IR3004 International Political Economy

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

11.00 am Fri

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr W B Vlcek

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr W Vlcek

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module explores the politics of international economic relationships, looking at production, trade and finance activity in both developed and developing economies. The standard theoretical approaches of mercantilism, liberalism and Marxism are introduced, along with several alternative perspectives used to study the international economy from the perspective of international politics. A single module to cover all aspects of a subject as wide-ranging as international political economy would be difficult, therefore the module will focus its coverage on specific aspects of production, trade and finance. All of these topics are subject to various forms of national and international regulation which leads to a consistent theme throughout the module concerning global governance.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester.

Scheduled learning hours

20

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

280

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • develop students’ knowledge of the major theoretical approaches used in IPE.
  • enhance students’ ability to relate the theories to a range of policy questions on the political economy of production, trade, and finance.
  • provide students with an informed understanding of the relationship between economic motivations and political motivations in the shaping of national, regional and global economic policy and governance.
  • provide students with the skills to analyse the current issues in IPE, identify the various economic and political features involved and to formulate reasoned policy proposals to address them.