IR206     
International Political Economy

This information is for the 2018/19 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr M Hearson LCH 2.10

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Economics, BSc in International Relations, BSc in International Relations and History and BSc in Politics and International Relations. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

Students from other degree programmes will be admitted by permission of the Course Coordinator, including BSc Economic History

Course content

The course examines the role of power and politics in international economic relations. Besides international structural factors, it emphasises the role of domestic political interests and their influence over foreign economic policies. Major approaches covered include historical views on international political economy, and contemporary systemic theories of international cooperation, interest groups politics, ideas and institutions. The course provides an overview and explanation of the international monetary and trade systems since 1944. It also discusses current debates on trade, monetary policy, the political roots of financial crises, globalisation and the retreat of the state, and environmental protection.

Teaching

10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the MT. 10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the LT. 1 hour of lectures and 1 hour of classes in the ST.

An optional 10 hours lecture series 'An Intro to Economics' will be available to students on the course in the Michaelmas Term.

Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.

Formative coursework

Students write three essays of a maximum length of 1,500 words.

Indicative reading

Basic references are: M Blyth (ed), Routledge Handbook of International Political Economy (IPE); ; J Ravenhill (ed), Global Political Economy; S Strange, States and Markets; R Palan, Global Political Economy: Contemporary Theories; J Frieden & D Lake, International Political Economy; T Oatley, International Political Economy;A Walter & G Sen, Analyzing the Global Political Economy. A detailed reading list will be given at the beginning of the course.

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 3 hours) in the summer exam period.

In the examination students will answer three questions chosen from twelve.

Key facts

Department: International Relations

Total students 2017/18: 52

Average class size 2017/18: 13

Capped 2017/18: No

Lecture capture used 2017/18: Yes (MT & LT)

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

PDAM skills

  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Specialist skills