Module overview
This module introduces topics at the intersection between politics and economics. It exposes students to substantive issues in political economy, such as the comparative analysis of different electoral systems, distributive justice, the moral limits of markets, democracy and corruption. It equips them with various tools to analyse a given economic/political/social problem, from political competition models to applied ethics. The module also emphasises policy applications to real-world problems, with in-depth analysis of several case studies afflicting modern societies.
Linked modules
Pre-Requisites: ECON1001 or ECON1003
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Applications of economics in a variety of settings, including the analysis of economic policy.
- Central concepts and arguments in both microeconomics and macroeconomics
- Political institutions, and the organisation and exercise of power and governance.
- Different interpretations of political issues and events.
- The application of political concepts, theories and methods.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify, investigate, analyse and advocate solutions to problems
- Develop reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify issues for political and economic inquiry.
- Gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of sources.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Identify, select and draw upon a range of sources of printed, electronic and other material as a means to the development and presentation of arguments and evidence.
- Communicate ideas and arguments in a variety of written formats
- Communicate ideas and arguments orally and in the context of formal presentations
- Work independently demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management
Syllabus
This module will use tools from economics, political science, and moral philosophy to analyse a set of substantive issues in political economy. Students will first study theoretical foundations to perform both positive and normative analysis. The remaining lectures will cover a set of topics on political economy. For some of these topics, a policy issue will be discussed on “deliberation seminars”, in which students will analyse and deliberate about a real-world problem and experience in first-hand different types of democratic processes and voting systems.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures and seminars. The incorporation of “deliberation seminars” is innovative and provides "hands-on" training to the students in a way that complements the instruction of theoretical notions.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Seminar | 10 |
Independent Study | 120 |
Lecture | 20 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Persson, T., and Tabellini, G (2016). Political Economics. MIT Press.
Roemer, J. E (2001). Political Competition. Harvard University Press.
Robinson, J. A., and Acemoglu, D (2012). Why nations fail: the origins of power, prosperity and poverty. Profile.
Rose-ackerman, S., and Palifka, B. J (2016). Corruption and government: Causes, consequences, and reform. Cambridge University Press.
Grossman, G. M., and Helpman, E (2002). Special Interest Politics. MIT Press.
Hausman, D., McPherson, M and Satz, D (2016). Economic Analysis, Moral Philosophy, and Public Policy. Cambridge University Press.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Seminar Participation | 10% |
Exam | 45% |
Essay | 45% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Exam | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External