LSE is a unique institution that is devoted to the social sciences and aims to produce graduates who will make significant contributions in many areas of life through their understanding of the social, economic and political factors that shape our world. LSE is an exciting place to be because we address these fundamental issues in our research and in our teaching. Every subject that is studied at the LSE – be it economics, law, philosophy or geography – makes a particular contribution to understanding these issues. But there has not previously been an opportunity for students to benefit from the full breadth of expertise at LSE.

Innovative and interdisciplinary

LSE100 is an innovative new course aimed at introducing first year undergraduates to the fundamental elements of thinking as a social scientist by exploring real problems and real questions, drawing on a range of disciplines across the social sciences. This distinctive course will actively challenge students to analyse questions of current public concern and of intellectual debate from a rigorous social science perspective.

Broadening the intellectual experience

Focusing on 'big' questions – such as 'How should we manage climate change?', 'Does culture matter?' and 'Why are great events so difficult to predict?' – students will explore the different types of evidence, alternative forms of explanation and different strategies for abstraction and modelling that are used in the different social sciences. In this way, the course aims not only to broaden the intellectual experience of undergraduates at the School, but also thereby to deepen students' understanding of their own discipline.

Developing critical skills

The course also helps students develop the critical skills that underpin the study and application of the social sciences. Students will learn research skills, including information skills and analysis of evidence, and communication skills, including both writing and presentation skills.

Leading lecturers, challenging classes

Among the lecturers in the first term will be Professors Nicholas Stern, Rita Astuti and Michael Cox. While the topics of the three-week modules will be broad-ranging, the classes all follow a similar format aimed at developing an understanding of the core methodological concepts of evidence, explanation and theory and at building and reinforcing critical research and communication skills. The lectures and classes are carefully designed to be challenging but, at the same time, accessible to students from all backgrounds and disciplines.

You will find an overview of the course on these pages and more detail on the LSE100 moodle site| [LSE username required].

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