English

Spring

This course presents a rigorous survey of introductory and intermediate-level topics in the study of political economy. Following an introduction to rational choice theory, the course proceeds to survey some rival approaches to the study of the relationship between the state and the economy: neoclassical, Chicago School, Keynesian, and Marxian. Next, we study some varieties of fiscal and monetary public policies and their consequences. We also examine the manners in which the interests of political parties and politicians, as well as the nature of democratic political competition affect the types and forms of macroeconomic policy. Following this, we engage in a detailed study of the nature of the business cycle and economic downturns under capitalism. Special attention will be directed towards the financial crisis of 2007-2009, and its implications on a world scale.

This course is divided into the following sections:

1. Introduction;
2. Rational Choice Theory in Political Economy;
3. Macroeconomics: Rival Perspectives on Fiscal and Monetary Policy (A. Principles; B. The Chicago School; C. Marxism; D. Keynes and Keynesianism);
4. Governments and Macroeconomic Policy;
5. Economic Crises on a World Scale.

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

• Provide an overview of introductory and intermediate-level topics in the study of political economy.
• Discuss rational choice theory, some rival approaches to the study of the relationship between the state and the economy: the neoclassical, the Chicago School, the Keynesian, and the Marxian, as well as some varieties of fiscal and monetary public policies and their consequences.
• Understand the manners in which the interests of political parties and politicians, as well as the nature of democratic political competition affect the types and forms of macroeconomic policy.
• Discuss the nature of the business cycle and economic downturns under capitalism, and their implications on a world scale.
•  

Open for all students at the University of Bergen.

Lectures and seminars.

Hours per week: approximately 4

Number of weeks: minimum 8

None

Grading A-F

Students may not earn credit for both SAMPOL213 and SAMPOL214.

The course is evaluated regularly

studieveileder@isp.uib.no/ 55583316