This module is designed as an introduction to Political Economy. Modern Political Economy is basically the application of economic methods to understanding political phenomena that impacts the choice of different economic policies. Among the core questions Political Economy, and this course in particular, tries to answer are:
What is the driving force behind societies choosing different taxation schemes and level of redistribution? What are the sources for the different retirement benefits that we see in different societies?
What drives the selection of politician in societies? Does this selection impact the choice of policies?
What drives the integration and secession of different countries?
Modern Political Economy should not be confused with the classical sense of Political Economy: a broad and overreaching approach to study society. Although Modern Political Economy has focused on how the political processes affects the selection of economic policies, lately it has been more concerned with understanding how institutions affect economic performance. Because of the recent interest in economic performance the boundaries of Political Economy are more blurry and it can be seen as part of a course in Development.
Feedback for this module will occur through class meetings where we will go over the answers to problem sets and where you will be able to ask questions about your own method of solution; answers that will be posted on the website for the module that will give you written guidance on the appropriate method to approach the problems, assignments, and tests; and office hours where any additional questions can be addressed. You should be sure that you use these methods to understand how to improve your own performance.
What is the driving force behind societies choosing different taxation schemes and level of redistribution? What are the sources for the different retirement benefits that we see in different societies?
What drives the selection of politician in societies? Does this selection impact the choice of policies?
What drives the integration and secession of different countries?
Modern Political Economy should not be confused with the classical sense of Political Economy: a broad and overreaching approach to study society. Although Modern Political Economy has focused on how the political processes affects the selection of economic policies, lately it has been more concerned with understanding how institutions affect economic performance. Because of the recent interest in economic performance the boundaries of Political Economy are more blurry and it can be seen as part of a course in Development.
Feedback for this module will occur through class meetings where we will go over the answers to problem sets and where you will be able to ask questions about your own method of solution; answers that will be posted on the website for the module that will give you written guidance on the appropriate method to approach the problems, assignments, and tests; and office hours where any additional questions can be addressed. You should be sure that you use these methods to understand how to improve your own performance.
- Module Supervisor: Daniel Garrett