Course Spotlight - EC103: Inequality: Economic, Historical and Sociological Perspectives

We sat down with Minji, who took EC103: Inequality: Economic, Historical and Sociological Perspectives in 2023, to hear about her experience of the course, the teaching and meeting fellow students. 

 

Why did you decide to attend LSE Summer School?

I decided to attend LSE Summer School because I had always had a desire to study abroad, and I was well aware of LSE's reputation as one of the top-ranking schools in the Social Sciences. With only two semesters remaining until my college graduation, I aimed to maximise my international study experience during a short period. Consequently, I believed that LSE Summer School was the perfect choice to fulfil my educational aspirations.

Tell us about an average day as a student on EC103

In the EC103 course, my schedule consisted of a class in the morning, the timing of which alternated between 10:00-11:30 and 11:30-13:00. The class started off with covering some reading material and discussions. Sometimes there were fun activities relating to these materials, like having a debate or playing a game. We would then have an hour for lunch. I sometimes went for a simple meal like sushi, but most of the time I went to a café and grabbed something light to eat with my friends. Following the break, I had a three-hour lecture session, typically starting at 14:05 and ending at 16:55. After the lecture, I would explore the surrounding area (by walking to Covent Garden or going to eat dinner near campus) or head to the library to prepare for the exams.

What was your favourite part of EC103?

There were many aspects of EC103 that I appreciated, but if I had to choose a favourite, it would be the diverse expertise of the three professors who led the course. These professors included Professor Neil Cummins, who specialized in economic history; Professor Joan Roses, whose focus was on historical economic geography and geographical inequality; and Professor Mike Savage, who approached social stratification and inequality from a sociological perspective. What made the course even more enjoyable was that these professors were highly approachable. Despite it being my first exposure to economic concepts, I didn't face significant difficulties in understanding the material.

What advice would you give to students considering EC103?

If you're uncertain about which course to choose, I highly recommend EC103. It offers an engaging topic with a well-balanced mix of theoretical foundations and contemporary research. To succeed in this course, I suggest actively participating in classes and lectures.

Moreover, staying up-to-date with the essential readings and background materials is very important. While most of the readings are discussed in class, given the volume of readings, teaching assistants typically provide an overview rather than delving into every detail. It's beneficial to connect and compare the readings, but if you only rely on summaries or attempt to cram everything just before the final exam, it can become quite challenging. So, my advice is to read in advance to stay on top of the material.

What are your short-term professional goals, and how does EC103 contribute to these goals?

I also major in big data science along with sociology. I hope to incorporate my knowledge of big data science into getting a Masters in Sociology.

Was meeting and talking to other students on your course easy?

Absolutely! I must admit that I was quite worried before the course began, as I didn't know anyone initially. However, from the very start, there were numerous debates and discussions taking place, creating a welcoming atmosphere that made it comfortable to connect with other students. As a result, I had the pleasure of making many great new friends along the way, which greatly enriched my experience.

How did you find the British teaching style?

I found the British teaching style to be highly effective and quite different from what I was used to at my home university in South Korea. Each session typically included both a lecture and a small class, which I found to be an excellent approach. This contrasted with my home university, where we primarily had lectures with limited opportunities for direct interaction between classmates and professors.

What I particularly appreciated about the British teaching style was the inclusion of seminar classes. They proved to be incredibly beneficial in covering the reading materials and course content. Most of the essential reading materials necessary for a thorough understanding of the course were addressed during these classes. Additionally, the classes often involved discussions in pairs or debates, which was a new experience for me. Back at my home university, our teaching style did not incorporate as much discussion or debate, so it was a refreshing and enriching aspect of the British teaching style that I enjoyed.

Did you feel supported by your lecturers?

Absolutely, I felt incredibly supported by the three professors who led the course. They were not only approachable but also very open to answering any questions students had. What I truly appreciated was their dedication to fostering a discussion-friendly environment during lectures. They encouraged students to actively participate and share their viewpoints, even if it involved critiquing the research presented in class. This level of engagement and support from the lecturers created a dynamic and enriching learning experience.

Would you recommend this EC103 and why?

I wholeheartedly recommend EC103, especially to those who are undecided about which course to take, and individuals majoring in sociology. When I was in the process of selecting a course, my priority was to learn from a sociology professor, and that's what led me to choose EC103. One of the primary advantages of taking EC103 is the opportunity to learn from not just one but three different professors. This unique aspect of the course was instrumental in providing me with a comprehensive LSE summer school experience.

The diversity of expertise offered by the three professors, each specialising in different areas, greatly enriched my understanding of the subject matter. It allowed me to gain a holistic perspective on the field of economics, which I believe is invaluable for anyone seeking a well-rounded education. So, for those who are looking for a multifaceted learning experience and a chance to explore inequality from various angles, EC103 is an excellent choice.