Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit comprises an advanced seminar in international political economy (IPE), The unit explores the concept of a global political economy, and examines the key themes, theories and paradigms in IPE in the contemporary literature. The unit covers three main areas:

1. theoretical approaches to the global political economy;
2. major developments in 20th and 21st-century IPE; and
3. case studies from North America, Europe and East Asia. Australia is included as a paradigmatic case of a 'middle power' that is both an influential actor in, as well as a state profoundly affected by, the global political economy

Objectives

The main objectives of the unit are for students to develop: i) a critical understanding of the principal themes and theories in international political economy; ii) an awareness of the major developments in the international political economy since World War Two, with emphasis upon the impact of economic interdependence and globalisation; iii) insights into how a small country can influence international regulatory structures and institutions, in a world dominated by the economic powers like the United States, Japan and the European Union; and, iv) a critical appreciation of the costs and benefits of Australia's responses to global economic pressures, with emphasis upon developments within the past decade.

Assessment

Essay (6,000 words) : 50%
Examination (3 hours) : 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Remy Davison

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2-seminar) per week

Prerequisites

Admission to Politics 4th-Year Honours or admission to the MA in International Relations or admission to the Master of Counter-Terrorism Studies

Prohibitions

PLT4065