Request for New Course
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
REQUEST FOR NEW COURSE
DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: ____ POLITICAL SCIENCE________________________COLLEGE:
CAS
CONTACT PERSON: ___NITYA SINGH__________________________________________________________________________________
CONTACT PHONE:
487-3113
CONTACT EMAIL:
NITYA.SINGH@EMICH.EDU
REQUESTED START DATE: TERM__WINTER___________YEAR__2013_________
A. Rationale/Justification for the Course
Within the past two decades, the world has been buffeted by the forces of globalization. This has not only
resulted in the world becoming extremely interconnected in terms of culture, but economic decisions in one country are
impacting politics and policies in others. This is amply exhibited by the numerous political and social changes that the
world has witnessed within the past fifty years. In this context, we observe that the field of political science has been
proactive to these developments. In a subfield of political science, international affairs, not only do we study topics
such as the international politics, nation-states, international organizations and socio-economic development in
different countries, but also other associated topics such as ideal models of economic development, globalization,
north-south divide, factors influencing conflict etc. In addition, the subfield of international affairs has also attempted
to understand how political decision making and foreign policy development are impacted by socio-economic
development within nation-states.
Courses in political science focus on topics such as foreign policy, international relations, conflict and political
violence, comparative politics, and area studies. Although all of these courses contain elements of political economy, it
is imperative to have a separate course in which students can develop a comprehensive understanding of how the fields
of politics and economics intersect, and how it advances the students understanding of the functioning of the global
community. As a result, the new course on political economy will focus on topics such as the relationship between
politics and trade, national security and economic sanctions, migration, labor policy, sovereign wealth funds and their
impact on the national security of a nation-state, the relationship between global environment and economic
development, human rights and the existence of sweatshops operated by multinational corporations, outsourcing of jobs
and its impact on policy making in the United States etc.
B. Course Information
1. Subject Code and Course Number:
PLSC 346
2. Course Title: International Political Economy
3. Credit Hours:
03
4. Repeatable for Credit? Yes_______
No__X____
If “Yes”, how many total credits may be earned?_______
5. Catalog Description (Limit to approximately 50 words.):
This course examines the impact of politics on the global economy. The course discusses broad ideas such as
capitalism, socialism and communism, and how they have shaped the global economy. The course also attempts to
Singh, New Course
January 2012
New Course Form
understand a better understanding of major global challenges (such as movements for democracy, oil diplomacy,
environmental degradation, international conflict etc.), due to economic globalization.
6. Method of Delivery (Check all that apply.)
a. Standard (lecture/lab) X
On Campus
Off Campus
b. Fully Online
c. Hybrid/ Web Enhanced
7. Grading Mode:
Normal (A-E)
X
Credit/No Credit
8. Prerequisites: Courses that MUST be completed before a student can take this course. (List by Subject Code, Number and Title.)
None
9. Concurrent Prerequisites:
Code, Number and Title.)
Courses listed in #5 that MAY also be taken at the same time as a student is taking this course. (List by Subject
PLSC 210: Intro to Political Analysis
PLSC 211: Intro to Comparative Govt.
PLSC 212: Intro to Intl. Politics
10. Corequisites: Courses that MUST be taken at the same time as a student in taking this course.
(List by Subject Code, Number and
Title.)
None
11. Equivalent Courses. A student may not earn credit for both a course and its equivalent. A course will count as a repeat if an equivalent
course has already been taken. (List by Subject Code, Number and Title)
None
12. Course Restrictions:
a. Restriction by College. Is admission to a specific College Required?
College of Business
Yes
No
X
College of Education
Yes
No
X
b. Restriction by Major/Program. Will only students in certain majors/programs be allowed to take this course?
Yes
No
X
If “Yes”, list the majors/programs
c. Restriction by Class Level Check all those who will be allowed to take the course:
Undergraduate
All undergraduates__X_____
Singh, New Course
February 2012
Graduate
All graduate students____
Page 2 of 5
New Course Form
Freshperson
Certificate
Sophomore
Masters
Junior
Specialist
Senior
Doctoral
Second Bachelor________
UG Degree Pending_____
Post-Bac. Tchr. Cert._____
Low GPA Admit_______
Note: If this is a 400-level course to be offered for graduate credit, attach Approval Form for 400-level Course for Graduate
Credit. Only “Approved for Graduate Credit” undergraduate courses may be included on graduate programs of study.
Note: Only 500-level graduate courses can be taken by undergraduate students. Undergraduate students may not register for
600-level courses
d. Restriction by Permission. Will Departmental Permission be required?
Yes
No
(Note: Department permission requires the department to enter authorization for every student registering.)
13. Will the course be offered as part of the General Education Program?
Yes
No
X
X
If “Yes”, attach Request for Inclusion of a Course in the General Education Program: Education for Participation in the Global Community
form. Note: All new courses proposed for inclusion in this program will be reviewed by the General Education Advisory Committee. If this
course is NOT approved for inclusion in the General Education program, will it still be offered? Yes
No
C. Relationship to Existing Courses
Within the Department:
14. Will this course will be a requirement or restricted elective in any existing program(s)? Yes
No
X
If “Yes”, list the programs and attach a copy of the programs that clearly shows the place the new course will have in the curriculum.
Program
Required
Restricted Elective
Program
Required
Restricted Elective
15. Will this course replace an existing course? Yes
No
X
16. (Complete only if the answer to #15 is “Yes.”)
a. Subject Code, Number and Title of course to be replaced:
b. Will the course to be replaced be deleted?
Yes
No
17. (Complete only if the answer #16b is “Yes.”) If the replaced course is to be deleted, it is not necessary to submit a Request for
Graduate and Undergraduate Course Deletion.
a. When is the last time it will be offered?
Term
Year
b. Is the course to be deleted required by programs in other departments?
Contact the Course and Program Development Office if necessary.
Yes
No
c. If “Yes”, do the affected departments support this change?
Yes
No
If “Yes”, attach letters of support. If “No”, attach letters from the affected department explaining the lack of support, if available.
Singh, New Course
February 2012
Page 3 of 5
New Course Form
Outside the Department: The following information must be provided. Contact the Course and Program Development office for
assistance if necessary.
18. Are there similar courses offered in other University Departments?
If “Yes”, list courses by Subject Code, Number and Title
Yes
X
No
ANTH 465 (Political Economy in Anthropology)
ECON 480W (International Economics)
19. If similar courses exist, do the departments in which they are offered support the proposed course?
Yes
X
No
If “Yes”, attach letters of support from the affected departments. If “No”, attach letters from the affected department explaining the lack of
support, if available.
Letter from SAC attached. ECON has not supplied a letter as of 2/23/2012.
D. Course Requirements
20. Attach a detailed Sample Course Syllabus including:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Course goals, objectives and/or student learning outcomes
Outline of the content to be covered
Student assignments including presentations, research papers, exams, etc.
Method of evaluation
Grading scale (if a graduate course, include graduate grading scale)
Special requirements
Bibliography, supplemental reading list
Other pertinent information.
NOTE: COURSES BEING PROPOSED FOR INCLUSION IN THE EDUCATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL
COMMUNITY PROGRAM MUST USE THE SYLLABUS TEMPLATE PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL EDUCATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE TEMPLATE IS ATTACHED TO THE REQUEST FOR INCLUSION OF A COURSE IN THE
GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM: EDUCATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY FORM.
E. Cost Analysis (Complete only if the course will require additional University resources.
Fill in Estimated Resources for the
sponsoring department(s). Attach separate estimates for other affected departments.)
Estimated Resources:
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Faculty / Staff
$_________
$_________
$_________
SS&M
$_________
$_________
$_________
Equipment
$_________
$_________
$_________
Total
$_________
$_________
$_________
Singh, New Course
February 2012
Page 4 of 5
New Course Form
F. Action of the Department/School and College
1. Department/School
Vote of faculty: For ___10_______
Against ___0_______
Abstentions ___0_______
(Enter the number of votes cast in each category.)
Arnold Fleischmann
Department Head/School Director Signature
2/23/2012
Date
2. College/Graduate School
A. College
College Dean Signature
Date
B. Graduate School (if Graduate Course)
Graduate Dean Signature
Date
G. Approval
Associate Vice-President for Academic Programming Signature
Singh, New Course
February 2012
Date
Page 5 of 5
International Political Economy
PLSC 346
(Semester) 20XX
Professor: Nitya Singh
Email: nitya.singh@emich.edu
Office Hours: TBA
CRN/Section:
Class Timing:
Location:
Course Overview
This course examines the impact of political decision making and policies on the global
economy. The primary objective of this course is to help students understand how international
politics is having a significant impact on the evolution of the global economy. The course will
focus on issues of globalization, national security, labor rights, international trade, the
international monetary system, and foreign investment. Among the specific topics to be
discussed are globalization, how do political decisions impact global trade policies, the role and
performance of global institutions such as the United Nations, IMF, World Bank, and WTO, the
infringement on state sovereignty by multinational corporations, efforts at regional economic
integration such as the EU and NAFTA, the political relationship between the economies of the
developed and the developing countries, and the emergence of new economic players such as
Brazil, South Africa, China and India. All of these issues will be examined against the various
political upheavals witnessed in countries across the world due to economic disparity between
different sections of the society.
Objectives:
The expectation is that students will leave the course with the following:
1) A basic understanding of the impact of politics and political policies on trade, finance, and
investment relations.
2) A familiarity with the instruments, strategies, and motives of political institutions (both
domestic and international) as they attempt to manage international economic relations.
3) Greater ability, as citizens, to understand and to participate in the public debate over the issues
central to this course.
4) Understanding of the impact of globalization on developed and developing countries.
5) Ability to conduct Political Risk Analysis.
6) Further! development of critical reasoning skills, as well as skills in clear, precise writing via
both in-class and take home essays.
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"!
7) Ability to present confidently their ideas to their peers, and to verbally argue about the merits
of their ideas and opinions.
Materials
There are two required texts available for purchase at campus bookstores or through any online
vendor:
1. Balaam, David N. and Bradford Dillman. 2010. Introduction to International Political
Economy. Edition No. 5. Longman Publishers. (B&D)
ISBN-13:978-0-205-79138-5
2. Oatley, Thomas. 2009. Debates in International Political Economy. Longman Publishers.
(Oatley)
ISBN-13:978-0-205-74691-0
An important component in understanding the relationship between politics and economics is
being able to relate them to current political events happening across the world. Therefore in this
class we will regularly be discussing world events and as students you should be aware of them. I
would encourage that you should daily read a major newspaper (The Wall Street Journal, New
York Times, US News etc). Another resource that you can use are websites of major news
networks. (www.cnn.com, www. bbc.co.uk/news, abcnews.go.com, www.cnbc.com etc.)
Course Structure
We will study the ideas of political economy based on the following perspectives.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Theoretical Background to understanding International Political Economy.
Structures of International Political Economy.
Political Risk Analysis – How to conduct such a study.
States and Markets in the Global Economy.
Transnational Problems and Dilemmas.
Course Requirements
The class will involve a combination of lectures, assignments, discussions, and presentations. My
expectations for a student taking this course are that you regularly attend class, stay current with
the reading assignments, and regularly read news coverage of politics and economic current
events. The class also has an emuonline link, and therefore, you are encourages to regularly
check the link for assigned readings as well as other notes.
!
"!
Grades, Assignments and Evaluation
The final grade in the class will be cumulative and will be calculated out of a total of 1000
points. The course letter grade assignment is mentioned below.
Course Letter Grades will be assigned as follows:
350 – Cumulative Final Examination
200 – Midterm Examination
150 – A response paper to articles assigned by instructor
150 – Political Risk Analysis Presentation by Groups
100 – Quizzes (1 and 2)
50 – Class participation and attendance
A = 93-100%
A- = 90-92%
B+ = 87-89%
B = 83-86%
B- = 80-82%
C+ = 77-79%
C = 73-76%
C- = 70-72%
D = 60-69%
D- = 55-59%
E = below 55%
A = 930-1000
A- = 900-929
B+ = 870-899
B = 830-869
B- = 800-829
C+ = 770-799
C = 730-769
C- = 700-729
D = 600-699
D- = 550-599
E = 549 & below
Exams (55% or 550 Points)
The midterm exam will occur after the major theories of political economy have been taught and
will consist of essay type, multiple choices, fill in the blanks, and true/false answer questions in
any or all combinations. The final exam will be cumulative and will have the same format as the
midterm exam. There will be no make-up examinations for the midterm, as well as the final,
without medical documentation explaining the absence.
Response Paper (15% or 150 Points)
In this course students are expected to write one response paper of 3-4 pages in 12-point, doublespaced, Times New Roman Format. The objective of this assignment is to enable the student to
develop an understanding of how to critically evaluate political economy articles. The grading
will be done based on the level of critical analysis conducted by the student with respect to the
issues being discussed by him/her.
Additional details regarding these assignments will be further provided in class.
.
!
"!
Political Risk Analysis Presentation (15% or 150 Points)
As a part of this assignment, all the students will be divided into groups. This will be a role-play
assignment in which the group will give their briefing to the class on a country of their choice.
Students are expected to conduct a political risk analysis of a country. They are expected to look
at the country from a perspective of the MNC that is planning on setting up global operations in
that particular country. The group is expected to analyze the micro as well as macro sociopolitical and economic environment in the country. At the end of the presentation, the group is
expected to give recommendation on whether the MNC should commence operations in that
particular country. The grades for this assignment will be based on the quality of the presentation
as well as the manner in which the group holds up to cross-examination and questioning. Further
details regarding this assignment will be given in class.
Quizzes (10% or 100 Points)
We will also have 2 quizzes during the course of the semester, and each quiz will be worth 50
points. The format of the quiz will be essay, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and true/false
answer questions in any or all combinations. The dates of the quizzes are mentioned in the
course schedule and there will be no make-up of these quizzes without medical documentation
explaining the absence.
Class Participation and Attendance (5% or 50 Points)
You are expected to participate in class and interact with me as well as other students on topics
that we discuss in class. I will also keep attendance records for the course, and attendance will be
taken regularly in class. If you have more than 3 unexcused absences during the semester you
will be penalized on your class participation and attendance grades.
Absences will be excused only in case of illness, family emergency, or any legitimate academic
or university obligation. In case of absence due to illness, a doctor’s note from the University
Health Center or your doctor would be required. If you must miss class, it is your responsibility
to let me know of the circumstances of your absence, prior to the class period if at all possible.
Your class participation grade will be determined based on your attendance in class, as well as
the quality of the presentation made by your groups on the country of your choice. Current
University policy recognizes the rights of students to observe religious holidays without penalty
to the student. Students will provide advance notice to the instructor in order to make up work,
including examinations, which they miss as a result of their absence from class due to
observance of religious holidays. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made with the
instructor, the student may appeal to the school director or head(s) of department(s) in which the
course(s) is/are offered.
Academic Honesty
I have a zero-tolerance policy for academic dishonesty, and every student is expected to adhere
to Eastern Michigan University’s policy on academic honesty. If caught cheating on exams,
turning in someone else’s written work, or plagiarizing another’s work, you will fail this course.
Academic dishonesty, including all forms of cheating, falsification, and/or plagiarism, will not be
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"!
tolerated in this course. Penalties for an act of academic dishonesty may range from receiving a
failing grade for a particular assignment to receiving a failing grade for the entire course. In
addition, you may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for
discipline that can result in either a suspension or permanent dismissal. The Student Conduct
Code contains detailed definitions of what constitutes academic dishonesty but if you are not
sure about whether something you are doing would be considered academic dishonesty, consult
with the course instructor. You may access the Code online at:
http://www.emich.edu/policies/chapter8/8-1_policy.pdf
I would like to emphasize that you should not assume what any of the policies imply. If you are
in any doubt regarding any of the course policies, I encourage you to come and talk to me.
Furthermore you should always check with me whether it is acceptable to work together with
another student on a project or assignment; until so assigned to by the instructor.
Students with Special Needs
If you wish to be accommodated for your disability, EMU Board of Regents Policy 8.3 requires
that you first register with the Students with Disabilities Office (SDO) in 240 EMU Student
Center. You may contact SDO by telephone (734.487.2470). Students with disabilities are
encouraged to register with the SDO promptly as you will only be accommodated from the date
you register with them forward. No retroactive accommodations are possible. The web link to
the office is as follows:
http://www.emich.edu/drc/
Note on Grading Methods and Syllabus
All tests and papers will be graded blind by the instructor. If a student would like to appeal the
grading of a question, he or she should submit to the instructor his or her grievance in writing,
explaining why he or she feels that the given response was inadequately assessed. The status of
students’ scholarship, potential entrance into law school / graduate school, or grades required to
transfer to another school will not be taken into consideration in grading.
In addition this syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. Such changes will
be announced in a fair and timely manner.
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"!
Course Schedule and Assigned Readings
Week 1: Introduction
Class1: Introduction to the class
•
Chapter 1 (B&D)
Week 2: Historical Evolution of the concept of political economy
Class 2: Introduction to the various schools of thought on political economy
•
•
Chapter 2 (B&D)
Chapter 3 (B&D)
Class 3: Structuralism: Marxism, Leninism and Communism
•
Chapter 4 (B&D)
Week 3: Social Democracy and Political Risk Analysis
Class 4: Social Democracy: Reformation of Capitalism
Class 5: Conducting Political Risk Analysis
•
•
•
Conducting SWOT Analysis
J Curve (Excerpts from the book by Ian Bremmer)
(Readings available online)
Week 4: Structures of IPE: Bretton Woods and Beyond
Class 6: Impact of politics on global trade and production structures
•
•
•
Test 1
Chapter 6 (B&D)
Chapter 1 - (Oatley)
Class 7: Impact of politics on global trade and production structures - Continued
•
•
•
!
Chapter 6 Continued (B&D)
Chapter 2 – Retrain Workers Vs, Redistribute Income. (Oatley)
Chapter 4 – (Oatley)
"!
Week 5: Structures of IPE
Class 8: Impact of politics on global Monetary and Financial Structures
•
•
•
Chapter 7 (B&D)
Chapter 9 – (Oatley)
Chapter 10 – (Oatley)
Classs 9:
•
Political Risk Analysis Presentation 1
Week 6: Structures of IPE
Class 10: Relationship between political decisions and International Debt and Financial Crises
•
•
Chapter 8 (B&D)
Chapter 8 – Sovereign Wealth Funds Threaten U.S. Interests Vs. Sovereign Wealth
Funds do not Threaten U.S. Interests. (Oatley)
Class 11: The Global Security Structure: National Security and Trade
•
•
Chapter 9 (B&D)
Understanding how national security impacts economic relationship between different
countries.
Week 7: Structures of IPE
Class 12: The International Regulatory Framework of Knowledge and Technology
•
Chapter 10 (B&D)
Class 13:
•
Political Risk Analysis Presentation 2
Week 8: Midterm Exams
Class 14: The Development Conundrum
•
•
!
Chapter 11 (B&D)
Chapter 11 – Trade Promotes Growth Vs. Trade Does not Promote growth. (Oatley)
"!
•
Chapter 12 – Foreign Aid Promotes Development Vs. Foreign Aid is Ineffective.
(Oatley)
Class 15:
Midterm Exam
Week 9: Political Economy of Emerging Markets
Class 16: India and China in the Global Political Economy
•
Readings posted online
Class 17: Latin America and Middle East in the Global Political Economy.
•
•
Chapter 13 (B&D)
Chapter 14 (B&D)
Week 10: European Union and Politics of Regional Integration
Class 18: The European Union.
•
Chapter 12 (B&D)
Class 19: Regional Cooperative Movements (NAFTA, ASEAN, MERCOSUR)
•
Readings posted online.
Week 11: Transnational Problems and Dilemmas
Class 20: The Illicit Global Economy – The Dark Side of Globalization
•
•
Chapter 15 (B&D)
Chapter 6 – Sweatshop Regulation is Counterproductive Vs. Governments must regulate
sweatshops. (Oatley)
Class 21:
•
!
Political Risk Analysis Presentation 3
"!
Week 12: Transnational Problems and Dilemmas
Class 21: Migration and Tourism
•
•
•
Quiz 2
Chapter 16 (B&D)
Chapter 3 – Migration brings Economic Gains Vs. Migration Reduces Cultural Cohesion.
(Oatley)
Class 22: Transnational Corporations and State Sovereignty
•
•
•
Chapter 17 (B&D)
Chapter 7 – The Multinational Race to the Bottom Vs. The Myth of the Multinational
Race to the Bottom. (Oatley)
Chapter 15 – Governments must Regulate MNC’s Vs. MNC’s can regulate Themselves.
Week 13: Transnational Problems and Dilemmas
Class 23: Food and Hunger – Market Failure and Injustice
•
Chapter 18 (B&D)
Class 24: Oil and Energy – Dependency and Resource Curses
•
Chapter 19 (B&D)
Week 14: Transnational Problems and Dilemmas
Class 25:
•
Political Risk Analysis Presentation - 4
Class 26: The Environment – Steering Away from Global Problems
•
•
!
Chapter 20 (B&D)
Chapter 5 – The World Trade Organization Undermines Environmental Regulation Vs.
The World Trade Organization is Greening. (Oatley)
"!
Week 15: Last Day of Class and Final Examination
Class 27: Last day of class.
I will sum up all the broad ideas that we have studied over the entire semester and show how
they all are integrated and help us understand some of the major ideas in Political Economy.
Final Exams - Dates as per academic calendar
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"#!
Bibliography
1. Balaam, David N. and Bradford Dillman. 2011. Introduction to International Political
Economy. Edition 5. New York: Longman
2. Bartels, Larry M. 2010. Unequal Democracy: The Political Economy of the New Gilded
Age. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
3. Bhagwati, Jagdish N, and Padma Desai. 1970. India: planning for industrialization:
industrialization and trade policies since 1951, London: Oxford.
4. Blin, Myriam, and B. Ouattara. 2004. Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth
in Mauritius: Evidence from Bounds Test Cointegration. Discussion Paper Series 2004.
School of Social Sciences. The University of Manchester.
5. Blomstrom, Magnus, Kokko Ari, and Zejan M. 2000. Foreign Direct Investment: Firm
and Host Country Strategies, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
6. Blomstrom, Magnus, and Kokko, Ari. 2003. Human Capital and Inward FDI. Working
paper 167, CEPR.
7. Clapp, Jennifer and Peter Dauvergne. 2005. Paths to A Green World: The Political
Economy of the Global Environment. Boston: The MIT Press.
8. Clark, Barry S. 1998. Political Economy a Comparative Approach. Second Edition.
Praeger Press.
9. Cohen, Benjamin A. 2008. International Political Economy: An Intellectual History.
Princeton: Princeton University Press.
10. Cohen, Michael A., and Maria Figueroa Kupcu. 2005. Privatizing Foreign Policy. World
Policy Journal. Fall, 2005.
11. Cornia, G.A. 2004. Inequality, Growth and Poverty in an Era of Liberalization and
Globalization. New York: Oxford University Press.
12. Davis Gina and Elinor Ostrom. 1991. A Public Economy Approach to Education: Choice
and Co-Production. International Political Science Review. 12(4): 313 – 335.
13. Demurger, Sylvie. 2001. Infrastructure development and economic growth: An
explanation for regional disparities in China? Journal of Comparative Economics 29, no.
1:95 – 117.
14. Eisner, Marc Allen. 2010. The American Political Economy: Institutional Evolution of
Market and State. Routledge.
15. Frieden, Jeffry A., David A. Lake and J.L. Broz. 2009. International Political Economy:
Perspectives on Global Power and Wealth. Fifth edition. W.W. Norton and Company.
16. Friedman, Milton. 2002. Capitalism and Freedom. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
17. Gibson, Clark C., Krister Andersson, Elinor Ostrom and Sujai Shivakumar. 2005. The
Samaritan’s Dilemma: The Political Economy of Development Aid. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
18. Gilpin, Robert. 1987. The Political Economy of International Relations. Princeton:
Princeton University Press.
19. Gilpin, Robert and Jean M. Gilpin. 2001. Global Political Economy: Understanding the
International Economic Order. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
20. Harvey, David. 2007. A Brief History of Neoliberalism. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
21. Hahnel, Robin. 2003. The ABC’s of Political Economy: A Modern Approach. Pluto Press.
22. Hein, Philippe. 1989. Structural Transformation in an Island Country: The Mauritius
Export Processing Zone. UNCTAD Review 1, no.2:41 – 57.
23. Hoekman, B.A. and M.M. Kostecki. 2010. The Political Economy of the World Trading
System. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
24. Kaufman, Burton I. 1977. Mideast Multinational Oil, U.S. Foreign Policy, and Antitrust:
the 1950s. The Journal of American History 63, no. 4:937 – 59.
25. Korten, David C. 1995. When Corporations Rule the World. West Hartford: BerrettKoehler Publishers.
26. Lall, S. 1978. Transnationals, Domestic Enterprises and Industrial Structure in Host
LDCs: a survey. Oxford Economic Papers 30, no. 2:217 – 48.
27. Levine, David P. and James A. Caporaso. 1992. Theories of Political Economy.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
28. Li, Xiaoying, and Xiaming Liu. 2005. Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth:
An increasingly Endogenous Relationship. World Development 33, no. 3:393 – 407.
29. Marx, Karl. 1992. Capital: Volume 1: A Critique of Political Economy. Penguin Classics.
30. Mill, John Stuart. 2004. Principles of Political Economy. Prometheus Books.
31. Moran, Theodore, Edward M. Graham, and Magnus Blomstrom. 2005. Does Foreign
Direct Investment Promote Development? Washington D.C: Institute for International
Economics and Center for Global Development.
32. Noorbakhsh, Farhad, Paloni Alberto, and Youssef Ali. 2001. Human Capital and FDI
Inflows to developing Countries: New Empirical Evidence. World Development 29, no.
9:1593 – 1610.
33. Nunnenkamp, Peter. 2002. Determinants of FDI in Developing Countries: Has
Globalization Changed the Rules of the Game? Kiel Working Paper No. 1122. Kiel
Institute for World Economics.
34. Oatley, Thomas. 2010. International Political Economy. New York: Pearson.
35. Oatley, Thomas. 2010. Debates in International Political Economy. New York:
Longman.
36. Ostrom, Elinor. 2000. The Danger of Self-Evident Truths. PS: Political Science and
Politics. March 2000:33 – 44.
37. Pal, Prathapratim, and Jayati Ghosh. 2007. Inequality in India. A Survey of Recent
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Impact Statement from the Department of Economics
The Department of Economics has carefully considered the revised course proposal for PLSC
346. The Department finds that the proposed course substantially duplicates the content of
ECON 108 (Introduction to the Global Economy), ECON 385 (Economic Development) and
ECON 480 (International Economics).
The Department was surprised that, in its original version, the Request for New Course had the
"No" answer checked in Section C (Relationship to Existing Courses) line 18 ("Are there similar
courses offered in other University Departments?"). As noted, the Department of Economics
offers three courses that are very similar in content to the proposed course. The Department of
Economics does not support this proposed course.
Duplication of Existing Courses
Much of the material outlined in the proposed course syllabus is economics. It presents economic
principles and analysis, describes international economic/financial organizations, explores
economic issues and debates, etc. The following examples illustrate components of the proposed
course that are topics covered in existing economics courses:
(1) International trade
(2) Global production
(2) Retraining of workers
(3) Redistribution of income
(4) Global monetary and financial structures
(5) International debt
(6) Financial crises
(7) Sovereign wealth funds
(8) The debate over whether international trade does or does not promote economic growth
(9) The debate over whether foreign aid does or does not promote economic development
(10) The roles of various countries/regions (India, China, Latin America, and the Middle East)
in the world economy
(11) The illicit global economy
(12) The debate over whether international migration does or does not bring economic gains
(13) Transnational corporations
(14) Market failure
In a time of budget restraint, it seems redundant to introduce a new course that overlaps so
extensively with existing course offerings. The Department believes that our existing courses
more than adequately provide for the needs of EMU students in the areas outlined above.
Solution #1: Prerequisites
An appropriate selection of prerequisites from the relevant Department of Economics course
offerings might be one solution. This would ensure that students entering the proposed course
would be adequately prepared in the economics elements of political economy. This would
permit the instructor to concentrate the proposed course on the political science elements of
political economy. In fact, this is precisely the purpose of prerequisites.
The Department has identified several courses that might be appropriate prerequisites (ECON
100, ECON 108, ECON 201, ECON 202, ECON 385, ECON 480). The best choices should be
decided in consultation between the Departments.
Solution #2: An Interdisciplinary Course
While political economy contains elements of political science, it equally contains elements of
economics. Neither discipline has a unique claim on the term "political economy" (see Appendix
below). Neither discipline can claim "political economy" as its own. Political economy is by its
nature an inherently interdisciplinary subject.
This suggests that this proposed course would be more suitably offered as an interdisciplinary
course, jointly listed and taught by members of the 2 Departments.
In fact, some years ago a jointly offered Undergraduate Minor in Political Economy was
discussed, and it was agreed at that time that a collaborative effort would proceed. Prof. Deb
Figart, Prof. John Edgren and Prof. David Crary represented the Department of Economics in
this endeavor. A Political Economy Minor Committee was formed and submitted a formal
proposal to the EMU Task Force on Interdisciplinary Studies. One of the course proposals that
was prepared at that time was tentatively titled "PLEC 206/ ECON 206/ PLSC 206 International
Political Economy". It is unfortunate that the Department of Political Science then unilaterally
chose to abandon the interdisciplinary approach, especially after our representatives invested
substantial time and effort in the project. It could easily be resurrected.
Appendix: The Term "Political Economy"
The following information is provided to illustrate that "political economy" is now, and has long
been, considered a field of economics.
1. One of the leading professional economics journals is the Journal of Political Economy,
published by the University of Chicago. JPE is described by JSTOR as "One of the oldest and
most prestigious journals in economics, the Journal of Political Economy has since 1892
presented significant research and scholarship in economic theory and practice."
2. A classic book of readings in the field is The Political Economy of Development and
Underdevelopment, which has been used in ECON 385. Its editor, Charles K. Wilber was a
professor in, and the chair of, the Department of Economics at Notre Dame.
3. The program of the January 2012 annual meeting of the American Economic Association is
instructive, in that a number of sessions included "political economy" in their titles:
(1) Jan 06, 2012 10:15 am, Palmer House Hilton, Grand Park Parlor
National Economic Association
Political Economy of Climate Change (C2)
Presiding: Michelle Holder (New School for Social Research)
(2) Jan 06, 2012 2:30 pm, Hyatt Regency, Grand Ballroom CD North
American Economic Association
The Political Economy of Macroeconomic Crisis Response (E6)
Presiding: Steven Davis (University of Chicago)
(3) Jan 06, 2012 2:30 pm, Hyatt Regency, Crystal B
American Economic Association
The Political Economy of U.S. Debt and Deficits (H6) (Panel Discussion)
Panel Moderator: Alan Auerbach (University of California-Berkeley)
(4) Jan 07, 2012 10:15 am, Palmer House Hilton, Kimball Room
Union for Radical Political Economists
Political Economy of Revolutionary Middle East (O5)
Presiding: Cyrus Bina (University of Minnesota-Morris)
4. The Journal of Economic Literature, published by the American Economic Association, is the
definitive listing of scholarly economics papers. The JEL Classification System includes the
following categories:
F5 - International Relations and International Political Economy
P16 - Political Economy (for capitalist economic systems)
P26 - Political Economy (for socialist and transition economic systems)
P48 - Political Economy (for other economic systems)
5. Modern economic thinking can be traced back to the so-called "classical economists",
including Adam Smith, David Ricardo and John Stuart Mill. Ricardo's great work was On the
Principles of Political Economy, and Taxation (comma courtesy of D.R.) and Mill's great work
was Principles of Political Economy.
EASTERN MICHIGAN
UNIVERSITY
To: Arnold Fleischmann, PLSC DB
From: Anders Linde-Laursen, SAC DB
Date: 18 January 2012
Subject: Proposed PLSC346 International Political Economy
The faculty of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, in its ordinary
faculty meeting on January 18,2012, discussed the proposal from the Department of Political
Science for adding a new course called: PLSC346 International Political Economy. The faculty
of SAC offers the following input:
.
The faculty does not see any impact of this proposal on any SAC programs or courses.
Furthermore, as a department that contributes its own specific disciplinary perspectives on
globalization and political economy in many of its own courses, we appreciate and welcome the
addition of a regular course that brings unique PLSC perspectives to the course topic, which we
overall consider a topic that cross-cuts social sciences and humanities but on which each
discipline offers its particular perspectives. For these reasons, the faculty of the Department of
Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology unanimously supports the regularization of this new
course as a valuable contribution to the range of perspectives offered on this topic from different
departments in the college.
Department
of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology·
712 Pray-Harrold·
Phone: 734.487.0012
FAX: 734.487.7010
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197