Component

MA Public Opinion and Political Behaviour
BA Global Studies with Business Management options

Year 1, Component 06

International or Language option(s) from list
CS111-4-SP
Interdisciplinary Research and Problem-Solving: An Introduction
(15 CREDITS)

The world does not have disciplines; it has problems. What's more, the most important problems we face - problems like climate change, migration, sustainable economic production, democratic governance, and so on - cannot be solved with the tools of any single discipline. Such problems require collaborative, creative, and interdisciplinary approaches, and this module introduces students to this type of interdisciplinary thinking. Students will learn how to approach complex problems by drawing on theories and methods from multiple disciplines, learning how to think flexibly and work with others to find creative solutions to real-world problems.

CS112-4-AU
Ways of Knowing
(15 CREDITS)

This interdisciplinary module explores the rich diversity of ways of knowing the world. We examine different frameworks of knowing that have characterised and shaped human societies historically and today.

EC111-4-FY
Introduction to Economics
(30 CREDITS)

How do consumers make decisions? Or firms conduct different market strategies? What impact does government policy have on inflation? Or unemployment? Develop your knowledge of economics in relation to a range of contemporary issues. Learn how to apply both micro and macroeconomic principles to the analysis of such problems.

EC120-4-FY
The World Economy in Historical Perspective
(30 CREDITS)

Why did industrialisation first occur in Europe, not China or India? How did economic growth lead to the Industrial Revolution? What impact did two world wars have on the global economy? Explore the process of economic change and development from the sixteenth-century to the present day.

GV103-4-AU
Introduction to International Relations
(15 CREDITS)

This module offers a formative background in the study of international politics. We seek to provide the essential tools and theoretical concepts used to analyse international politics so that a better understanding of specific historical events or contemporary issues is given.

GV113-4-SP
Contemporary Topics in International Relations
(15 CREDITS)

Why do states sometimes go to war? What conditions can promote peace and international stability? When are states able to form cooperative agreements to promote trade, combat terrorism, or address climate change? Explore issues in international relations which help address complicated questions concerning cooperation and conflict between countries. 

GV121-4-SP
Institutions of Democracy
(15 CREDITS)

What rules affect political action? You explore how institutions and the rules they enforce, for example voting under a specific electoral system, affect political and economic outcomes, and whether these are ultimately only second-best solutions to collective action.

GV150-4-SP
Politics and Power
(15 CREDITS)

This is a module in political theory. We read critics of ‘Western’ and liberal political thought, including readings from class, race, gender, and disability theory. Central to Western political theory is the social contract tradition, which suggests that the exercise of political power is justified by the popular consent of the people. The readings this term argue that the contract is not consented to by everybody (‘we the people’) but between just the people who count, and so hides the ugly realities of oppression and domination. We will discuss how purportedly universal ideas of reason, freedom, and equality, excluded many people. GV151, which teaches the development of western political thought, is recommended as a prerequisite.

HR103-4-SP
Hidden Histories: Class, Race and Gender in Britain, c. 1640s-Present
(15 CREDITS)

Why do we grow up knowing some histories, and not others? The histories taught in schools and discussed in the public realm often tell us about the past experiences of dominant groups and the fact that these histories are so prominent also tells us that those groups still hold power. Approaching the past from the perspective of those hidden from history - this module uncovers ideas and experiences often overlooked in traditional accounts of modern Britain. Hidden Histories begins in the revolutionary years of the mid-seventeenth century to examine how radicals questioned dominant ideas about democratic rights and property ownership. It traces the influence of these radicals through to Chartism and Owenism, movements forged in the crucible of industrial capitalism in the nineteenth century. These revolutionaries and radical movements highlighted power imbalances between men and women, in the family and the private sphere as well as in the public. As Britain reached the height of its imperial power, hierarchies of race, class, and gender increasingly structured elite discourse. In exploring how the working class, women, and migrants created their own vibrant cultures, the module emphasises histories of protest, resistance, and liberation - and shows that these hidden histories are essential to understanding modern Britain.

HR106-4-SP
Democracy in Europe and the United States, 1789-1989
(15 CREDITS)

Democracy cannot be taken for granted. There was a long road to modern democracy and universal suffrage. Evolution of existing systems, revolutions, and wars created what is generally called Western Democracy. This module will explore the development of democracy in Europe and the United States over the last 200 years. It will examine how democratic states were established, challenged and reborn from the late eighteenth century to the late twentieth century. Europe experienced dictatorships, two World Wars and the fall of the Iron curtain in this time period, but it also saw the expansion of citizenship and civil liberties, the establishment of parliamentary democracies on a global scale and the emergence of the welfare states with greater social provisions for its populations. In the year that followed its creation, the United States rapidly expanded its franchise, but it also continued to exclude many people from the democratic process well into the twentieth century. The module will also investigate the crisis of the welfare state, the rise of Neo-Liberalism, and the rise of populism--all challenges to democratic systems in the past and today.

HU100-4-FY
Foundations of Human Rights
(30 CREDITS)

What are human rights? How do we protect them? And what challenges do we face when promoting human rights on an international level? Discover the fundamental principles and practices, including topics related to international law and ethics, which underpin the protection and promotion of our human rights.

LA121-4-AU
Intensive Beginners French I
(15 CREDITS)

This module is for students with little or no knowledge of French. It is an interactive and intensive language module which uses various strategies for fast paced progress through the French language. It explores both the communicative and the structural aspects of the French language.

LA122-4-SP
Intensive Beginners French II
(15 CREDITS)

Continuing on from French Intensive Initial 1, this is an interactive and intensive language module for those who have little or no knowledge of French. It explores both the communicative and the structural aspects of the French language.

LA130-4-AU
Intermediate French I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to develop your French comprehension? Improve your spoken and written language skills? Sharpen your grammatical accuracy? Make use of a range of materials to further advance your language abilities, building coherent and cohesive skills for both speaking and writing in French.

LA131-4-SP
Intermediate French II
(15 CREDITS)

Intermediate French II is designed for students with some pre-existing knowledge of the language. It is available either as a progression from Post Beginners, or via an online placement test. Classes are very interactive and will help improve oral and written communication as well as learning strategies. Learning will be supported by a textbook and a tailored, language-specific Moodle page. The module can be completed on its own or can be followed by Post A-Level French in the following year, depending on the degree progression.

LA140-4-AU
Post A-Level French I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to build your confidence when both speaking and writing in French? Develop your university-level French language skills, improving your aural comprehension while boosting your grammar knowledge and vocabulary. Learn to appreciate, summarise and evaluate a piece of text. Expand your understanding of French culture and society.

LA142-4-SP
Post A-Level French II
(15 CREDITS)

This module is tailored for students who have completed LAX41 or an equivalent (e.g., B1+/B2.1 of CEFR). The module focuses on expanding the students’ vocabulary, the use of advanced grammatical structures and recognising idiomatic expressions. Through exposure to authentic texts, films and conversations with native speakers, students will acquire a wider knowledge of the culture and society of the countries where the language is spoken. The module helps students improve their reading comprehension skills by exposing them to complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. Students will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity with native speakers without strain for either party. Students will be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

LA221-4-AU
Intensive Beginners German I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to learn German from scratch? Study the German language from basic to advanced level, so that you can communicate in complex situations and read extended texts, like newspaper articles. Learn how to give short talks or presentations in German and be able to write German coherently.

LA222-4-SP
Intensive Beginners German II
(15 CREDITS)

Want to learn German from scratch? Study the German language from basic to advanced level, so that you can communicate in complex situations and read extended texts, like newspaper articles. Learn how to give short talks or presentations in German and be able to write German coherently.

LA230-4-AU
Intermediate German I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to develop your German comprehension? Improve your spoken and written language skills? Sharpen your grammatical accuracy? Learn to master complex situations in German and how to deal with extended texts, like newspaper articles. Advance your language abilities, building coherent and cohesive skills for both speaking and writing in German.

LA231-4-SP
Intermediate German II
(15 CREDITS)

Intermediate German II is designed for students with some pre-existing knowledge of the language. It is available either as a progression from Post Beginners, or via an online placement test. Classes are very interactive and will help improve oral and written communication as well as learning strategies. Learning will be supported by a textbook and a tailored, language-specific Moodle page. The module can be completed on its own or can be followed by Post A-Level German in the following year, depending on the degree progression.

LA240-4-AU
Post A-Level German I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to build your confidence when both speaking and writing in German? Develop your university-level German language skills so that you are fairly fluent with the ability understand spoken and written work. Be able to express yourself orally and in writing on demanding topics that face modern Germany.

LA242-4-SP
Post A-Level German II
(15 CREDITS)

This module is tailored for students who have completed LAX41 or an equivalent (e.g., B1+/B2.1 of CEFR). The module focuses on expanding the students’ vocabulary, the use of advanced grammatical structures and recognising idiomatic expressions. Through exposure to authentic texts, films and conversations with native speakers, students will acquire a wider knowledge of the culture and society of the countries where the language is spoken. The module helps students improve their reading comprehension skills by exposing them to complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. Students will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity with native speakers without strain for either party. Students will be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

LA321-4-AU
Intensive Beginners Portuguese I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to learn Portuguese from scratch? Study the Portuguese language from basic to advanced level, so that you can communicate in complex situations and read extended texts, like newspaper articles. Learn how to give short talks or presentations in Portuguese and be able to write Portuguese coherently.

LA322-4-SP
Intensive Beginners Portuguese II
(15 CREDITS)

Want to learn Portuguese from scratch? Study the Portuguese language from basic to advanced level, so that you can communicate in complex situations and read extended texts, like newspaper articles. Learn how to give short talks or presentations in Portuguese and be able to write Portuguese coherently.

LA333-4-AU
Portuguese Conversion I
(15 CREDITS)

Have you knowledge of French, Spanish, Italian or Romanian? Do you want to speak Portuguese too? Develop advanced written, aural/oral and reading skills, as well as build your knowledge of Brazilian/Portuguese culture and society. Learn to understand short texts, be able to write letters and interact in everyday situations in Portuguese.

LA334-4-SP
Portuguese Conversion II
(15 CREDITS)

This fast-paced term-long module is especially designed for students with an A-level proficiency (B2 in the European Framework) in Spanish, French, Italian, Romanian, or equivalent knowledge, or those who speak one of these languages as their first language. It is offered to students who have completed the Portuguese Conversion I module or its equivalent (e.g., A2+ of CEFR). The primary objective is to assist students in further enhancing fundamental language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, preparing them for advanced studies. Emphasizing both accuracy and communication, the goal is to reach a proficiency level equivalent to Threshold Level A2+/B1 of the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR). The module also provides students with more insights into the cultures and societies of the language’s respective countries. It aims to further develop intellectual skills such as critical reasoning, application of concepts, and problem-solving. Students will utilize a variety of resources available on Moodle and in class. Independent language study and engagement with other speakers of the language will be facilitated using internet-based tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, students will be encouraged to participate in cultural events and activities related to the language, both at the University and in the UK.

LA340-4-AU
Post A-Level Portuguese I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to build your confidence when both speaking and writing in Portuguese? Develop your language abilities, expanding your vocabulary and improving your listening and oral skills. Expand your understanding of the Portuguese-speaking culture and history through the use of texts, films and online resources.

LA342-4-SP
Post A-Level Portuguese II
(15 CREDITS)

This module is tailored for students who have completed LAX41 or an equivalent (e.g., B1+/B2.1 of CEFR). The module focuses on expanding the students’ vocabulary, the use of advanced grammatical structures and recognising idiomatic expressions. Through exposure to authentic texts, films and conversations with native speakers, students will acquire a wider knowledge of the culture and society of the countries where the language is spoken. The module helps students improve their reading comprehension skills by exposing them to complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. Students will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity with native speakers without strain for either party. Students will be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

LA421-4-AU
Intensive Beginners Spanish I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to learn Spanish from scratch? And spend four weeks abroad during the summer? Build your language abilities, so you can read short stories or novels in Spanish, as well as articulate your ideas verbally or in writing. Undertake a research project, in Spanish, on a topic of your choosing.

LA422-4-SP
Intensive Beginners Spanish II
(15 CREDITS)

Want to learn Spanish from scratch? And spend four weeks abroad during the summer? Build your language abilities, so you can read short stories or novels in Spanish, as well as articulate your ideas verbally or in writing. Undertake a research project, in Spanish, on a topic of your choosing.

LA430-4-AU
Intermediate Spanish I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to develop your Spanish comprehension? Improve your spoken and written language skills? Sharpen your grammatical accuracy? Study topics related to Hispanic culture, starting with text to improve vocabulary and grammar, then undertaking related listening and speaking activities. Build coherent and cohesive skills for both speaking and writing in Spanish.

LA431-4-SP
Intermediate Spanish II
(15 CREDITS)

Intermediate Spanish II is designed for students with some pre-existing knowledge of the language. It is available either as a progression from Post Beginners, or via an online placement test. Classes are very interactive and will help improve oral and written communication as well as learning strategies. Learning will be supported by a textbook and a tailored, language-specific Moodle page. The module can be completed on its own or can be followed by Post A-Level Spanish in the following year, depending on the degree progression.

LA440-4-AU
Post A-Level Spanish I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to build your confidence when both speaking and writing in Spanish? Develop your language abilities, expanding your vocabulary and improving your listening and oral skills. Expand your understanding of Spanish and Latin American culture and history through the use of texts, films and conversations with native speakers.

LA442-4-SP
Post A-Level Spanish II
(15 CREDITS)

This module is tailored for students who have completed LAX41 or an equivalent (e.g., B1+/B2.1 of CEFR). The module focuses on expanding the students’ vocabulary, the use of advanced grammatical structures and recognising idiomatic expressions. Through exposure to authentic texts, films and conversations with native speakers, students will acquire a wider knowledge of the culture and society of the countries where the language is spoken. The module helps students improve their reading comprehension skills by exposing them to complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. Students will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity with native speakers without strain for either party. Students will be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

LA621-4-AU
Intensive Beginners Italian I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to learn Italian from scratch? Reach A-level Italian standard, gaining understanding of Italian language structure and functions. Take part in a variety of class activities, including individual and group work, to build your Italian communication skills.

LA622-4-SP
Intensive Beginners Italian II
(15 CREDITS)

Want to learn Italian from scratch? Reach A-level Italian standard, gaining understanding of Italian language structure and functions. Take part in a variety of class activities, including individual and group work, to build your Italian communication skills.

LA630-4-AU
Intermediate Italian I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to develop your Italian comprehension? Improve your spoken and listening language skills? Be able to communicate effectively with native speakers? Study a range of topics and a variety of texts to build your spoken Italian and reading abilities.

LA631-4-SP
Intermediate Italian II
(15 CREDITS)

Intermediate Italian II is designed for students with some pre-existing knowledge of the language. It is available either as a progression from Post Beginners, or via an online placement test. Classes are very interactive and will help improve oral and written communication as well as learning strategies. Learning will be supported by a textbook and a tailored, language-specific Moodle page. The module can be completed on its own or can be followed by Post A-Level Italian in the following year, depending on the degree progression.

LA640-4-AU
Post A-Level Italian I
(15 CREDITS)

Want to build your confidence when both speaking and writing in Italian? Develop your language abilities, expanding your vocabulary and improving your listening and oral skills. Improve your Italian understanding through reading, analysing and discussing topics in class. Build your awareness of spoken Italian through activities in our multimedia lab.

LA642-4-SP
Post A-Level Italian II
(15 CREDITS)

This module is tailored for students who have completed LAX41 or an equivalent (e.g., B1+/B2.1 of CEFR). The module focuses on expanding the students’ vocabulary, the use of advanced grammatical structures and recognising idiomatic expressions. Through exposure to authentic texts, films and conversations with native speakers, students will acquire a wider knowledge of the culture and society of the countries where the language is spoken. The module helps students improve their reading comprehension skills by exposing them to complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. Students will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity with native speakers without strain for either party. Students will be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

LT161-4-AU
Introduction to United States Literature
(15 CREDITS)

What is US literature? What makes it different from other writing in the English language, particularly work from the UK? Study classic texts that have established US literature as a distinct tradition in itself and gain an understanding of the issues surrounding this.

SC104-4-FY
Introduction to Crime, Law and Society
(30 CREDITS)

What are different forms of crime? What is the role of criminal justice? And how effective are penal sanctions? We provide a critical introduction to the problem of, and responses to, crime. You examine the history of criminological ideas, Britain’s criminal justice system, and current debates on crime and control.

SC164-4-SP
Introduction to United States Sociology
(15 CREDITS)

Who were the key sociologists studying the United States? And how have issues like democracy, inequality, gender roles, poverty, gangs and guns become sources of enchantment and disenchantment in the US? Studying one sociologist per week, we explore important and exciting interpretations of American society.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.