Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The unit provides an introduction to the main concepts and theories within International Political Economy (IPE). Topics include the operation of the IMF, the World Bank, and the GATT/WTO; the political economy of global investment; and the operation of the international monetary system. This unit is divided into three sections. The first outlines contending approaches to international political economy and explains the scope of the sub-discipline. The second section examines the various major developments in 20th-century political economy. The final part of the unit provides an analysis of the international political economy of the Asia-Pacific region, with particular reference to Australia's position in the global economy of the 21st century.

Objectives

The aim of the unit is to

• Explain different approaches to International Political Economy (IPE);
• Explain the concept and importance of 'international regimes';
• Employ IPE and regime approaches to understand global trade, investment and monetary arrangements;
• Present an overview of the structure and operation of important global institutions including the WTO, IMF and the World Bank;
• Analyse relevant case studies; and,
• Encourage critical analysis of the political economy of globalization.

Assessment

Essay (2500 words): 50%
Examination (2 hours): 40%
Tutorial participation: 10%

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Politics
International studies

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Politics OR International Studies

Prohibitions

COS730, COS3730, PLT3230, INT2085, INT3085