PPE in Practice IV: Connected World

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/W_JSM_208

Course Objective

After completing the course, students should have, or have improved, their basic knowledge and understanding of: A1. Key concepts, theories, and methods of each PPE discipline. A2. Methods and approaches combining the PPE disciplines. The ability to: B1. Apply established approaches within PPE to the analysis of complex societal questions and to make a contribution to their possible solution. B2. Develop and apply different ways of integrating theories and or method within PPE. C1. Gather relevant data and organize and present them systematically, with an awareness of the methodological and ethical issues involved. C2. Assess which theory, method, or combination thereof is most suitable for the analysis of a particular issue. C3. Provide policy recommendations. C4. Reflect on the professional responsibility of researchers and practitioners, and incorporate these reflections into the analysis of societal questions. D1. Systematically and coherently present their work in verbal, written, and graphical forms. D2. Communicate with researchers and practitioners from different backgrounds. E1. Think analytically and critically. E2. Be flexible, take initiative and function as a team player.

Course Content

The fourth PPE in Practice course is a problems and application-based course that addresses a topical societal challenge and encourages students to draw interdisciplinary connections between the individual PPE disciplines. Similar to the other PiP courses, PiP IV combines lectures and seminars over a period of three weeks. The lectures will provide students with a strong background in the relevant moral, political and economic debates. Seminars are structured around reading questions, small group, discussions, and individual and group assignments. The course includes a language component that focuses on the expansion of one’s linguistic repertoire to promote attractive writing. In addition, practice is given on conference presentation techniques.

Teaching Methods

Lectures and seminars (active learning groups).

Method of Assessment

Written Exam (50%, assessing learning outcomes A-E) Group Policy Paper (50%, assessing learning outcomes A-E) Assessment of linguistic components (pass/fail)
- specifically, linguistic, structural and coherence-related aspects of group paper [where each individual contribution is specified]

Literature

To be announced: Course Reader will be available on Canvas.

Target Audience

Second year PPE students

Additional Information

Participation in seminars is mandatory

Recommended background knowledge

Mandatory courses PPE year 1; PPE in Practice III.