing. But what exactly are reasons for action and what provides such reasons? Philosophers aim to answer these questions by articulating and defending different

What is it to act, to do something? And how, if at all, are our actions free? These questions sit at the centre of a network of philosophical concerns about the nature of mind, the nature of the world beyond the mind, and the nature of moral responsibility. G.E.M. Anscombe’s book Intention is widely recognised as the most important study of action in modern philosophy, and the first half of this module will be devoted to a careful reading of her book. In the second half, we will investigate classic debates about free will and its place in the world of cause and effect. Location/Method of Study Stirling, On Campus/On Campus, UK Module Objectives The module aims to:introduce students to cen

How on earth ought we to live? That the answer to this question will require significant changes on our part is becoming increasingly clear to many. In this module we step back, and consider how to approach ethical issues concerning our relations to the environment and all its components. What duties do we have to animals, and to the environment generally? Are our accounts of these duties coloured by an anthropocentric account of value? Is a non-anthropocentric account of value possible? Are there significant connections between environmental damage and global poverty? Should we consider the interests of future generations in how we live now? These (among others) are the questions that will

This module takes you on a thematic journey from the atmosphere, to the mountain top, down through forestry, heath and moor to agricultural land, into green belt suburbia and the urban environment, and from river through to estuary and out to sea. By using a wide variety of focused case studies set within a wider European and international context, the module explores the historical use, abuse and protection of the natural and cultural environment in twentieth century Britain. This module might be of particular interest to you if you are also studying Politics, Environmental Law, Ecology or Environmental Science. Location/Method of Study Stirling, On Campus/On Campus, UK Module Objectives To

This module introduces you to the most important concepts, themes and approaches in the comparative study of politics. The module is taught thematically, and looks at a global range of case studies. The module offers you the opportunity to engage with important topics in the study of comparative politics from a global perspective, and to locate and contextualise these within wider debates and scholarship. You'll develop critical understanding of key approaches in comparative politics as well as learn about a wide range of states and societies. The module emphasises the connectivities between power, states and societies in a global context, with attention to both politics from above and below

While security has traditionally been understood as the security by states from military threats, this orthodox conceptualisation of security has increasingly been challenged from an empirical as well as theoretical perspective. Are military attacks the most pertinent threats we should focus on? What about insecurities which do not stop at any borders, like the climate catastrophe, pandemics or human trafficking? This module provides you with an overview of how we might want to think differently about security in the 21st century. It gives you the theoretical tools to critically engage with orthodox understandings of security and instead engages with postcolonial, feminist and other critical

Cultural narratives are central to political life: they frame how citizens imagine authority, interpret crises, understand democratic values, and navigate questions of identity and belonging. This module examines how political ideas, identities, and conflicts are constructed, communicated, and contested through cultural forms including literature, film, television, and theatre. Drawing on politics scholarship, you will analyse cultural texts as sites where political meaning is produced. We will focus on a curated set of contemporary and historical texts that illuminate core political themes, ie. populism, the politics of memory, revolution, or social change. The module develops your ability

This module will provide you with a general introduction to the study of contemporary political Islamic movements in the Middle East and beyond. It’s partly an intellectual history of the main influential ideological currents from the nineteenth century onwards, and partly a review of the different social movements and political organisations’ origins and development. In doing so, you’ll review the importance of the various transformations that took place in the last two centuries until today including the colonial legacy, the rise of the nation-state, the formation of modern political parties, and legal and social reforms that contributed to shape the various types of Islamic political move

International negotiation is of pressing importance in an increasingly conflictual world. Yet the study of international negotiation can often be overlooked within international relations despite negotiation making up much of the time and effort of inter-state interaction and diplomacy. In this module you will plug that knowledge gap by gaining a critical understanding of how international conflict and dispute is managed through the process, practice, and politics of international negotiation. You'll explore topics including: the players in international negotiations; negotiation stakes, moves and strategy; the phases and outcomes of international negotiations; the challenges of internationa