GV4E2 Half Unit
Capitalism and Democracy
This information is for the 2019/20 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Jonathan Hopkin
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Comparative Politics, MSc in Global Politics, MSc in Political Science and Political Economy and MSc in Political Theory. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Available as an outside option and for students on other programmes with the teacher's consent. This course is capped at 3 groups.
The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Tuesday 1 October 2019. You will be informed of the outcome by 17:00 on Wednesday 2 October 2019.
Course content
Compatibility and incompatibility of capitalism and democracy; Constitutional restraints on economic policymaking in central banking and property rights; Democracy and economic inequality; World context and the compatibility of democracy and capitalism; Democracy and economic crisis. This course examines the uneasy interaction between the two dominant concepts underpinning political and economic institutions in advanced industrial societies. It addresses in particular questions about the relationship of capitalism to democracy, both conceptually and empirically. We consider whether democracy undermines or supports capitalism, focusing on policies relating to central banking, redistribution, and property rights. We also examine how capitalism may undermine or sustain democracy and whether contemporary international circumstances heighten the tension between democracy and capitalism.
Teaching
15 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the LT. 1 hour and 30 minutes of lectures in the ST.
There will be a reading week in week 6 of the LT.
Formative coursework
All students are expected to submit one non-assessed essay
Indicative reading
Schumpeter, Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy. Holmes, 'Precommitment and the Paradox of Democracy'. Mill, Considerations on Representative Government. Kalecki, 'Political Aspects of Full Employment'. Olson, 'Dictatorship, Democracy, and Development'. Stiglitz, 'Central Banking in a Democratic Society'. Beard, An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States. Kenworthy and Pontusson, 'Rising Inequality and the Politics of Redistribution in Affluent Countries.'
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Student performance results
(2015/16 - 2017/18 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 10.4 |
| Merit | 64 |
| Pass | 24 |
| Fail | 1.6 |
Key facts
Department: Government
Total students 2018/19: 31
Average class size 2018/19: 14
Controlled access 2018/19: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Commercial awareness
