Theoretical Approaches to Political Economy

POEC61011 Theoretical Approaches to Political Economy 30 Semester 1 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Alexander Nunn Unit coordinator Politics 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 15.0 This course aims to provide students with the theoretical grounding in political economy, which they can employ in any particular pathway they will pursue in the MA in Political Economy programme. It introduces students to some of the central classical and contemporary traditions within political economy, enabling them to understand and evaluate the arguments of the major theorists in those traditions. The course will also enable students to critically analyse and employ central concepts in political economy.  The specific content of this module varies from year to year but may include the following topics: Liberal Political Economy, Marxist Political Economy, Intersectional Feminist Political Economy, Cultural Political Economy, the Political Economy of Energy, Race and Colonial Political Economy.  This course aims to provide students with the theoretical grounding in political economy which they can apply in whichever particular pathway of study they will pursue in the MA in Political Economy programme. It will introduce students to some of the central classical and contemporary traditions within political economy and will enable students to understand and evaluate the arguments of the major theorists in those traditions. It will also enable students to critically analyse and apply central concepts in political economy to specific issues. By the end of the course, students will be able to:<ul><li>understand and evaluate the central claims and arguments by different theorists and traditions in political economy;</li><li>articulate the differences between these theorists and traditions;</li><li>analyse and employ some of the central concepts of political economy.</li><li>the ability to analyse the argument of key primary texts;</li><li>the ability to formulate their own informed views about the traditions and texts studied;</li><li>the ability to write a cogent and well-argued essay on a topic taken from the course unit;</li></ul> Teaching  and learning will happen via weekly one-hour recorded lectures (watch at home in advance of workshop); weekly two-hour interactive workshops; and independent study (reading and research). 0 Other 40% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 60% Learning log (1,750 words) = 40%Essay (2,750 words) = 60%                   4,500 words total    NONE  (a social science background with undergraduate-level knowledge of political science and/or political economy is strongly recommended. Those without background knowledge in this area will find the course challenging). Y Lectures 10 Seminars 20 0 270 Timetable