Finding my academic interest at LSE Summer School

My name is Nora, and I come from China, where I study at the Communication University of China. I took EC103: Inequality: Economic, Historical, and Sociological Perspectives at LSE Summer School. The most important takeaway from my time at the LSE Summer School was discovering where my academic passion lies and deciding to pursue it for the rest of my life.

In this blog, I will share my reflections on the course's content and teaching style and how EC103 has influenced my academic journey.

 

The Impact of EC103 on Me

Before coming to LSE, I had a vague idea of pursuing a graduate degree in the social sciences, but I wasn’t sure which specific discipline suited me best. My decision to take a multidisciplinary course at Summer School was driven by this uncertainty. As an undergraduate student of arts, I was unfamiliar with social sciences and how different fields within it function. I hoped that EC103 would provide a well-rounded introduction of the academic landscape of economics and sociology.

Luckily, my experiment was successful. Thanks to LSE’s outstanding teaching methods and course design, I discovered what truly excites me academically. This discovery has had a direct impact on shaping my future studies, as I was able to narrow down my list of potential graduate programmes to those that align with my new-found interests. EC103 not only sparked my passion but also helped me clarify my academic direction, which I know will stay with me as I pursue further studies in the social sciences.

The Course: Research-Led Teaching Style

I must admit, before the course began, I had a lingering worry that the content might be too basic. I wondered, would it be worth my time, or would it feel like a mere introduction without much intellectual rigor?

These concerns vanished after just the first section of the first lecture. Despite being labelled as a 100-level course and a short-term summer programme, EC103 was dense, challenging, and informative, especially for someone like me, who was new to the subject. The professor mentioned that the course was essentially a condensed version of a full LSE module, and it certainly felt that way. Each lecture was packed with substantial content, demanding background reading, and insightful discussion.

What particularly struck me was LSE’s renowned research-led teaching style. The professors, who are themselves leading researchers in their respective fields, seamlessly integrated their own research and publications into their teaching. In EC103’s case, we benefited from the interdisciplinary perspectives of economics, history, and sociology. It was great to witness the professors’ passion for their fields, as they infused the lectures with fresh insights from their own cutting-edge research.

This style of teaching isn’t something I had experienced before. It’s one thing to learn from textbooks, but it’s an entirely different experience to learn from academics who are at the forefront of creating knowledge. It makes the lectures more dynamic and engaging. The topics in the lectures felt real, relevant, and connected to the pressing issues of today’s world.

Study at LSE: A Lively Academic Atmosphere

Beyond the content of the course, what made LSE special was the overall academic atmosphere. At LSE, the social sciences aren’t just theoretical—there’s a vibrant connection between academia and real-world practice. It’s a place where knowledge isn’t static; it’s constantly evolving, challenged, and discussed.

Moreover, LSE’s commitment to blending theory with practice gave me a real sense of what it means to study at one of the world’s leading social science institutions. It’s an environment that demands intellectual rigour, but at the same time, it’s welcoming, supportive, and filled with people who are passionate about making a difference.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, my experience at LSE Summer School was transformative. EC103 not only helped me discover my academic interests but also gave me a glimpse into what it’s like to be part of a world-class academic community. The research-led teaching style was particularly enlightening, as it allowed me to see first-hand how knowledge is produced and applied. I left LSE feeling more confident in my academic pursuits, and I’m excited to carry forward what I’ve learned as I continue my studies in the social sciences.

If you are considering LSE Summer School and are curious about where your academic passions lie, I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s an opportunity not only to gain knowledge but to immerse yourself in an environment that challenges and inspires you. For me, it was the place where my academic journey truly began.

 

This blog was written by one of our 2024 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.