Professional Development Courses in Political Science are generally geared towards Faculty, established political science practitioners and post-graduate students. This course breaks through those barriers by aligning to the programme’s rationale to give learners a rounded education that will allow them to acquire the skills needed for entry into an exciting career and the certification and skills needed for professional advancement in the context of public, private or not-for-profit organisations. The American Political Science Association, Department of Educational, Professional, and Diversity Programmes have in recent times taken several initiatives to promote undergraduate professional development. In April 2013 for instance, they hosted an Undergraduate Research Week . Within the same context, this course helps to position the Political Science student to take on career building strategies like writing for public audiences or conferencing undergraduate projects and research papers, seeking membership in global political science networks, and seeking mentorship from established scholars and practitioners in the field. Because Political Science is an interdisciplinary area, and undergraduates pursue a diverse set of interests in their post-University life, learners must show that they can adapt when they move forward to graduate school or enter a new profession. This course is therefore included to help prepare the undergraduate for internship, networking and the post-UWI experience.
This course examines the basic workings of the financial system and the main issues in monetary policy, primarily in developing countries. Emphasis will be on understanding the issues relating to interest rates, the tools of monetary policy, and the role of the Central Bank, in the conduct of monetary policy. The general economics and the structure of the financial system are also highlighted. Furthermore, the main monetary and financial issues confronting the CARICOM region as a whole are examined. For example, possible monetary union, intra-Caribbean investment and exchange rate systems are discussed.
This course is an exploration of political leadership and political outcomes and shows the interconnectedness between the two. It considers classical as well as contemporary theories of leadership. Through this course, the learner will recognise these significantly fundamental questions: Is there a leadership vacuum and how, in the global political community that remains to be created, can we foresee and foster the advent to power of leaders who will dedicate themselves to goals that include the building of a universal community that will safeguard the interests of all mankind? How, if such leaders appear, can they gain the requisite popular support for sustained endeavours directed to these goals?
This course is designed to provide an important set of skills for persons who work in the area of social policy and programming. The course will provide an overview of monitoring and evaluation models and designs. It will provide a systematic introduction to the steps involved in planning a programme evaluation, and in designing instruments, establishing samples, analysing and interpreting data, and preparing a report.
This course examines: the role of government in the economy especially in developing countries and the Caribbean; taxation (both direct and indirect) and its impact on the economy; the theory of public sector pricing and production; the design of public policy and the scope and limitations of public economic policy.
The inclusion of this course is premised on the recognition that professional management is applicable at all levels of politics. The proper coordination, planning, organisation, direction, control of activities and negotiation of positions, have an immediate effect on the types of outcomes one seeks. It is essential for political science majors to know how people manage political activities, navigate the world of politics and achieve desired outcomes. Knowledge and “know-how” about these key abilities gives the graduate an advantage in a highly competitive field. Cultivating the attributes that are useful for political management makes the graduate equipped to work with political parties, governmental and non-governmental organisations and the media. Additionally, involvement in applied politics offers the political science major an opportunity to help talented individuals become effective public leaders. The curriculum covers the field of applied politics and encompasses consulting, campaigns, electioneering, lobbying, advocacy and negotiation, fundraising, political communication, political leadership and the attendant ethical dimensions. Political management like other types of management activities is goal oriented.
This course presents and examines the social and cultural forces that have implications for the formation and maintenance of social relationships. It exposes students to the concepts, theories, and methods involved in studying the family. It provides an opportunity for students to critically examine issues associated with marriage, family so that they can derive a clearer understanding of marriage and the family as critical institutions in society. The course helps students to apply theoretical perspectives to go beyond personal experiences and view the family from diverse social contexts.
This course introduces the use of statistical analysis on economic data. It also focuses on the techniques used to compile indices, national income accounts and other reported economic statistics.
This course is directed towards learners in their final year of study. It covers current debates in global justice that address both theoretical and applied issues. All global society traditions of ethical analysis therefore have relevance here. The course examines global poverty, development, environmental and economic crises, refugee and humanitarian disasters, and the role of governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations and private international corporations. In particular, the course addresses whether wealthy nations have an obligation to assist poorer nations. The course is especially relevant for learners who desire careers in international development, humanitarian aid, international consulting or volunteerism.
