A key purpose of university education (in general) and the study of political economy (in particular) is to equip you to question and challenge what is often taken-for-granted. This purpose is often lost when courses are structured so as to simply pass on information from lecturer to student. In contrast, POLS 205 is organised around a series of “big questions” about the world.
In the lectures we will draw on a range of theoretical approaches and real life examples. Our central aim however, is not to give you the “right answer” – as if there were such a thing – but to help you engage with and reflect upon the structures of power in the global political economy. In doing this, the course draws upon some of the most recent debates and shifts within the field of international political economy – as well as drawing on more traditional strands of classical political economy.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module the student should be able to:
Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical perspectives on international political economy.
Develop critical skills in analysing debates surrounding the emergence of an international economy.
Gain an understanding of key IPE issues such as trade, development, financial crisis, environment issues
Have a critical awareness of how power operates in international political economy and in development processes.
Assessment
20895-01 : 500 Word Assessment + Audio : Coursework (25%)
20895-05 : 3000 Word Assessment : Coursework (75%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: Assessment: 1x 500 word essay plan (25%) + 1 x 3000 word case study essay (75%)