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Stories of Power - 40N0025

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  • Department: English and Related Literature
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Terry Hathaway
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

The secret hidden history of the world is that it is something we create and can just as easily create differently. To create differently, however, we must first understand the stories that lie behind the current construction of the world, and the reality such stories conceal. Specifically, this module explores the stories of the political economy, working with the ultimate goal of being able to tell different stories than those that currently dominate our lives.

Primarily this module is based on insights from institutional political economy. In short, institutional political economy is a framework that holds that politics (and the struggle for power inherent in politics) creates law, and law creates the economic system in which individuals act. The economy (or "market") then is not separate to politics and the state, but intimately entwined with both. The shape of the economy too will continually be subject to change, rather than running on universal laws. Thankfully, this position is in contrast to orthodox economics (so there's no need for number-crunching) and instead draws upon literature from political science, sociology, economics, history, and legal studies, among others.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This course will primarily be taught through a mixture of lectures and seminars. In all parts of this course we will explore dominant stories about the topic as well as underlying realities.

1. Political Economy and Economic Theory

This section serves as an introduction to both political economy and to distinct economic ideologies. The main point is show that the exploration of economic issues need not been abstract, mathematical and scary, but, instead, can be grounded in everyday experience and needs to involve a consideration of politics. The secondary point is that there are multiple different ways of understanding the economy and capitalism.

2. Globalisation, Crisis, and Austerity

This section explores the colonial origins of the current global order, then, looking to more recent events, considers the causes and consequences of the Global Financial Crisis. The purpose of this section is to set the backdrop for our later consideration of contemporary events.

3. Inequality, Corporate Power, and Financialisation

Here we explore three well-established trends of the global economy that have intensified since 1979 (and perhaps even more so post-2008). Inequality, in its several forms, will be investigated, as will the influence of corporations, the problematic relationship between capitalism and democracy more broadly, and the increasing power of finance.

4. The Environment and Development

Finally, we look to the future of political economy. Two main inter-related problems are explored. First, the multiple and overlapping environmental/ecological crises facing the world. Second, the possibilities of improving the lot of a great majority of the world’s population while dealing with environmental/ecological crises.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module you will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic politico-economic issues and ideas
  • Be able to analyse new developments in the political economy
  • Recognise hegemonic stories about the world, and the weaknesses inherent in them
  • Be able to create structured and critical arguments, drawing on relevant academic literature

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Formative: During the teaching period, you will write a draft version of your essay upon which you will receive written comments within 2 weeks of submission. You will also have a one-to-one tutorial with their tutor regarding their feedback. The purpose of feedback is to inform your future work; it is provided in a pedagogical spirit, and the NSC also offers you help in learning from your feedback.

You will receive written feedback on summative assessments within twenty days of submission.

Indicative reading

A week-by-week reading list is provided at the start of the course, and a larger annotated bibliography will be available for research essays. The best book for the foundational weeks of the course, and for getting a sense of the approach of the course, is H.J. Chang, Economics: The User's Guide.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.