EC302     
Political Economy

This information is for the 2013/14 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Ronny Razin 32L4.01

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc in Economics, BSc in Economics and Economic History, BSc in Economics with Economic History, BSc in Government and Economics, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Philosophy and Economics and BSc in Social Policy and Economics. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

Pre-requisites

Students must have completed Microeconomic Principles I (EC201).

Course content

The course seeks to introduce students to the major theoretical models of Political. Economy and the available empirical evidence. Sample topics to be covered include: Social Choice theory and Preference aggregation; Comparative electoral systems; Political economy of income redistribution; Turnout in elections; Strategic and Sincere voting; Political Parties; Debates and Communication

Teaching

15 hours of lectures and 8 hours of classes in the MT. 15 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the LT. 2 hours of classes in the ST.

Formative coursework

At least four exercises or pieces of written work will be required and assessed by class teachers.

Indicative reading

There is no text book covering all the material in the course. The following books are recommended as supplements to what is covered in the lectures. Analyzing Politics, Rationality, Behavior and Institutions, K.A. Shepsle and M.S. Bonchek. W. W. Norton & Company, New York, London. Liberalism Against Populism, W.H. Riker, Waveland Press, Prospect Heights, Illinois. For additional readings see http://econ.lse.ac.uk/courses/ec302/

Assessment

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

Key facts

Department: Economics

Total students 2012/13: Unavailable

Average class size 2012/13: Unavailable

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

PDAM skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of numeracy skills

Course survey results

(2010/11 - 2011/12 combined)

1 = "best" score, 5 = "worst" score

The scores below are average responses.

Response rate: 80.4%

Question

Average
response

Reading list (Q2.1)

2.9

Materials (Q2.3)

2.7

Course satisfied (Q2.4)

2.3

Lectures (Q2.5)

2.1

Integration (Q2.6)

2.4

Contact (Q2.7)

2.3

Feedback (Q2.8)

3

Recommend (Q2.9)

Yes

52.1%

Maybe

42.5%

No

5.4%