International Political Economy
International Political Economy
BME-
4 Credits, liberal study, advanced level course.
Official ESC Course Description
Learn about growing interdependence of global economic and political problems over last 25 years. Explore why the current set of global problems cannot be understood as just international politics or international economics. Focus on a complex multidisciplinary approach provided by international political economists to study the causes and effects of globalization of markets. The topics include the nature and main theories of international political economy; the evolution of international trade; the evolution of international financial system; the state and multinationals; the state and economic development; the political economy of regional integration; the nation-state in the global economy; the governance in the global economy.
United Nations Residency (optional)
Students are invited to attend a United Nations residency aimed at providing with a closer look at the work of international organizations (see below).
Course Prerequisites
One course in economics is highly recommended.
Knowledge or Skills Needed
Writing and internet and/or library research skills.
Policies for Distance Learners
Click on the following link to read the Center for Distance Learning Policies for Distance Learners Page .
Overview
This course is divided into six modules, plus an introduction and a concluding section. Each module includes readings, discussion, and assignments.
Introduction: What is International Political Economy
Module 1: The Institutional Framework
Module 2: Theoretical Perspectives
Module 3: International Monetary Relations and Financial Crises
Module 4: Global Trade and Regionalism
Module 5: Multinational Corporations and International Development
Module 6: Current Trends in the Global Political Economy
In recent years International Political Economy (IPE) has become a rapidly developing interdisciplinary field of study attempting to understand international economic relations and emerging global economy problems using a variety of theories going far beyond traditional neo-classical approach. The course will review main theoretical approaches and show how these theories can be applied in tackling key issues of the global economic order, such as international trade, international finance, multinational corporations, hegemony, North-South relations, energy crises. The course is aimed at providing students with an opportunity to acquire a broad knowledge of contemporary international economic and political issues.
Please be prepared to spend approximately 12-15 hours per week (reading, research, discussions, writing) over the next 15 weeks to complete this course. I hope you will find this course interesting, challenging and thought-provoking. I'm looking forward to getting to know each of you and working with you this term.
Required Course Materials
COURSE TEXTBOOK:
Global Political Economy: Theory and Practice (3rd edition), Pearson Longman, 2005.
Author: Cohn, Theodore
ISBN: 0-321-20949-4.
Final Course Evaluation
Final course evaluation will be based on the following percentage weight of each type of learning activities:
- 1. Demonstrated understanding of assigned readings as evidenced by the overall quality of discussion participation and written assignments.
2. An ability to work individually, as well as in teams, to contribute toward achieving the course objectives.
3. Demonstrated ability to conceptualize the important issues discussed in the course and to apply the knowledge gained in today's global economy.
| Participation in Course Discussions | 30% |
| Written assignments 1-5 @10 points each | 50% |
| Final Project (Written assignment 6) | 20% |
The numerical average of the four groups of grades will determine your final course grade:
90 - 100 = A- and A
86 - 89 = B+
80 - 85 = B- and B
76 - 79 = C+
70 - 75 = C- and C
60 - 69 = D-, D and D+
Below 60 = Fail.
The United Nations Residency in 2008
The residency was hosted by the UN Population Fund on April 14, 2008. The students and faculty participated in a passionate discussion followed by a UN tour and dinner in the Big Apple. For many, this has been a first ever visit to the UN. It was a very informative and inspiring day in Manhattan that allowed both the students and the mentors an opportunity to step outside of the boundaries of online/classroom.