English

This course addresses the history of economic thought, which is done in two sections. The first section traces the elaboration of basic economic principles by classical, socialist, and neoclassical thinkers. The second section splits up 20th century economic thought into its constituent disciplines. The course provides insight into the historical and ideological context in which different economic systems and policies arose. Students interested in interdisciplinary work focus on subjects as diverse as economics, political science, sociology, history, and philosophy.  

Students are introduced to the Medieval art and architecture from 4th to 15th century AD and to an understanding of the principles, the technological developments, and innovations of cultural diversity and assimilation. The lectures examine material histories of objects and works of art of this period, which reflect the varied connections of European Art of the Middle Ages. Themes to be explored include the heritage of the post Classical world of ancient Greece and Rome; identity and diversity in the post Roman world; aspects of continuity and transformation in the arts of the Byzantine world in the east and the development of monasticism and the formation of the Early Medieval Monastery in the west, with reference to the Carolingian and Ottonian period including the specific contribution of Irish monasticism to Medieval art; and the impact of the pilgrimage tradition on art and architecture during the Romanesque and Gothic periods. The course also examines characteristics of the Gothic style as it emerges at the end of the 12th century, and the late medieval period is examined through reflections in urban and secular architectural developments. 

This course examines international trade, theory and policy. It will aim to explain patterns of world production and trade and ask if international trade is beneficial. This will be done with the help of models from international trade theory that are important components of the toolkit of contemporary trade economists. It will also explore the phenomena of outsourcing and international mobility of labor (immigration) and capital (Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)). The course will analyze and compare instruments of trade policy and evaluate their impact on domestic and international welfare. Finally, the course will study the world trading system, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) and international trade agreements. 

This course offers an introduction to qualitative research methods in social sciences. Students learn about the advantages and limitations of qualitative research methods and how apply the knowledge to small scale research studies.

This course examines what drives development interventions, their impacts on communities, and the ways they respond. It also explores the processes and influences that operate at a global level and that impact such fundamental concerns as human rights, population health, environmental and climate change, and migration. 

This course examines visual art spanning from the early modern period to the contemporary. It covers a range of art practices situated within a global context, along with art works produced in Māori and Pacific cultures alongside Indian, Asian, Middle Eastern, European and American traditions.

This course explores ethical issues in the design and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). It examines ethical theories and practices from historical, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural perspectives relating to current and emerging ICTs. Students  study the major ethical frameworks such as consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics etc. They look at how they are applied to issues around privacy, security, social media interactions, access, health, game design, and so on. And they explore how the design of technological systems and structures can support ethical principles.

This course explores key concepts and debates in environmental and technology ethics: the commitments and values operative in models of sustainable development (theories of justice, capability, and agency); questions of human populations (demographics, food production, and food security); sustainable transport; values at work in approaches to biodiversity conservation (wild, agricultural, urban); and conflicts and convergences in aiming for smart and sustainable cities. Students focus on the instrumental versus intrinsic value; demographics and consumption; food security and related aspects of animal agriculture; justice and sustainable development; environmental citizenship; and the future of work. The course examines key ethics responses rooted in hermeneutics, in philosophical, and religious traditions (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Daoism) and characterizes the role of the ethicist in "expert" cultures and in policy development in Ireland, the EU, and internationally.  

How does gender organize lives, bodies, sexualities and desires? How does gender relate to sex and sexuality? Are there really only two genders? How and why is gender such an integral part of how we identify ourselves and others? This course introduces students to foundational concepts in the study of gender and critically engages with questions of identity, sexuality, family, the body, cultural practices and gender norms in light of contemporary gender theories.

This course analyzes a range of the most recent work from contemporary film directors from American, European, and world cinema. Students examine the films from a number of critical and theoretical perspectives and engage with key concepts and concerns such as nationalism and cinema, transnationalism, postmodernism, and audience reception.