The Politics of the World Economy
| Module title | The Politics of the World Economy |
|---|---|
| Module code | POL2027 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Jason Zhao () |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 200 |
|---|
Module description
This module has been designed to offer you an introduction to the cross-disciplinary field of International Political Economy (IPE). The political examination of global economic governance is important because it sheds light on the complexity of capitalism, including its structures, processes, and outcomes. There are three main questions addressed throughout the module: (1) what explains the form and operation of the institutions of global economic governance (e.g. the WTO, IMF)?; (2) how do nation states relate to the institutions of global economic governance?; and (3) how are domestic governments and the institutions of global governance responding to key contemporary issues?
Module aims - intentions of the module
Based on literature from the cross-disciplinary field of International Political Economy (IPE), the module examines important structures, processes, and outcomes in the recent governance of the global economy. In particular the module aims to:
(1) familiarize you with the conceptual frameworks designed to illuminate major empirical concerns;
(2) provide a foundational knowledge about the post-war history of governing the world economy, focusing in particular on international organizations;
(3) engage in current debates about contemporary issues in global economic governance.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate detailed knowledge of conceptual debates within the study of International Political Economy;
- 2. demonstrate detailed knowledge of key institutions and issues in International Political Economy.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. critically analyse both empirical and theoretical material;
- 4. apply theoretical concepts to the analysis of key institutions and issues.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. communicate effectively in writing;
- 6. demonstrate the ability to work independently.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Conceptual approaches to global economic governance
- Leadership in the world economy
- The liberal perspective on international organisations
- The politics of interdependence
- The operation of international organisations such as the World Trade Organisation, and the International Monetary Fund.
- Key contemporary issues in global economic governance.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 26.5 | 123.5 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 16.5 | (11 x 1.5 hour) The weekly lectures detail conceptual frameworks, history and key debates to help guide your reading. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 10 | (10 x 1 hour) The weekly tutorials consist of presentations and group discussion focused on tutorial questions and issues raised by students. |
| Guided independent study | 123.5 | Coursework and independent study includes reading, note taking, sketching answers to essay and seminar questions, presentation preparation and essay writing. This study is continuous throughout the course and should take at least six hours a week. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay plan | 300 words | 1, 3-6 | Written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 1,600 words | 1, 3-6 | Written comments |
| Issue briefing | 50 | 1,600 words | 2-6 | Written comments |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (1,600 words) | 1, 3-6 | August/September reassessment period |
| Issue briefing | Issue briefing (1,600 words) | 2-6 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Drezner et al. (eds) (2021) The Uses and Abuses of Weaponized Interdependence. Washington: Brookings Institute.
- Slobodian, Q. (2018) Globalists ; the end of empire and the birth of neoliberalism. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Stone, R. (2011) Controlling Institutions: International Organizations and the Global Economy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 23/01/2013 |
| Last revision date | 01/03/2022 |
