IR206     
International Political Economy

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Ranjit Lall CBG 8.01

Availability

This course is available on the BSc in Economics, BSc in International Relations, BSc in International Relations and Chinese, BSc in International Relations and History and BSc in Politics and International Relations. This course is not available as an outside option. This course is available with permission to General Course students.

Students from other degree programmes will be admitted by permission of the Course Coordinator, including BSc Economic History

Course content

The course examines the role of power and politics in international economic relations. Besides international structural factors, it emphasises the role of domestic political interests and their influence over foreign economic policies. Major approaches covered include historical views on international political economy, and contemporary systemic theories of international cooperation, interest groups politics, ideas and institutions. The course provides an overview and explanation of the international monetary and trade systems since 1944. It also discusses current debates on trade, monetary policy, the political roots of financial crises, globalisation and the retreat of the state, and environmental protection.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totaling a minimum of 40 hours across Michaelmas Term,Lent Term and Summer Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of online lectures and in-person classes/classes delivered online. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 in line with departmental policy.

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the MT and 1 essay in the LT.

Formative Essays 1,500 words.

Indicative reading

Basic references are: M Blyth (ed), Routledge Handbook of International Political Economy (IPE); ; J Ravenhill (ed), Global Political Economy; S Strange, States and Markets; R Palan, Global Political Economy: Contemporary Theories; J Frieden & D Lake, International Political Economy; T Oatley, International Political Economy;A Walter & G Sen, Analyzing the Global Political Economy. A detailed reading list will be given at the beginning of the course.

Assessment

Take-home assessment (100%) in the ST.

Student performance results

(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)

Classification % of students
First 22.4
2:1 66.4
2:2 10.3
Third 0.5
Fail 0.5

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: International Relations

Total students 2019/20: 101

Average class size 2019/20: 15

Capped 2019/20: Yes (105)

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Specialist skills