Schol Workshop

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Schol Workshop
STUDENT ECONOMIC REVIEW 2008
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CONTACTS

• Rules/Conventions/Grades Adnan Velic
  velica_at_tcd.ie
• Mgt. 1 2, Law Aoife Cunningham
  cunninao_at_tcd.ie
• Int. Econ., Maths Stats Kieran Curtis
  curtisk_at_tcd.ie
• Econ. of Ire., Econ. of PP, Gen. paper Nathalie
  Ennis ennisnb_at_tcd.ie
• Hist. of Pol. Thought, W.E.P Anne Byrne
  byrnea2_at_tcd.ie
• Russian E.E.P Caoilfhionn Nic Conmara
  nicconmc_at_tcd.ie
• Intro. to S.R., Euro. Soc., The Soc. Imag Alesya
  Krit krita_at_tcd.ie

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Some general points on schol

• Its a marathon, not a sprint!
• Its a test of endurance as well as ability.
• Be rational and efficient.
• Dont quit if one exam goes badly, you owe it to
  yourself to finish all of the exams.
• Treat all subjects with equal importance.
• Additional reading outside course content is
  crucial for essay exams (be unique).
• Understanding, not regurgitation, is the key to
  success in general!

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Why sit the exams? Incentives

• Intangible benefits the prestige, honour etc
  associated with becoming a scholar.
• Tangible benefits
• Meals free of charge every weekday in the
  commons.
• Scholars are entitled to rooms on campus for up
  to nine months of the year (Oct.-June).
• If you do not wish to take the rooms, you may
  then instead accept cash in lieu of rooms.
• In addition to this, scholars are granted an
  annual salary.

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Why sit the exams? Incentives

• Tuition fees paid (including registration fee and
  postgraduate fees). However in the case of
  scholars from non-EU countries, fees will be
  reduced by an amount corresponding to the
  appropriate fee level of an Irish student.
• Scholars are entitled to all of the above
  benefits for a maximum of 5 years (that is if
  they continue with their studies as a
  postgraduate).
• Furthermore, if you obtain an overall 2.1 grade
  (SF year) in the schol exams, you will be
  exempted from the summer examinations i.e. longer
  summer holidays.

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Schol exam conventions

• An overall I (70) is necessary in order to
  become a scholar.
• MAJOR CHANGE THIS YEAR BESS students will no
  longer be able to get exemptions in individual
  subjects. In other words, you can either get
  schol or full exemptions or no exemptions at all.
• For full exemptions, an overall II.I (60) is
  required.

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Schol exam conventions

• Those BESS students doing courses worth 10 ECTS
  each will sit 6 exams (one in each subject) a
  general paper.
• Recommendations for scholarship will be based on
  your best six marks from the seven papers subject
  to all seven papers being passed.
• Those BESS students doing 5 courses worth 10 ECTS
  each and 2 worth 5 ECTS each (courses from the
  BESS programme-Broad Curr. not included) will sit
  seven exams the general paper (8 papers in
  total).

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Schol exam conventions

• Where students make up the equivalent of a 10
  ECTS course by taking two 5 ECTS courses, then
  the results of those two courses will be averaged
  and the resulting average will be treated as a
  single observation for the purposes of applying
  the examination conventions.
• Best 6 observations from the 7 count towards
  schol.

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Schol exam conventions

• Where students take a 15 ECTS course and combine
  it with a 5 ECTS course (from BESS programme),
  the normal grade count convention will apply
  but the Court of Examiners, at its discretion,
  may choose to take into account the higher
  weighting of the 15 ECTS course where this would
  work to the benefit of the student.
• Where in the above case the 5 ECTS course is BC,
  then the student will only sit 6 exams including
  the general paper and all 6 will count towards
  schol.

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Schol exam conventions

• If you make up 10 ECTS with
• 2 x 5 ECTS BC courses, then you will sit 6
  papers (inc. general paper)
• The same applies if in the above case one of the
  5 ECTS courses is from the BESS programme.

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Schol exam conventions

• How to get a first? Two ways
• 4 Is and 2 II.Is (provided the 7th paper is
  passed) or higher. In terms of observations, the
  same convention is applied.
• 3 Is and 3 II.Is provided that the arithmetic
  average is 70 and the 7th paper is passed.
  Again the same convention applies in terms of
  observations.
• Up to the department at the end of the day!

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Schol exam conventions

• TSM students-
• Bottom line you either get schol or exemptions
  in both subjects or an exemption in one subject
  or no exemptions at all.
• Schol requires I in one subject and at least
  II.I in the other subject arithmetic average
  must be 70 over the 2 subjects.
• Grade in economics You sit 3 papers general
  paper, 4 in total, best 3 count for schol.
  Overall first in econ. requires 3 Is or 2 Is
  II.I subject to the 4th paper being passed.
• Essentially if econ. I, then other subject
  II.I (at least), avg. of 70 OR if other
  subject I, then econ. II.I (at least) avg.
  of 70 OR I from both.
• Exemption in any subject (1 of 2) requires II.I
  or higher provided that at least a II.2 is
  obtained in the other subject.

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Management 1

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Organisational Behaviour

• 4 Questions must answer 2
• Refer to previous JS Summer Exams and last years
  schols paper
• Application, analysis and evaluation of material
  all required
• Analyse from a managers perspective
• Preparatory seminars will be given by Dr. Fellenz
  closer to the time
• There is no right answer only opinions Key is
  it depends! Be sure to back up your opinions with
  fact!!

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Marketing

• 4 Questions must answer 2
• Look at course outline and practice writing
  essays that combine 2 to 3 of the 8 modules
• To get a I MUST combine lecture discussions,
  text book readings, and journal articles in your
  answer
• With readings - show theory and practical
  understanding. USE the real world examples given
  in class
• Do NOT stray from class examples as more of a
  tendency to go off on a tangent!!!

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Marketing

• Assigned readings are not enough bringing in
  new readings will show interest and further
  understanding. Useful websites Harvard Business,
  MIT, Journal of Marketing.
• Look at SER website for a breakdown of journal
  articles 5 are the same as this year 5 from
  last year Recommended to chose a couple of
  points from each
• ICTs could come up - This is a primary research
  area for Brady
• Be able to answer what is marketing? and apply
  this aspect to other modules this is NB!

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Marketing

• Practice writing essays within time limits. Dr.
  Brady has agreed that if you write practice
  essays she will be available to review them with
  you in her office hours (Wed 12-130pm) Do Not
  Show Up Unprepared!
• Brady will have a schols class - Provisionally
  Wed 20th Jan

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Accounting

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Basic Info

• 3 questions - answer all.
• Crucial to correspond of time spent on a
  question to the of marks available.
• First is possible with good preparation and
  importantly good understanding
• Attend Pats seminars leading up to schols as they
  are extremely useful for study preparation

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Management 2 Tips

• Question 1 Essay Question (30)
• To Be Confirmed By Pat
• Ask Pat if he will be assigning the same essay
  topic for the general paper!
• Prepare essay before hand and just write it out
  in the exam !!!
• PMcC will photocopy recommended readings.
• Dont worry about it until later in term.

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Management 2 Tips

• Question 2 - Calculation Question (25)
• PL Balance Sheet No Cash Flow last year or
  the year before! (check with PMcC)
• ______________________________
• Complex adjustments.
• Dont worry if it doesnt balance dont waste
  time.
• Expect a short general question for 5 marks.
• Target full 25 - work hard on this now.

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Management 2 Tips

• Question 3 Ratio Analysis (45)
• Full accounts of a plc provided analyse and
  discuss using ratios.
• _____________________________
• A lot of information to take in 5 pages.
• Dont just calculate the ratios - look beyond
  the ratio e.g. why did the Gross Profit margin
  increase?
• Bring in economic variables e.g. impact of
  interest rates on financing.

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Introduction To Law
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Intro to Law

• New Format From Last Year!
• 8 questions answer 4
• Great website to help with the structure of your
  essays http//www.lawteacher.net/how-to-write-a-l
  aw-essay.html
• Think ILAC/IRAC Issue, Law/Rule, Application,
  Conclusion

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Law Paper

• Look at 2005 and 2006 exam papers and 2007 schols
  paper
• Read cases on reading list that have not been
  discussed in class
• Approx 4-5 pages for each essay (1,600 words)
• Have a clear introduction, main body conclusion

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Intro to Law Cases

• Read cases on reading list that have not been
  discussed in lectures
• Essays should be fact based but an element of
  personal opinion is also needed
• Use relevant details from cases
• Avoid giving general long summaries of cases

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General Essay (Research)

• Irish Judicial database court service
• http//www.courts.ie/Judgments.nsf/Webpages/HomePa
  ge?OpenDocumentp220
• House of Lords Judgments
• http//www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld/ldjudg
  mt.htm
• British and Irish Legal Information Institute
  (BAILLI)
• College library database

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Intermediate Economics

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Intermediate EconomicsOverview

• Two Questions from 4 in each of Micro/Macro
• Material covered during the term
• Helps if you know maths

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Intermediate EconomicsMicro

• OToole has set Schol papers before
• Roughly 3 parts to a question
• Basic material right/wrong
• Follow-ups deeper analysis, allow material from
  other courses/disciplines to be brought in

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Intermediate EconomicsMacro

• Walti has set papers before
• Tutorial questions good preparation
• Schols questions tougher last year really know
  stuff
• Familiarity with macro developments a bonus.

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Maths and Statistics

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Mathematics and Statistics

• Same format as the last two years -2005 2006
  (See past exam papers)
• Part A Maths
• Part B Statistics
• but the marks are unevenly distributed with 60
  of the total going to the Stats section
  (reflecting 10 weeks work) and 40 going to the
  Maths section (reflecting 6 weeks work)

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Mathematics and Statistics

• Note, however, that in 2007 the order of the
  modules was reversed, so that Maths went first
  and was weighted60. This will not be the case
  this year because Stats went first.

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Mathematics and Statistics

• All questions must be attempted on bothsections.
  
• On the Statistics side Format the same as
  previous years (7-8 questions)
• More emphasis on newer (not JF) material
• There will be a few conceptual/theory questions
  (CLT,etc.)
• Best preparation practice, practice, practice
  and know theory!
• Old papers more or less same material (but wont
  have index numbers)

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Mathematics and StatisticsMaths

• New lecturer - Material much the same
• Best prep practice!

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Economy of Ireland
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Economy of IrelandOverview

• Easy II.1, More Difficult I.
• Course structure has been changing since the
  book has been changing
• Topics remain largely the same, however - as John
  O'Hagan indicated in his class before Christmas
  see exam handout
• Tutorials optional

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What/How to study?

• Emphasis on originality ? read a lot - otherwise
  II.1
• What is originality? Having your own twist/voice
  makes a big difference - The Economist online a
  great source, some great country focus articles
  on Ireland
• John O'Hagan very helpful voluntary essays,
  extra classes, advice
• Write out essays beforehand pick your four
  blocks 45 mins each approx 1,200 words

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Economics of Public Policy
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Economics of Public PolicyOverview

• Course structure (i.e. lack of structure),
  lecture times, etc haven't changed since Botany
  Bay times!
• SB very fond of the schols - talk to him
• Remember the Facts and Figures
• Not that easy to get first - see Xmas exam

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Economics of Public PolicyExam topics

• Do topics he has actually covered (i.e. spent
  more than 15 mins on)
• He might even read out the questions to you
• Past exam papers very good guide
• Structure 8 exam questions given, answer four
  (45 mins each 1,200 words)

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Economics of Public PolicyHow/What to study?

• Read
• His favourite authors (Baumol, Mishan,Tussing,
  Schultz...)
• The Economist
• As many of his papers as possible
• Extract points supporting his arguments and
  again use the Facts and Figures
• Write out beforehand
• Write clearly (NB)

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General BESS Paper
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BESS General Paper What Is It?

• Usually the last exam
• Three hours - answer one question.
• View this paper as a gift allows you to drop
  your weakest subject.
• Should definitely be targeted as one of your 4
  required firsts.

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BESS General Paper Who Does It?

• BESS Answer any question. Counts as one of your
  7 subjects (Of which the top 6 are counted).
• TSM Answer any economics question. Counts as
  one of your 4 economics subjects (Of which the
  top 3 are counted).
• BSL Cant attempt the language questions.

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BESS General Paper Tips

• Ask lectures for the question in advance dont
  attempt unseen questions.
• Ask lecturer for advice on how to approach the
  question run your ideas past them for a
  reaction.
• Prepare essay before hand and then just write it
  out in the exam.

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BESS General Paper Tips

• Economy of Ireland same question every year
  Discuss any topic on the Irish economy touching
  on at least three sections of the course.
• Vast majority of people attempt this question
  as a result possibly more difficult to get a
  first.
• Have to be very unique to get a first.
• Relatively easy to get a II.1

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BESS General Paper Tips

• Some people suggest to avoid Economy of Ireland
  and be different My advice play to your
  strengths
• Scholars last year did Economy of Ireland,
  Law, Accounting, and Microeconomics.
• Essay paper is not a priority in January worry
  about it a lot closer to the exams.

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History of Political Thought
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History of Political Thought

• Straightforward
• 12 questions answer four
• Phrasing of questions more complex than summer
  exam
• Study 4 topics one topic change
• Primary texts? Adams Dyson, 50 Major
  Political Thinkers

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History of Political Thought

• Supplement class reading list
• Opinions, new ideas, arguments
• Ask if can correct in advance
• General paper standard question

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Western European Politics
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Western European Politics

• Difficult 2.I
• 10 questions (six from Dr Gwiazda, four from Dr
  Thomson) - answer four
• Dr Thomson cover all topics (!)
• Reading
• Theories evidence opinion
• Office hours and email especially Dr Thomson

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Russian and East European Politics

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Preparation and Layout

• Four Essays out of a choice of eleven
• You have Three hours
• Based on the Essays done previously in the term
• Based on The Themes from Tutorials and Lectures

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Preparation Continued

• Best source is previous examination papers as
  patterns emerge
• Dont just use reading listfind your own books
  on the subject
• Prepare the essays and ask tutor or lecturer if
  they will look over them beforehand
• Work at it with Friends

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Introduction to Social Research

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Introduction to Social Research

• Quantitative
• Focus on the issue
• E.g. research design, quota sampling, sampling
  distribution, ethics
• Try to find critique on it from outside

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Introduction to Social Research

• Qualitative
• New professor
• -gtwrite a sample essay and ask to mark and give
  feedback
• ask for tutorials
• Examples From almost any other course!

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European Societies

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European Societies

• Wickham
• At least for 2 years in a row sample paper was
  somewhat the exam paper!
• Tutorials VERY helpful
• Structured approach to answers
• For Wickham Ireland U.K. not as interesting as
  European cases!
• Mind your grammar!
• Yurdakul ask her!

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The Sociological Imagination

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The Sociological Imagination

• Anthropology of Gender
• All topics, covered during the tutorials were on
  the exam
• Really need to know articles and books that are
  on the reading list.
• Theory questions include illustration from
  societies you have studied (including some
  independent research).
• The Body in Society

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REMEMBER

• Candidates must give notice of their intention to
  take the examination on the prescribed
  application form, obtainable in the Examinations
  Office, West Theatre or at http//www.tcd.ie/Senio
  r_Lecturer/teo/teopdf/FSApp2008.pdf no later than
  5pm on Friday 1 February 2008.
• Forms are also available on the SER website
  www.tcd.ie/Economics/SER

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REMEMBER

• This years Foundation Scholarship examinations
  will take place from Tuesday 11 March to Friday
  28 March 2008 inclusive.
• Announcement of elections to Scholarship Trinity
  Monday (May) at 10am (important ceremony!).

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Dont forget-SER Essay Submissions!

• SER Committee are now accepting essays for the
  2008 issue!
• The deadline for essay submissions is Friday the
  22nd of February, 2008 (end of week 7, Hilary
  Term).
• For further information on how to submit your
  essays, check out our website www.tcd.ie/Economic
  s/SER

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SER WORKSHOP

• ROBBIE KELLEHER-
• Irish economist of the year,
• Check out some of his work on Davy website (v.
  useful).
• Time Place still to be decided, info will be
  circulated.

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SER DEBATES

• Harvard Debate
• 23rd January
• (Chamber)
• 1930

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Good Luck!

• Questions?