Students

POL 303 – Global Political Economy

2016 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Dr. Govand Azeez
Contact via 9850 8811
W6426
Tuesday 12-1 or by appoinment
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp or (6cp in HIST or MHIS or POL units at 200 level including 3cp in POL)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit focuses on the relationship and interaction between politics/states and economics/markets at the national, international and global levels. Global/International Political Economy (IPE) is concerned with the study of those global problems and issues that cannot adequately be explained by recourse to economic, political, or sociological analysis alone. IPE is the study of international affairs that focuses on the elements of complex interdependence that define many of our most pressing problems today; it breaks down the barriers that separate and isolate the traditional methods of analysis, seeking a comprehensive understanding of issues, events and units of analysis.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understanding the complexities of the world economy
  • Developing a better appreciation of the relationship between political power and the world economy
  • Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
  • Develop the language and skills necessary to critically evaluate economics
  • Develop an understanding of the agency integral to the operation of the world economy

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Class Participation 10% 13 November
In-Class Test 30% Week 7 Tuesday 13 September
On-line Quiz 10% Week 3 August 16
Major Essay 50% Week 11 October 28

Class Participation

Due: 13 November
Weighting: 10%

All students are expected to do the required reading for each week in preparation for the lectures and seminars. Active and informed participation is expected in each week’s seminar from all students.

External students will participate in on-line discussions. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understanding the complexities of the world economy
  • Developing a better appreciation of the relationship between political power and the world economy
  • Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
  • Develop the language and skills necessary to critically evaluate economics
  • Develop an understanding of the agency integral to the operation of the world economy

In-Class Test

Due: Week 7 Tuesday 13 September
Weighting: 30%

A one-hour in-class test will be held in week 7 on the material covered in the first 6 weeks of the course.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Developing a better appreciation of the relationship between political power and the world economy
  • Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
  • Develop the language and skills necessary to critically evaluate economics
  • Develop an understanding of the agency integral to the operation of the world economy

On-line Quiz

Due: Week 3 August 16
Weighting: 10%

The Quiz will be undertaken by students on Tuesday of week 3 (August 16). Students will log in anytime on the Monday before midnight (the quiz will close at 12am sharp). You will have 45 minutes to complete the 3 questions. All answers are to be 100 words in length and no more. This is an open book exam and students can refer to lecture notes and readings to answer the questions. It is expected that you will reference in text as follows (Author surname, year: page no). The quiz is the same for both internal and external students. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
  • Develop the language and skills necessary to critically evaluate economics

Major Essay

Due: Week 11 October 28
Weighting: 50%

Major Essay:

The major essay is due Friday 28th October. The essay length is 3000 words (10% above and below allowed- nothing more) [including footnotes and bibliography]

Questions:

1. In what ways is IPE/GPE an analysis not only of the material world but of the constructed reality that defines the way the world is organised? 

2. Which IPE/GPE perspective offers a better explanation and remedy for the current global economic crisis?

3. Do you agree with Philip McMichael that globalisation is a ‘historically specific project of global economic (financial) management’ prosecuted by a ‘powerful elite of financiers, international and national bureaucrats, and corporate leaders’ to restructure developing states and their economies? See McMichael in Roberts and Hite, The Globalization and Development Reader: Perspectives on Development and Social Change, 1996: 218.

4. Does world-systems analysis provide a persuasive explanation for the disparities in wealth and power in the global political economy? What are the major criticisms of this approach and are they valid?

5. “Now, when I say question the whole society, it means ultimately coming to see that the problem of racism, the problem of exploitation, and the problem of            war are all tied together. These are the triple evils that are interrelated.” (Dr Martin Luther King Jnr.)

In what way can the quote from Dr King be interpreted as a critique of how racism (and other forms of bigotry and discrimination) is generated by the capitalist system?

Submission of Essays

All essays are to be submitted through turn-it-in on the ilearn website. Journals will be submitted in your tutorials and handed directly to your tutor. Please remember to have your name, tutorial time, page number on each journal submission.

There will be strictly NO extensions on submission deadlines for essays other than on certified medical grounds. Late submissions of essays will be penalised at the rate of 2 marks a day. For example, if you submit your essay 3 days late, and if the paper would have normally been awarded a 75 (out of 100), then 6 marks will be deducted, resulting in 69 as the final grade for the paper.

All work submitted for this course will be graded according to the guidelines issued by the Department of Modern History, Politics and International Relations which are attached at the end of this course guide. Also, rubrics will be made available for the journals and essays.

There will be no written examination at the end of the semester. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop the language and skills necessary to critically evaluate economics
  • Develop an understanding of the agency integral to the operation of the world economy

Delivery and Resources

This course has 1x2hr Lecture each week on Tuesday mornings from 10-12. Students also attend 1x1hr tutorial as timetabled. The class locations and times are as follows:

The first lecture is on Tuesday August 2. The first tutorial will be held on Tuesday August 9.

Lectures: Tuesday 10-12 in Room W5C229

Tutorials 1: Tuesday 2-3 in Room W5C211

Tutorials 2: Tuesday 3-4 in Room W5C211

The Course Reader for this Unit is O'Brien, R. and Williams, M. "Global Political Economy"4th edition, 2014, London: Palgrave Macmillan. available from the co-op. 

Unit Schedule

Week 1 August 2 Introduction to the course (No tutorials this week)
Week 2 August 9 Introducing GPE
Week 3 August 16 Problem Solving Theories of GPE: mercantilism, liberalism and neoliberalism
Week 4 August 23 Critical Theories of GPE: Marxism, Dependency and World Systems Theory
Week 5 August 30 Creating the International System Part 1: 1492-1815
Week 6 September 6 Creating the International System Part 2: 1815-1945
Week 7 September 13 Creating the International System Part 3: 1945-onwards
Sept 19- Oct 3 Mid Semester Break
Week 8 October 4 No Class On Echo: Global (un)development and the Global Political Economy of Debt and Inequality
Week 9 October 11

 

The Political Economy of Globalization

 

Week 10 October 18 The Political Economy of Race and Gender
Week 11 October 25

Reading Week (no lectures or tutorials)

Friday 28 Oct Essay submitted via turn-it-in

Week 12 November 1 Crisis and Reform in the Global Political Economy
Week 13 November 8 Concluding Remarks

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Developing a better appreciation of the relationship between political power and the world economy
  • Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
  • Develop the language and skills necessary to critically evaluate economics

Assessment task

  • Class Participation

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Developing a better appreciation of the relationship between political power and the world economy
  • Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
  • Develop an understanding of the agency integral to the operation of the world economy

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Major Essay

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
  • Develop the language and skills necessary to critically evaluate economics
  • Develop an understanding of the agency integral to the operation of the world economy

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Major Essay

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding the complexities of the world economy
  • Developing a better appreciation of the relationship between political power and the world economy
  • Develop the language and skills necessary to critically evaluate economics

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • In-Class Test
  • On-line Quiz
  • Major Essay

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding the complexities of the world economy
  • Developing a better appreciation of the relationship between political power and the world economy
  • Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
  • Develop the language and skills necessary to critically evaluate economics

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • In-Class Test
  • On-line Quiz
  • Major Essay

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding the complexities of the world economy
  • Developing a better appreciation of the relationship between political power and the world economy
  • Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
  • Develop an understanding of the agency integral to the operation of the world economy

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • On-line Quiz
  • Major Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Develop the language and skills necessary to critically evaluate economics

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • In-Class Test
  • On-line Quiz
  • Major Essay

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding the complexities of the world economy
  • Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
  • Develop the language and skills necessary to critically evaluate economics
  • Develop an understanding of the agency integral to the operation of the world economy

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Major Essay

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understanding the complexities of the world economy
  • Developing a better appreciation of the relationship between political power and the world economy
  • Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
  • Develop an understanding of the agency integral to the operation of the world economy

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Major Essay