Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

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 course are for students to develop:

1. a critical understanding of the principal themes and theories in international political economy;
2. 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;
3. 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,
4. 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