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Study information

The Economics of Politics

Module titleThe Economics of Politics
Module codePOL2046
Academic year2024/5
Credits15
Module staff

Dr Gabriel Katz Wisel (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
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 ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
26.5123.5

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 16.511 x 1.5 hour lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 1010 x 1 hour tutorials
Guided Independent study123.5Independent study

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Feedback on draft plan for exam questions 250 words1-9Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
01000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Examination1003500 words1-9Written
0
0
0
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
ExaminationExamination 3500 words1-9August/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.

Key words search

Economics Politics

Credit value15
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