The Politics of Global Capitalism
| Module title | The Politics of Global Capitalism |
|---|---|
| Module code | POLM105 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Bice Maiguashca (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 25 |
|---|
Module description
This module will offer you an advanced, masters-level introduction to the cross-disciplinary, intellectual field of International Political Economy (IPE). The examination of the international political economy is important for how it sheds light on the complexity of capitalism, including its structures, processes, and outcomes. The module is organised for you around a set of prominent debates in three areas: (1) conceptual frameworks; (2) the post-war history of governing the world economy; and (3) contemporary crises afflicting the capitalist order, including an examination of the global financial crisis, new politics of trade, the political economy of the environment, and consideration of alternatives to our current predicament. You will be asked to think critically about how the politics of the world economy is conceived and governed, in particular through evaluating issues of power and equity. There are two main questions addressed throughout the module: (1) why and how does the international political economy take its current form?; and (2) how does the international political economy impact on particular actors, including governments; firms and other producers; civil society groups and other people?
Previous background knowledge in international relations, classical political economy, international economics, and history is helpful but not a requirement.
Module aims - intentions of the module
In this module, you will get an understanding of the political making of the international capitalist system. In terms of your academic development, it will enable you to dissect the agendas, norms and principles underpinning commercial exchange. In order to explain the broader struggles in world politics, this module will provide you with expertise related to the relationship between political and economic forces. This will prove to be immensely valuable for those of you taking the MA in International Relations, although it will also be relevant to those taking other Politics degrees. In terms of personal development, you will develop a refined political and ethical understanding of capitalism which, in turn, could shape your decision-making behaviour as a consumer. The module could even strengthen your likelihood of gaining employment.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate detailed knowledge of debates within the study of International Political Economy, including relevant conceptual frameworks, the international institutional history of the world economy, and major contemporary problems in key issue areas;
- 2. articulate one's own ethical and political positions on questions of the 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 in the field of international political economy;
- 4. deploy theoretical arguments in the field of international political economy and apply them to empirical case studies;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. communicate effectively in speech and writing; and
- 6. work independently and with peers to achieve common goals.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
Introduction: Why IPE?
Part 1: Conceptual Frameworks
Economic Nationalism
The Liberal Tradition
Critical Perspectives
Part 2: Governing the Post-war International Political Economy
Finance: From Bretton Woods to the Big Bang
Trade: From the GATT to the WTO
Development and its Discontents
Part 3: Capitalism in CrisisThe Financial Explosion: Causes and Consequences
Reconfiguring World Trade: The WTO and Beyond
A Planetary Emergency: The Political Economy of the Environment
A Crisis of Ideas? Reimagining World Capitalism
Review Seminar
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 278 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 22 | 11 x 2 hour Seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 110 | Reading and writing: - Reading in preparation for class each week: c10hrs per week |
| Guided Independent Study | 168 | Research and writing for formative and summative assessment |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2,000 words | 1-6 | Comments and mark |
| Solo presentation | 10 minutes, plus hand-out | 1-6 | Verbal comments |
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 1 | 50 | 4,000 words | 1-6 | Comments and mark |
| Essay 2 | 50 | 4,000 words | 1-6 | Comments and mark |
| 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 1 | Essay (4,000 words) | 1-6 | August/September assessment period |
| Essay 2 | Essay (4,000 words) | 1-6 | August/September assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Introductory reading
Blyth, M. (ed), Routledge Handbook of International Political Economy (IPE): IPE as a Global Conversation (Abingdon: Routledge, 2009).
Gilpin, R., Global Political Economy: Understanding the International Economic Order (Princeton:PrincetonUniversity Press, 2001).
Frieden, J. and Lake, D., International Political Economy: Perspectives on Global Power and Wealth (London: Routledge, 2000).
Ravenhill, J. (ed), Global Political Economy (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011). **
Strange, S., States and Markets (London: Frances Pinter Publishers Ltd, 1994).
Walter and Sen, G., Analyzing the Global Political Economy (Princeton:PrincetonUniversity Press, 2008).
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/12/2012 |
| Last revision date | 24/07/2017 |