Checking date: 28/03/2022


Course: 2023/2024

Topics in Political Economy
(19317)
Master in Social Sciences (Plan: 481 - Estudio: 325)
EPC


Coordinating teacher: SANCHEZ-CUENCA RODRIGUEZ, IGNACIO

Department assigned to the subject: Social Sciences Department

Type: Electives
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Objectives
Core Competencies Possess and understand knowledge that provides a basis or opportunity to be original in the development and/or application of ideas, often in a research context. Students know how to apply their acquired knowledge and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar settings within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study. Students are able to integrate knowledge and face the complexity of making judgments based on incomplete or limited information that includes reflections on the social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments. Students know how to communicate their conclusions and the knowledge and the reasons behind them to both specialised and non-specialised audiences in a clear and unambiguous way. Students possess the learning skills that will enable them to continue studying in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous. General Competencies Understand the main analytical tools from political science, sociology or economic history. Evaluate and compare different contributions to important social science debates from an analytical, methodological and empirical point of view. Plan and carry out an autonomous research programme in a particular field of the social sciences. Evaluate the internal logic of a scientific publication, examining the consistency between theory, analytical strategy, indicators, results and conclusions. Understand and know how to synthesize the main theories into one or more contemporary debates in the social sciences. Specific Competences To apply the acquired knowledge to the evaluation, formulation and critique of economic policies within the framework of the different types of capitalism. To identify the economic and social bases of the functioning of political regimes. Learning outcomes Mastery of the fundamental concepts of modern political economy. Knowledge of debates on the interaction between political and economic structures. Mastery of theories on the role of the State in the economy. Knowledge of theories on economic regulation. Mastery of the literature on agency and delegation. Knowledge of the institutional bases of labour markets. Knowledge of monetary policy and its externalities. Knowledge of fiscal policy. Knowledge of trade policy. Analysis of economic policy options in developed and developing countries. Knowledge of the restrictions of globalization on economic policies. Familiarity with academic debates on varieties of capitalism. Knowledge of debates on the role of political institutions in economic growth. Familiarity with recent developments in political economy literature. Application of the comparative method to the problems of political economy.
Skills and learning outcomes
Description of contents: programme
1. The political economy of the State. 2. Collective action, revolution and conflict. 3. Institutions and growth. 4. The economic consequences of political regimes. 5. The political economy of taxation 6. Inequality and redistribution. 7. The political economy of regulation. 8. The political economy of corruption. 9. The political economy of globalization
Learning activities and methodology
TRAINING ACTIVITIES Theoretical class Practical classes Tutorials Individual student work TEACHING METHODS Presentations in the professor's lecture room with computer and audiovisual support, in which the main concepts of the subject are developed and a bibliography is provided to complement the students' learning. Critical reading of texts recommended by the subject professor: Press articles, reports, manuals and/or academic articles, either for later discussion in class, or to expand and consolidate knowledge of the subject. Resolution of practical cases, problems, etc. raised by the professor, either individually or in a group. Presentation and discussion in class, under the moderation of the professor, of topics related to the content of the subject, as well as practical case studies. Developing pieces of work and reports, individually or in group.
Assessment System

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.