Course Spotlight - EC104: The Wealth (and Poverty) of Nations: Global Economic Development Past and Present

We sat down with Panagiotis, who took EC104: The Wealth (and Poverty) of Nations: Global Economic Development Past and Present, to hear more about his experience of the course. 

 

Why did you decide to attend LSE Summer School?

Having already participated in a study abroad programme, I understood that experience in educational programmes abroad is a source of broad cultivation and an opportunity to adapt to educational systems different from that of my home university. Therefore, I began exhaustive research on summer schools in and outside Europe, and singled out LSE, due to both the structure of the courses offered (3-hour lectures complemented by 1.5-hour seminars), and because of the impressive social programme and the subsequent opportunities for interaction and communication with peers.

Why did you choose your course?

I wanted to delve into scientific fields that were different to those of my undergraduate studies. Having pursued undergraduate studies in modern Greek literature and a minor in History, I was keen to learn something new. EC104 was therefore the springboard for my first experience with economics, through a historical perspective. Its interdisciplinary nature gave me new stimuli and the chance to study a more specialised area of history, relatively less popular and usually not integrated into school curricula at humanities schools.

Tell us about an average day as a student on your course.

Mornings kicked off with the seminars, 1.5-hour classes of approximately 15 people. There, the study material is thoroughly analysed, with the help of the professor, and a recapitulation of the previous lesson is made, as a memory refresher and a conceptual bridge to what will follow. Seminars are always a good opportunity to exchange ideas with classmates, as they focus on collaboration and dialogue. The gap between morning seminars and afternoon lectures is filled, depending on your preferences, either by walking and grabbing a coffee with friends, or by further intellectual pursuits in the state-of-the-art LSE library.

Lectures last three hours in total, with a fifteen-minute break in the middle. This time, all the students enrolled on the course are present and therefore, the interaction with peers is even greater, while the building of new knowledge particularly efficient. After the lectures, a meal with friends takes the pressure off, and usually, weekday evenings are devoted to the study of the next day's seminar material. The day is full, but the high-quality courses, the good company and the beautiful and vibrant city of London certainly makes it rewarding.

What was your favourite part of your course?

If I had to pick one, it would be the structure of the course. Both the seminars and the lectures were carried out with the support of helpful presentations, which made the course more direct and were great study materials for later in the session. In addition, there was a rich and detailed bibliography offered, as well as access to a plethora of articles, without these being compulsory or burdensome to read. Finally, an impressive feature of the course was the recording of the lectures and their posting on Moodle, which allowed students who, for whatever reason, could not attend the course, as well as those who wanted to complete a thorough review before the final exam of the course, to watch the lectures on their PC.

What advice would you give to students considering your course?

Approach the course in a good mood and do not hesitate to ask the professors any questions that may arise during the lessons! In a course like EC104, it is natural to have some knowledge gaps, as I did. I would also advise you to look at the professors' slides every day to consolidate the material little by little, but also to see if you need any further explanations. The course is very enjoyable, but please keep in mind that this is a fast-paced course that requires daily study. Don’t worry, though! With the right allocation of time, you will have plenty of time for walks and outings.

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

My professional goals are still not completely clear to me, since I am interested in various fields. However, studying a course like this, that focuses on the most notable events of economic history and explains the position (and divergence) of contemporary societies in the global economic firmament, gives me the opportunity to switch later, from humanities to graduate programmes in social sciences or international relations. Either way, it constitutes a top-notch experience that can only strengthen my academic profile and open new avenues for me.

How has your course helped you in your undergraduate degree/career plans?

EC104 contributed significantly to the completion of my minor in history, as I was able to transfer the LSE course credits to my home degree. After successfully passing the examination, I received my transcript and was able to graduate.

What was your favourite part of studying at LSE?

Apart from socialising and interacting with people from all over the world, which is invaluable, LSE gave me the experience of a top British university. From the building and student facilities (e.g. the library), to the way the courses and educational practices were structured, everything was well organised. Even the assessments were structured so that one essay was formative, meaning students could get feedback on their work and learn to adapt to the British system, without it impacting their final grade. It should be noted that LSE places importance on its merit-based evaluation system; both the essays and the final exam were done anonymously. I most certainly left with the aftertaste of a top academic institution.

How did you find the British teaching style?

The British teaching style was vastly different from my familiar Greek. The course was based on cooperative teaching and encouraged discussion and contact with fellow students. The formation of small group activities and the group solving of questions were a sine qua non both for the seminars and for the lectures. The professors were remarkably close to the students and willing to provide as much detail and help as possible. The feedback on the essays was also immediate, and we were offered sessions to review the course material and ask questions before the exam.

Did you feel supported by your lecturers?

All the lecturers I had - three in total - were extremely helpful, warm, and approachable. They made the course an enjoyable process and were always happy to answer students' questions. We could easily talk to them during class breaks, after class or via e-mail. In fact, in my case, the seminar professors were even present at the final exam, just for moral support.

 

This interview was written by one of our 2024 students, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the Summer School experience at LSE.