Global Political Economy

Code

PHIR4004

School

Politics and International Relations

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring Malaysia

Summary

This module seeks to provide students with an understanding of the complex interaction between states and markets. It uses theory (trade theory, currency theories, theories of integration, theories of economic development) to examine state behaviour in markets. In addition to offering a theoretical framework, the module also examines state-market relations in specific horizontal issues such as the environment, sovereign debt, and economic integration. It will contextualise the theory and issues in case studies on regional interaction focusing primarily on the SE Asian region.

Target Students

Politics, History and International Relations (UNMC) Available to JYA/Erasmus students.

Classes

• One 2-hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
• One 1-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks

Assessment

• 60% Coursework 1: Essay - 4000 words
• 20% Coursework 2: 2 x 400 words (selected from 4 submitted during the module) - Reading responses / Reactions
• 20% Participation: Class Participation

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

i) Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the module, students should be in a position to:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the theory surrounding state-market relations and economic development;
• Understand the role of non-state actors such as MNCs, NGOs and intergovernmental organisations on the global system;
• Understand horizontal challenges facing the international political economy (security, environment, sovereign debt, etc.)
• Develop an acute awareness of the possibilities and limits of state integration on economic issues in the international system;

ii) Intellectual Skills:

• Think about the ongoing process of globalisation, economic development, and state interaction in a reflective and critical way;
• The ability to link empirical material to theoretical approaches;

iii) Professional/Practical Skills

• Absorb and disseminate large quantities of data in a clear and concise manner;
• Have the confidence to discuss current issues facing the international political economy in a concrete empirical manner, while drawing on theoretical tools to substantiate ideas.

iv)Transferable & Key SkillsThrough active participation in the module the students will acquire

• The research skills necessary for carrying out thorough analysis on different aspects of IPE
• The capacity to engage in a structured and well informed discussion about complex questions (to be practised in class discussions)
• The skill to write a thought-through, well argued longer piece of work (to be assessed in the essays)

v) IT Skills:

• The ability to deliver a professional, word processed document with accompanying bibliography and footnotes;
• The skill to draw information and documents from WebCT and conduct online research via online journals and elibrary functions

Conveners

• Abdillah Noh