INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
(PS327)
Course Description
This course aims to provide students with an introduction to the study of international political economy. Students begin the semester with a closer look at the key theoretical underpinnings of the study of political economy as well as the approaches to its study. They end the semester with a final research project where they investigate an everyday object and how it is tied to the international economy.
After completing the course, students will understand the key theoretical debates within the study of International Political Economy. In addition, students will be able to identify the key structural components of IPE. Students will leave the course understanding not only the theoretical foundations for IPE but how it relates to everyday life and the current state of the world.
Overview of themes addressed
Perspectives on International Political Economy
In this segment students will focus on the concepts and theories that form the foundation for understanding international political economy.
Structures of International Political Economy
In this segment, students will learn the main structural powers within international political economy, focusing specifically on production, trade, finance, security, and knowledge structures within the international system.
Development and its Challenges
Here students will learn more about development in the international system. They will focus on defining, measuring, and assessing development as well as understanding how development affects different regions through case studies.
Transnational Problems and Dilemmas
In this segment, students will engage with transnational problems like energy and the environment as well as global health and refugees.
Course Learning Objectives
By the end of the course students should be able to...
Identify and define the major theoretical foundations of International Political Economy
Identify power structures within the international system and demonstrate understanding of how these structures impact the international system
Apply theories within IPE to the ‘everyday’ world around them