Political Economy of Economic Growth and Development

Description

This course examines the major historical economic, political, and social changes in the world economy. These include factors contributing to increases in economics performance, changes in the form of government, technological change (including industrialization), and episodes of integration and disintegration of the global economy.  Can there be development outside of a state structure?  What is the role of economic organizations of society in development?  These are some of the questions that we examine in these and in so doing we will survey some of the major theoretical approaches to understanding the politics of economic development.

Emphasis is on institutional changes in how societies organize economic and political activities as well as on variation in development among geographic regions. Using this background, the course takes up some key issue facing nation-states including foreign trade and investment, debt, aid, and agents of change. Political economy is a core course for any political science degree at any level. The knowledge and the ability to methodically and empirically analyse how politics and economics interact is fundamental in the scientific and empirical study of politics and international relations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon satisfactory completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Read original articles in political science and international relations, political economy, economic history, and development studies journals;
2. Have the knowledge and skills to analyse and evaluate the various theoretical approaches to political economy;
3. Understand how the international economic system operates and understand the various mechanisms by which economies develop;
4. Apply political science, economic and development theories and analysis to historical and contemporary episodes of contemporary political-economic issues;
5. Understand the different perspectives and theories of development and change in the modern era;
6. Analyse the competing interests, motivations and rhetoric of key stakeholders and interest groups;
7. Conduct research and think critically and to develop academic writing styles to suit different purposes;
8. Understand the issues and processes described and to relate them to current affairs and present-day issues of significance;
9. Write well-structured, coherent, and concise essays that synthesize ideas as presented in discussion, readings, and research materials.