POLITICAL ECONOMY

The course Political Economy explores the intersection of politics and economics, focusing on the study of how political and economic factors interact and shape each other. This interdisciplinary course combines elements of political science, economics, and sociology to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the political and economic systems in contemporary societies. Students will study how political institutions, the political environment, and the economic system influence each other. This course examines the relative strengths and weaknesses of the different political, economic systems and other organizations. Students will learn about political-economic ideologies that influence interactions between political institutions and economic institutions in major countries. The major goal is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between politics and economics, and its implications for individuals, societies, and the international system.

The educational objectives of the course Political Economy includes the following: Understanding the interdisciplinary perspective: The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of political economy. Students learn to integrate concepts, theories, and methodologies from political science, economics, and other related disciplines to analyze the relationship between politics and economics. Gaining analytical skills: Students develop analytical skills to critically evaluate the interactions between political and economic factors. They learn to identify and analyze the underlying political and institutional determinants of economic outcomes, policy choices, and socio-economic inequalities. Increasing knowledge of the theoretical frameworks: The course introduces students to various theoretical frameworks in political economy. Students learn to assess the strengths and weaknesses of these frameworks in understanding real-world economic phenomena. Economic Systems: Students gain an understanding of different economic systems and their political underpinnings. They explore the characteristics of capitalism, socialism, mixed economies, and emerging market economies.

Active participation is expected. Each student is expected to visit the consulting hour of the instructor at least once a semester. Ideally, students fulfill this requirement when they prepare for the presentation they have to hold in this course.

No previous knowledge required. Each student is expected to visit the consulting hour of the instructor at least once a semester. Ideally, students fulfill this requirement when they prepare for the presentation they have to hold in this course.

The course Political Economy offers several practical uses for students. Here are some potential practical applications: Policy Analysis and Formulation: Students gain the skills to analyze and evaluate economic policies from a political perspective. They can apply their knowledge of political economy to assess the impact of policy choices on economic outcomes, social welfare, and income distribution. This is particularly relevant for careers in public policy, government agencies, think tanks, and policy research organizations. Economic Development and International Relations: Political economy provides insights into the factors influencing economic development and the dynamics of international relations. Students can apply this knowledge to understand the challenges and opportunities in global economic cooperation, trade negotiations, foreign aid, and sustainable development. It is valuable for careers in international organizations, diplomacy, development agencies, and global governance. Business and Market Analysis: Understanding the political and institutional factors that shape markets is crucial for business professionals. Students can analyze the impact of political decisions, regulations, and policy changes on business environments, investment opportunities, and market dy