Political Economy

POLECON 100 : Classical Theories of Political Economy (4 units)
Prerequisites: None

One-semester lecture course offered each semester. In-depth analysis of the classical political economy literature, including such authors as Locke, Smith, Marx, Mills, and Weber to Veblen and Polanyi. Strong emphasis is placed on providing appropriate background for understanding the evolution of the literature that has emanated from the various social science disciplines which forms the basis of modern political economy.

POLECON 101 : Contemporary Theories of Political Economy and Globalization (4 units)
Prerequisites: POLECON 100 or consent of instructor

This course introduces students to some of the major questions of political economy, economic development, and globalization since 1945. What role should the government play in the market? What policies and institutions stimulate economic development, and how does this differ from country to country? When do foreign trade and foreign investment create relationships of dependency and exploitation? How much power should be vested in international institutions versus the nation-state? How should policy-makers deal with the business cycle, transnational corporations, and other forces of globalization? How can we balance concern for the environment and labor rights with the need for economic growth?

Over the course of the semester we will explore the way intellectuals from a variety of disciplines have approached these questions since 1945, paying particular attention to the relationship between theorists and their historical context. The first half of the course will examine different and often conflicting theories on the nature of individuals and firms, the proper relationship between the market and the state, and the role that institutions and incentives play in shaping human behavior. In the second half of the course we explore how intellectuals have tackled the broader topics of modernization, economic development and underdevelopment, post-communist transitions, international economic institutions, and globalization.

POLECON 130 : Cross-Listed Topics (1-4 units)
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

This course is designed to accommodate cross-listed courses offered through other departments, the content of which is applicable to PE majors. Content and unit values vary from course to course. Course may be repeated for credit.

POLECON 140 : Special Topics (2 units)
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

A short course designed to provide a vehicle to take advantage of short-term visitors coming to campus who have considerable expertise in areas of interest to political economy of industrial societies. Topics will vary from semester to semester. Course may be repeated for credit.

POLECON 150 : Advanced Study in Political Economy (4 units)
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

POLECON 155 : Developments in Modern Political Economy (4 units)
Prerequisites: POLECON 100 and 101, or consent of instructor

This course focuses on the relationship of politics and economics in modern societies. Special attention is given to problems and issues in social science or public policy best examined from an interdisciplinary perspective with an eye toward building students’ knowledge of recently developed analytical tools in political economy. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 units.

POLECON 160 : Political Economy in Historical Context (4 units)
Prerequisites: POLECON 100 and 101, or consent of instructor

This course focuses specifically on the historical context and perspective of the relationship of politics and economics in modern societies. Students are guided through an interdisciplinary survey of the historical experience of peoples and places who have participated in the ongoing great transformation away from agricultural societies to the rise of the industrial state and onto post-industrialism. Each term provides a different perspective of this transformation. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 units.

POLECON 192 : Senior Thesis (3 units)
Prerequisites: Upper division standing; consent of instructor

This course is designed to provide a vehicle for undergraduate students interested in writing a major paper on a political economy topic. The paper should be approximately thirty pages in length; the topic should be agreed upon in advance by both the student and faculty sponsor.

POLECON H195 : Senior Honors Thesis Seminar (4 units)
Prerequisites: IAS H102; senior standing with a minimum GPA of 3.6 in the major and a 3.5 for all work completed at the University; consent of instructor
Offered Spring Only

Honors students are required to research and write a thesis based on the prospectus developed in International and Area Studies H102. The thesis work is reviewed by the honors instructor and a second reader to be selected based on the thesis topic. Weekly progress reports required.

POLECON 196 : Special Field Research (1-6 units)
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

Students to work in selected internship programs approved in advance by the faculty advisor and for which written contracts have been established between the sponsoring organization and the student. Students will be expected to work 240-300 hours during the course of the semester, plus attend regular meetings with the faculty supervisor. Students will also be expected to produce two progress reports for their faculty advisor during the course of the internship, as well as produce a final paper for the course consisting of no fewer than 35 pages. Other restrictions apply; see faculty adviser. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 12 units.

POLECON C196W : Special Field Research (10.5 units)
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

Students work 240-300 hours of work per semester (plus regular meetings with the faculty supervisor) in selected internship programs approved in advance by the faculty coordinator and for which written contracts have been established between the sponsoring organization and the student. Students will be expected to produce two progress reports for their faculty coordinator during the course of the internship, as well as a final paper for the course consisting of at least 35 pages. Other restrictions apply; see faculty adviser. Also listed as Gender and Women’s Studies C196W, History of Art C196W, Undergrad Interdisciplinary Studies C196W, History C196W, Sociology C196W, Political Science C196W, and Media Studies C196W. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 12 units.

POLECON 197 : Field Studies (1-4 units)
Prerequisites: Upper division standing and consent of instructor

Must be taken on a passed/not passed basis. Supervised experience relevant to specific aspects of Political Economy in off campus organizations. Regular individual meetings with faculty sponsor and written reports required. Check with the IAS Office for specific requirements. Course may be repeated for credit.

POLECON 198 : Directed Group Study (1-4 units)
Prerequisites: Upper division standing and consent of instructor

Must be taken on a passed/not passed basis. Topic changes each semester. Check with the IAS Office for topics and specific enrollment requirements. Course may be repeated for credit.

POLECON 199 : Supervised Independent Study and Research for Undergraduates (1-4 units)
Prerequisites: Upper division standing and consent of instructor

Must be taken on a passed/not passed basis. Written proposal must be approved by a faculty advisor. Enrollment is restricted by regulations of the College of Letters and Science. Check with the IAS Office for enrollment information. Course may be repeated for credit.