Students
POL 303 – Global Political Economy
2015 – S2 External
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Govand Azeez
Contact via 9850 8811
W6426
Monday 12-1 or by appointment
|
|---|---|
| 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 | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion Board Participatio | 10% | weeks 3-13 | No | ||
| Week 5 Test | 20% | Week 5 (Aug 25- Aug 30) | No | ||
| Reflective Journals | 25% | 5 times between week 3 and 12 | No | ||
| Major Essay | 45% | Monday October 26 | No |
Discussion Board Participatio
Due: weeks 3-13
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
All students are expected to do the required reading for each week in preparation for the lectures and to engage in web based discussion. Active and informed participation is expected in each week’s discussion topics from all external students.
External students are expected to spend approximately 2hrs a week on line. Unlike internal students they can choose the time of this engagement and whether they spend that time in one 2hr block or in a number of smaller periods of engagement. In either case, it is expected students will write at least 5 paragraphs answering the set questions for each topic and engaging with other student posts. The tutor will also provide direction, facilliate further discussion or shift discussion in alternative directions as needed.
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
Week 5 Test
Due: Week 5 (Aug 25- Aug 30)
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
A one-hour web based test will be held in week 5 on the material covered in the first 4 weeks of the course.
External students will find a test available in the week 5 topic on ilearn and will log in and complete the test in the hour provided. Once logged in, students will only have one hour to complete. The question will only become available once logged in and questions must be completed on-line and submitted before the hour expires. The submission instructions will be clearly laid out on the instructions for the exam itself.
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
Reflective Journals
Due: 5 times between week 3 and 12
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
Each student will submit five reflective journals throughout the semester. The journals will be at least 250 words in length, but not more than 500, and will be a reflection of the key ideas raised in the readings and classes from any given week. A reflexive journal is not just a summary of the readings. Rather, you will engage with the material analytically and critically.
Journals can combine topics from two or more classes but in these cases with still only count as one submission. Each journal will count for 5% of your overall grade and the entire exercise 25% of your entire mark.
Journals are to be submitted to the external tutor via the link provided. External students are also expected to maintain the same submission timeframe as internal students. Journals must be handed in by Thursday the same week as the topic of the journal, i.e. the week 3 journal on the readings by O'Brien and Williams and Watson is due Thursday 22 August. In this way, students will keep up with the readings and on top of the course material.
If there are particular difficulties with maintaining this consistency across the semester, students should contact either the tutor or the convenor of the course.
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
Major Essay
Due: Monday October 26
Weighting: 45%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
The major essay is due Monday October 26. The essay length is 2500-3000 words.
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?
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
Delivery and Resources
On line lecture and discussion boards
Unit Schedule
|
Week 1 |
August 8 |
Introduction to the course (No tutorials this week) |
|
Week 2 |
August 15 |
Introducing GPE |
|
Week 3 |
August 22 |
Problem Solving Theories of GPE: mercantilism, liberalism and neoliberalism |
|
Week 4 |
August 29 |
Critical Theories of GPE: Marxism, Dependency and World Systems Theory |
|
Week 5 |
September 5 |
Creating the International System Part 1: 1492-1815 |
|
Week 6 |
September 18 |
Creating the International System Part 2: 1815-1945 |
|
Week 7 |
September 18 (22 Sept- 7 October Mid Semester Break) |
Creating the International System Part 3: 1945-onwards |
|
Week 8 |
October 10 |
The Political Economy of Globalization |
|
Week 9 |
October 17 |
Global (un)development and the Global Political Economy of Debt and Inequality |
|
Week 10 |
October 24 |
The Political Economy of Race and Gender |
|
Week 11 |
October 31 |
Reading Week (no lectures or tutorials) |
|
Week 12 |
November 7 |
Crisis and Reform in the Global Political Economy |
|
Week 13 |
November 14 |
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
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.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://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use 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
- 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
- Discussion Board Participatio
- Week 5 Test
- Reflective Journals
- Major Essay
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
- 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 task
- Reflective Journals
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
- 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
- Discussion Board Participatio
- Reflective Journals
- 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
- Demonstrating an ability to critically reflect on the power relations that determine the distribution of wealth and shape knowledge production
Assessment tasks
- Discussion Board Participatio
- Week 5 Test
- Reflective Journals
- 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
Assessment tasks
- Discussion Board Participatio
- Week 5 Test
- Reflective Journals
- 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
- Discussion Board Participatio
- Reflective Journals
- 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 outcomes
- 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
- Discussion Board Participatio
- Week 5 Test
- Reflective Journals
- 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
- 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
- Discussion Board Participatio
- Reflective Journals
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 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
- Discussion Board Participatio
- Reflective Journals
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 16/07/2015 | i entered this by mistake. Changes required for the day version of POL3030 not externals. |