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Critical Theories of International Political Economy - POL00006M

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  • Department: Politics
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Kieran Durkin
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

The module introduces critical theories of International Political Economy, focusing on Adam Smith’s contribution to classical political economy, Marx’s critique of political economy, neo-classical economics, Keynesianism, neo-liberalism, and contemporary Marxist critique of the state. Throughout the module, we will ask about the political in political economy, and the economic in political economy, and underlying notions of capital, state, class, value, production, exchange, economic purpose.

Module learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to distinguish between distinct critical theories of international political economy, explain the difference between classical political economy, Marx’s critique of political economy, neo-classical economics, and neo-liberalism.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
4000 word essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
4000 word essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s feedback and guidance hours.

Indicative reading

D. Dowd, Capitalism and its Economics, Pluto, 2000

R. L. Heilbronner, The Worldly Philosophers, 7th ed. Penguin 2000 (or earlier).

E K Hunt and H Sherman, Economics: an Introduction to Traditional and Radical Views, Part I, 4th ed. Harper and Row, 1991.

J Robinson, Economic Philosophy, Penguin, 1964.

W K Tabb, Reconstructing Political Economy, Routledge 1999.


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.