Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC2131: Political Economy

This module descriptor refers to the 2023/4 academic year.

Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.

Module Aims

This module aims to equip you with empirical, theoretical and historical resources for understanding issues in contemporary political economy, with a focus on debates in and about British capitalism. It familiarises you with analytical frames of reference rooted in the different approaches to value found in classical, critical and neoclassical political economy. From these approaches you will acquire tools for the development of critical perspectives on topics including industrial strategy, financialisation, technological innovation and the relationship between the state and markets. In turn, the module explores how these analytical frames can help inform practical political and policy responses to contemporary challenges faced by businesses, industries and workers. You will explore these challenges, develop analyses and formulate policy responses based on of a diverse range of cases and examples.

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 understanding of the different ways in which value is conceived in political economy.
2. Apply concepts and theories to analyse case studies about contemporary political-economic issues
3. Analyse real-world examples of political-economic challenges to propose potential policy responses
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Work independently and collaboratively to research and communicate relevant empirical insights
5. Conduct rigorous, independent analysis using a variety of relevant sources or evidence
6. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different analyses and policy responses
Personal and Key Skills7. Display understanding, sensitivity and communication skills liaising with external businesses/bodies
8. Construct a reasoned and logical argument supported by evidence
9. Work independently and collaboratively to articulate practical solutions to real-world problems