The Economics of Politics
| Module title | The Economics of Politics |
|---|---|
| Module code | POL2046 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Gabriel Katz Wisel (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 250 |
|---|
Module description
This module aims to provide you with the skills to critically evaluate and apply rational choice approaches as an analytical tool for the examination of political phenomena. First, it discusses the underlying assumptions and their theoretical and empirical implications for political analyses. Second, the seminar will make you familiar with core approaches introducing economic reasoning in the conceptualisation and in the analysis of politics. Third, it will introduce you to the applications of rational choice theory in comparative politics.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims at providing you with the skills to critically evaluate and apply rational choice approaches as an analytical tool for the examination of political phenomena. First, it discusses the underlying assumptions and their theoretical and empirical implications for political analyses. Second, the seminar makes you familiar with core approaches introducing economic reasoning in the conceptualisation and in the analysis of politics. Third, it introduces applications of rational choice theory in comparative politics.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. understand core concepts in rational choice theory;
- 2. describe and analyse the connections and relationships between economics and politics;
- 3. critically engage with concrete applications of rational choice theory;
- 4. describe, list and assess the core works in comparative politics using rational choice theory;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. translate a particular logic of reasoning from one discipline (economics) to another (politics);
- 6. apply abstract theoretical ideas and concepts to actual events and outcomes;
- 7. construct well-structured rigorous arguments that are based on logical deduction;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. research & critically evaluate information;
- 9. apply techniques and theories in appropriate contexts;
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:
1. Rational Choice as Analytical Tool: Basic Assumptions and Standard Criticisms
2. Economic Conceptualisations of Democracy
3. Political Participation
4. The Paradox of Voting
5. Game Theory: Models of Cooperation and Coordination
6. Collective Action Problems
7. Principal-Agent Theory
8. Rational Choice Institutionalisms
9. Models of Government Formation
10. Bureaucratic Politics
11. Review Session
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 lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 10 | 10 x 1 hour tutorials |
| Guided Independent study | 123.5 | Independent study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feedback on draft plan for exam questions | 250 words | 1-9 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 100 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 100 | 3500 words | 1-9 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Examination 3500 words | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Laver, Michael (1997): Private Desires, Political Action, An Invitation to the Politics of Rational Choice. London: Sage.
Downs, Anthony (1957): An Economic Theory of Democracy. New York: Harper and Row.
Hardin, Russell (1982): Collective Action, Baltimore and London: Johns Hopkins UP.
Strøm, Kaare (1990): Minority Government and Majority Rule. Cambridge: Cambridge UP.
Riker, William (1962): The Theory of Political Coalitions. New Haven: Yale UP.
| 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 | 01/10/2007 |
| Last revision date | 09/05/2022 |
