Core modules
Theories and Issues in International Political Economy
International Political Economy (IPE) builds on the scholarly legacy of classical political economists but is oriented to the international political context of globalisation. IPE is concerned with the connections between politics and economics within the contemporary world order. Since the pioneering work of scholars such as Susan Strange in the early 1970s, IPE has grown into a large and buoyant field of study. PAIS can boast one of the largest concentrations of IPE scholars anywhere in the world. This module builds on the expertise to be found in the department in order to survey the principal theories developed and the main issues addressed in IPE.
By examining ‘theories’, the module explores the ways that we construct knowledge about International Political Economy. What assumptions do we make? What concepts do we employ? What explanations do we propose? What normative judgements do we assert? By examining ‘issues’, the module considers some of the prominent substantive items on the policy agenda of International Political Economy. How, from an IPE perspective, can we deal efficiently, equitably and democratically with questions of governance related to money, finance, trade, production, consumption, development, gender, race, and the environment?
As the title of the module might be read to imply, theories and issues are interconnected in International Political Economy. Theoretical work and empirical work are not separate exercises. Practical problems stimulate theory construction, and theories inform the ways that we handle substantive issues. Our analysis of practical issues will be richer if it is informed by theories and by the theorising of international political economy scholars.
Dissertation
The Dissertation is the final piece of assessment, worth 60 credits. It gives you a chance to treat a topic of your choice, related to your course. It is a personal and autonomous piece of research, conducted under the guidance of a member of staff in your disciplinary field, mostly during term 3 and summer.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- Contemporary Challenges in Global Economic Governance
- The Global Food System
- Issues and Cases in the Politics of International Trade
The optional modules listsLink opens in a new window are updated regularly.
You may select up to 40 CATS (normally two modules) from a list of specialist modules for this course, and a further 40-80 CATS from our extensive range of optional modules for a total of 120 CATS of taught modules.
