University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

In the wake of the global financial meltdown, scholars and professionals alike struggle to understand the causes of the collapse. A sociology of financial markets offers unique insights here. This module will provide a broad introduction to the sociology of finance, including: the research field and its roots in science studies; the architecture and technologies of markets; the role and importance of calculation; the chicken-and-egg problem of economic theory and practice; the specific practices of measurement and calculation that precipitated the crisis; and alternative financial perspectives, such as that offered by Islamic finance. Students will develop a deep understanding of the mechanisms that power financial markets and their relevance to the global economy.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass MN2001 and pass MN2002

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 lectures (x 11 weeks) and 1 tutorial (x 4 weeks), and 2 optional consultative hours (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 26

Guided independent study hours: 174

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 70%, Coursework = 30%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 70%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 30%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr P J Roscoe