This is an introductory course to the subject area of international political economy. It is not a course on economics and students are not expected to have any background in the study of economics although some economic concepts will be employed and discussed. The focus of this unit is on the politics of (international) economic activity and phenomena. The unit aims to introduce students to the subject area of international political economy and to develop their research and analytical skills in the study thereof. It is intended for students who have had no previous background in the subject. The unit will include a review of the principal theoretical approaches to the study of international political economy as well as examine the major issue areas in the post-war global economy: trade, international finance, foreign direct investment, international debt, globalization and regionalization. By the end of the unit, students should have an understanding of the main issues dominating the international/global political economy as well as the ability to engage critically with them.

On satisfying the requirements for this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to analyse the literature in international political economy, and better understand developments in the contemporary global economy.

10,000 - 12,000 words of written assessment, comprising essays, seminar papers and an examination as deemed appropriate by the lecturer.

12 hours per week: two for seminar attendance, and ten for reading and writing. Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.

The course assumes that students have knowledge of theories of international relations.

POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy.

Background in international relations.

J. Ravenhill (ed.), Global Political Economy [2^nd edition, 2008].

Reading required before the course begins.

Students need access to a computer with a Microsoft Word and access to the internet.

Delivery Mode:

First Semester 2012, on-campus, lecture and small group discussion organized around case studies.