This week, the latest in a series of updates came regarding the inevitable downfall of TSM, a long-time hallmark of Trinity’s arts courses. But how much of an update was it at all?
For many years now, we have received the same message from College: TSM will go. But while everyone can agree on what the arts programme must not be, it seems that no consensus can be reached on what shape a new two-subject course should take.
It was agreed early on that no-one wanted a universal entry route like that of UCD, but the solution to the notoriously complex set of subject permutations and course codes is far from in sight.
The College is certainly going to great lengths to assure people that the goal of reducing the numerous course codes generated by TSM – it currently offers students 26 subjects, with a possible 183 separate combinations – is well underway. In reality, decision time is being pushed further and further away.
All the various reviews and working groups set the daunting task of reforming the programme have reached the same conclusion that TSM in its current form needs to go, but have never surmounted the multitude of issues that come with replacing the course. It seems that Trinity has a certain attachment to TSM and that there is much about it that no-one is willing to compromise on.
So what will the new TSM look like? College is caving in the face of pressure from both the wider third-level sector, which wants to see a reduction in the ridiculous number of course codes TSM produces to alleviate some of the Leaving Certificate points-race pressure, and from those within Trinity who want to preserve what’s special about it – like the opportunity to take on unusual subject combinations from smaller departments.
After all of this seesawing on the future of the course, what will remain is a half-hearted attempt at reform – merely a symbolic change that will see little material difference in the way the arts are done in Trinity.
Articles from the Editorial Board will resume on January 7th, 2018.
