ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳

 

IR206     
International Political Economy

This information is for the 2024/25 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Nikhil Kalyanpur CBG.8.04

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 available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

This course has a limited number of places (it is capped).

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 Autumn Term and Winter Term. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 in line with departmental policy.

Formative coursework

Weekly multiple choice questions on a Financial Times article. All students receive free access to the website through ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ library.

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

Exam (65%, duration: 2 hours) in the spring exam period.
Assignment (35%) in the WT.

The exam will be an on campus 'e-Exam' where students will be asked to answer 30 multiple choice questions based on Financial Times articles.

The assignment (35%) in the WT is a reading response to a Financial Times article (750) words.

Student performance results

(2021/22 - 2023/24 combined)

Classification % of students
First 24.8
2:1 61.9
2:2 11.6
Third 1.3
Fail 0.3

Key facts

Department: International Relations

Total students 2023/24: 126

Average class size 2023/24: 13

Capped 2023/24: Yes (120)

Value: One Unit

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Specialist skills