Overview
Core ideas of political economy from the early modern period to present day with applications to policy problems.
This paper is an intellectually intense, team-taught, participatory course of study in which we will encounter the classics of political economy as well as recent and contemporary work. The focus will be on methodological issues and their practical applications. Students will be expected to develop their knowledge and to enhance their critical skills both via their written work and through symposia and in-class discussions. The paper aims not only to deepen the students' understanding of political economy, but also to give them as much practice as possible in constructing and defending arguments both on paper and in person. The various sections of the paper refer to each other, taking a multidisciplinary approach to the study of political economy.
About this paper
| Paper title | Political Economy I: Method, Philosophy, Applications |
|---|---|
| Subject | Philosophy, Politics and Economics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,040.70 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One of (BSNS 104, BSNS 113 or PTWY 111), ECON 112, one 100-level POLS paper, and one 100-level PHIL paper
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Commerce
- Notes
- Students who do not meet all the prerequisites but have passed 72 points may be admitted with approval from the Philosophy, Politics and Economics Programme Co-ordinator.
- Eligibility
Compulsory paper for second-year PHPE majors; open to non-majors with permission of the Co-ordinator.
- Contact
Professor Lisa Ellis.
- More information link
View more information on the Philosophy, Politics and Economics programme's website
- Teaching staff
Convener and Lecturer: Professor Lisa Ellis
Lecturers:
- Paper Structure
- Each class will consist of staff and student presentations and class discussion based partly on written student contributions.
- Teaching Arrangements
- The paper is interdisciplinary, team-taught and participatory. In addition to the Course Co-ordinator, at least three other lecturers (representing Economics, Philosophy and Politics) will offer brief lectures and lead discussions of the readings.
- Textbooks
- Readings will be distributed on Blackboard.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will develop:
- Understanding of the social context of economic ideas.
- Critical awareness of the philosophical foundations of capitalism.
- The ability for constructive engagement with the main criticisms of market rationality.
- The ability to think critically about political and economic principles.
- Awareness of methodological issues in the social sciences, particularly politics and economics.
- Assessment details
Short weekly essays 45%
Contributions to weekly discussion boards and in-class discussions 30%
End-of-semester exercise 25%