Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL2046: The Economics of Politics

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims at providing you with the skills to critically evaluate and apply rational choice approaches as an analytical tool for the examination of political phenomena. First, it discusses the underlying assumptions and their theoretical and empirical implications for political analyses. Second, the seminar makes you familiar with core approaches introducing economic reasoning in the conceptualisation and in the analysis of politics. Third, it introduces applications of rational choice theory in comparative politics.

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. understand core concepts in rational choice theory;
2. describe and analyse the connections and relationships between economics and politics;
3. critically engage with concrete applications of rational choice theory;
4. describe, list and assess the core works in comparative politics using rational choice theory;
Discipline-Specific Skills5. translate a particular logic of reasoning from one discipline (economics) to another (politics);
6. apply abstract theoretical ideas and concepts to actual events and outcomes;
7. construct well-structured rigorous arguments that are based on logical deduction;
Personal and Key Skills8. research & critically evaluate information;
9. apply techniques and theories in appropriate contexts;