Postgraduate Module Descriptor

POLM105: The Politics of Global Capitalism

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Module Aims

In this module, you will get an understanding of the political making of the international capitalist system. In terms of your academic development, it will enable you to dissect the agendas, norms and principles underpinning commercial exchange. In order to explain the broader struggles in world politics, this module will provide you with expertise related to the relationship between political and economic forces. This will prove to be immensely valuable for those of you taking the MA in International Relations, although it will also be relevant to those taking other Politics degrees. In terms of personal development, you will develop a refined political and ethical understanding of capitalism which, in turn, could shape your decision-making behaviour as a consumer. The module could even strengthen your likelihood of gaining employment.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate detailed knowledge of debates within the study of International Political Economy, including relevant conceptual frameworks, the international institutional history of the world economy, and major contemporary problems in key issue areas;
2. articulate one's own ethical and political positions on questions of the international political economy;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. critically analyse both empirical and theoretical material in the field of international political economy;
4. deploy theoretical arguments in the field of international political economy and apply them to empirical case studies;
Personal and Key Skills5. communicate effectively in speech and writing; and
6. work independently and with peers to achieve common goals.