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G R A M
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P R O G R A M M E G U I I D E
2012/2013

1. INTRODUCTION
2. IPPE PROGRAMME PLAN
2.1. Programme Structure
2.2. Bachelor’s Degree & Master’s Degree
2.3. Programme Objectives
2.4. Course Structure & Study Modules
2.5. Web-based Resources
2.6. Schedule
3. PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH
3.1. Form and structure of education
3.2. Student Portfolio
4. WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING
5. INTERNATIONALISATION AT HOME & ABROAD
6. EXAMINATION, CREDITS & MARKS
6.1. ECTS - European Credit Transfer System
6.2. Outcome Based Grades
6.3. Assessment Criteria’s & Examination Forms
7. IPPE ADMINISTRATION
7.1. IPPE Staff
7.2. IPPE Programme Council
7.3. IPPE Documentation
7.4. Evaluation
7.5. Academic Advisement and Career Counseling
8. MISCELLANEOUS

The global and interdependent world of today influences the political and economic environment and shapes processes of change at the international, national and local level. There is a growing awareness that this new interlinked political-economic landscape must be understood in an interdisciplinary global context. Local and national phenomena are not strictly local or national – we live in an internationalised context in which international and global processes are intimately linked with politics and economics at the national and local levels.
2.1. Programme Structure
The International Programme for Politics and Economics (IPPE) is a 3-year multi-disciplinary programme (180 ECTS) that aims to provide knowledge, skills and understanding to work in an internationalised political-economic environment. IPPE’s design follows the Bologna declaration model and educational structure. The IPPE programme leads to a Bachelor’s Degree in Social
Science with a major in Political Science and a minor in Economics.
IPPE has a distinct international focus and uses English as the educational language. IPPE students come from different cultures and regions, with a wealth of experiences and perspectives. This diversity guarantees lively and stimulating discussions as well as a rich and dynamic student experience. To further enhance the knowledge and skills necessary in an internationalised work environment, IPPE includes one study semester (30 ECTS) abroad at an academic institution outside Sweden, and/or internship designed in a form of a Work Integrated
Learning course. Students are also encouraged to conduct field studies abroad for their final research project (15 ECTS).
In the multi-disciplinary interplay between theory and practice, IPPE emphasizes the complex relationships between politics and economics. IPPE provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills suitable for professions in the private sector, public administration, and other political and economic organisations that operate in an increasingly internationalised environment. In all, IPPE provides students with crucial capabilities to understand and handle an internationalised context. Students also learn to work across cultural and national borders to develop, implement and lead projects handling political-economic oriented issues.
2.2. Bachelor’s Degree & Master’s Degree
Upon completion of IPPE, students receive a Bachelor’s Degree (180 ECTS) with a major in
Political Science and a minor in Economics. The Degree combines Political Science (90 ECTS),
Human/Economic Geography (30 ECTS), Economics (30 ECTS) and subjects and/or Work
Integrated Learning studied abroad (30 ECTS). An IPPE Bachelor’s Degree qualifies students to apply for various Master’s programs.
2.3. Programme Objectives
IPPE include a set of overall goals or outcomes. Apart from these overall goals, each study module comprehends a set of specific outcomes, which in different ways link to the overall outcomes of the programme. All outcomes are generally divided into three interlinked components.

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING
Upon completion of the IPPE programme, students will be better able to;
describe and understand the main features and characteristics of politics and economics in an internationalised context
describe and understand the role of politics and economics in an increasingly internationalised society
describe and understand the characteristics and impact of value systems on political and economic phenomena in internationalised contexts
distinguish between empirical and normative political and economic theories
describe and understand the main components of the research process
Understand a range of internationalised political and economic working environments
SKILLS & APPLICATION
Upon completion of the IPPE programme, students will be better able to;
collect and synthesise information relevant to identified political, economic and geographical issues in an internationalised context
demonstrate an ability to apply theoretical understanding to real world situations
undertake minor research independently to a scientifically acceptable standard
Work successfully and co-operatively in groups
Demonstrate a capacity to manage tasks successfully within a given time frame
Show a competency in leading and managing group work
Communicate successfully in more than one language the results of their work in a number of different ways and to a number of different audiences to an acceptable disciplinary and professional standard
ETHICAL APPRECIATION
Upon completion of the IPPE programme, students will be better able to;
Demonstrate an ability to appreciate the ethical considerations underpinning the research process
Demonstrate an appreciation of how to work in different socio-ethical contexts
2.4. Course Structure & Study Modules
The programme is divided into four phases. The first phase (semesters 1-3) is multi-disciplinary and provides an introduction to the international dimensions of the main areas of study within political science, economics and economic/human geography. The second phase (semester 4) focuses on Political Science, the major subject in the programme, again with a focus on internationalised dimensions. The third phase (semester 5) aims to further strengthen the internationalisation focus of the programme with studies and/or Work Integrated Learning
(WiL) abroad. The fourth and final phase (semester 6) provides in-depth knowledge, skills and values to work with political-economic issues in an internationalised context.
1 Semester
Theme:
Global
Development in
Theory &
Practice
Multidisciplinary Studies
1-90 ECTS
2 Semester
Theme:
Political-Economic
Principles &
Reality
3 Semester
Theme:
National &
Regional
Structures &
Policies
Political Studies
90-120 ECTS
4 Semester
Theme:
Politics
Studies Abroad
120-150 ECTS
5 Semester
Theme:
Internationalisation
Graduate Studies
150-180 ECTS
6 Semester
Theme:
Concepts & Practices of Research

Study Modules
Each semester is normally divided into two 10-week study modules. A study module may include one or several courses and subjects.
September October
Study Module 1.
Political Philosophy and Economic Theory (15 ECTS)
Semester 1
November December
Study Module 2.
January
International Politics & Economics (15 ECTS)
Courses:
- Political Philosophy 7.5 ECTS
(Political Science)
- Geographical perspectives on resources and development
7.5 ECTS (Economic Geography)
Courses:
- International Politics 7.5 ECTS
(Political Science)
- Global trends of production and trade 7.5 ECTS
(Economic Geography)
Semester 2
January February
Study Module 3.
Micro & Macro Economics (15 ECTS)
Courses:
- Micro Economics 7.5 ECTS
(Economics)
- Macro Economics 7.5 ECTS
(Economics)
March April May
Study Module 4.
Democracy, Legitimacy & Political Institutions (15 ECTS)
Courses:
- Democracy, Legitimacy and Political Institutions 7.5 ECTS
(Political Science)
- Development Geography 7.5 ECTS
(Economic Geography)
September October
Semester 3
November
Study Module 5.
Political Organisation and Financial Economics (15 ECTS)
Courses:
- Political Organisation 7.5 ECTS
(Political Science)
- Financial Economics 7.5 ECTS
(Economics)
December January
Study Module 6.
The Economic Geography of Europe (15 ECTS)
Courses:
- The Economic Geography of Europe 7.5 ECTS
(Economic Geography)
- European Economic Integration 7.5 ECTS
(Economics)
Semester 4
January February
Study Module 7.
Politics I (15 ECTS)
Courses:
- The Study of Politics I 7.5 ECTS
(Political Science)
- Justice, identity and citizenship 7.5 ECTS
(Political Science)
March April
Study Module 8.
Politics II (15 ECTS)
May
Courses:
- Constitutions, equal treatment and affirmative action 7.5 ECTS
(Political Science)
- Sweden in a post-colonial world 7.5 ECTS
(Political Science)
September October
Semester 5
November December January
Study Module 9.
Study Abroad (15 ECTS)
Study Module 10.
Study Abroad (15 ECTS)
Individual selection of suitable courses equivalent to 15 ECTS Individual selection of suitable courses equivalent to 15 ECTS
January
Semester 6
March February
Study Module 11.
Theory & Methodology (15 ECTS)
Course:
- The Study of Politics II 15 ECTS
(Political Science)
April
Study Module 12.
Research Project (15 ECTS)
May
Research project (Political Science)
Possibilities to conduct field studies abroad

In order to begin your studies for the 6 th and final semester of the IPPE (ASP401) The study of
politics II, and (EIS501) Research project in political science, you are required to have completed
52.5 credits in political science, including the course (ASP201) The study of politics I. It is virtually impossible to understand and complete the final courses without the prior coursework, and a student without adequate course preparation has exceptionally small chances of completing the research project.
If you do not fulfill the requirements stated above, you must complete the necessary course(s) in political science. Only then may you enroll in ASP401 or EIS501. Re-examinations are offered during the regular course period each year, and you may take the exam along with the other students taking the course.
2.5. Web-based Resources
General information about the programme can be found at www.ippe.hv.se
IPPE uses an interactive web-based study platform, called DisCo.. Schedules, literature lists, study materials, links etc can be found on this website. Students are required to register on this website at the start of every semester. The address is: http://disco.hv.se
2.6. Schedules
Schedules for each 10 week study module are displayed on the DisCo website. As the content and format will vary among the courses, the schedules for each course will naturally differ. Be sure to download the relevant schedule and to familiarize yourself with its contents in a timely manner.
IPPE applies a liberal arts-inspired education, designed to develop the whole person academically, intellectually and socially. In addition to providing relevant knowledge and skills,
IPPE emphasizes an appreciation of cultural diversity as well as sensitivity to issues of gender and sustainability.
Outcomes
Apart from providing relevant knowledge and skills, IPPE emphasizes the integration of ethnical and cultural diversity as well as issues of gender and sustainability. The figure below displays an overview of different means applied in the programme. The outcomes are divided into three components, Knowledge & Learning, Skills & Application and Ethical Appreciation. However, the different components are in the actual study situation most often integrated.
Outcomes
Academic Competence
Knowledge & Learning
Social Competence & Personal
Development
Skills & Application
Means
- Independent analytical capability in writing and oral presentation
- Case methodology
- Continuous research tasks conducted independent and in groups
- Independent research examination project (major)
- Relevant in-depth knowledge in academic subjects (major)
- Comparative perspectives on scientific disciplines and approaches
- Problem Based Learning, Group Work, Individual responsibility
- Conduct Project Work as member and leader
- Contact and collaboration with civil society
- Participate in Debates, Simulation Games etc
- Short-tem ‘boarding’ with intensive studies and excursions

Cultural & Ethical Competence
Ethical Appreciation
- Integration of foreign students in programme courses
- Minimum of one semester studies abroad
- International comparative perspective in courses
- Debates concerning normative questions and problems
- Group Work Activities
- Relate normative theory to empirical theory and empirical data
- Evaluate solutions to problems using normative perspectives
3.1. Form and structure of education
IPPE is s full-time study programme and students are expected to allocate at least 30-40 hours per week for their studies. IPPE uses different forms of educational approaches and techniques.
Lectures
Lectures are normally given in morning sessions, varying between 1-3 hours. Students are expected to come well prepared to lecture, having read the relevant course material. Students are also expected to be actively involved during lecture, asking questions and participating in discussions. Required readings related to the lectures are provided in the course guide/ schedule, available on the DisCo homepage.
Base Groups
Base group work helps students:
 deepen their understanding of the course
 gain knowledge and skills necessary to work, discuss and present in a team (group).
 understand how group processes work
The Base Group is a resource for learning where every participant has opportunity to discuss and reflect upon their studies. The aim of the Base Group is not simply to present ’traditional’ written projects. More significantly, the results from the group are to be presented by:
 Oral presentations/debates/discussions where all participants in the group must be active.
(If only one participant has a leading role, it indicates that the group learning process is not optimal).
 Documentation in a log book where the following components are to be included:
“Protocol”: Documentation of the work in the group which includes by whom, when, what, and how a certain activity has been carried out.
Conclusions about the assignment.
Final course report, in which the Base Group members comment and reflect upon the group and the learning process during the course. Both negative and positive aspects shall be considered. Furthermore, the group shall present recommendations for future activities. Finally, comments and analyses of the group’s project leaders shall be included.
The base group work is assessed and is thus part of the examination of the course. The capacity of the group members to work as a team is central to this assessment.
Seminars
Seminars are conducted in different ways, varying from more formal presentations to discussions and debates. Even though individual presentations might occur, the most common procedure is in the form of groups. Participation in seminars is normally compulsory and part of the examination.

Individual Studies
In addition to base group work, seminars and lectures, a certain amount of time is allocated for individual studies. During each course, you will be given individual assignments that are to be presented, most often in written form. The individual assignments are compulsory and part of the examination.
3.2. Student Portfolio
Throughout the three-year programme, each student is to construct and continuously develop a portfolio that displays the student’s progress and achievements. The portfolio is evaluated together with the staff at the end of each semester. The portfolio should take the form of a CV at the conclusion of the programme.
Work Integrated Learning is an integrated part of IPPE which emphasizes education outside the traditional classroom, providing opportunities for students to put knowledge and skills into practice. Certain study modules contain projects, evaluations and analyses conducted in collaboration with social actors outside of academia. Work integrated learning components can also be conducted abroad, as part of the programme education.
The international focus in IPPE is stressed throughout the programme. Guest lecturers who can contribute to the focus on politics and economics in an internationalised world are regularly invited to participate in IPPE. The educational language for IPPE is English, which enables foreign students to participate in the program, further enhancing its international profile.
One semester is to be located at a tertiary institution outside Sweden. IPPE has formal bilateral agreements and cooperates with a number of Universities in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America,
USA and Australia. Students are also encouraged to incorporate international experiences into their final individual research projects. Students may thus acquire 45 ECTS (or more) outside of
Sweden. Students are free to choose subjects of interest. However, the study period and subject must be accredited and applicable to the programme. The studies abroad must be accepted by the examiner/programme co-ordinator before the studies begins.
IPPE also offers the opportunity to combine the study period abroad with practical work/internship (WiL). This form of work integrated learning is normally conducted outside of formal bilateral academic agreements. With assistance from IPPE, it is normally the responsibility of the student to organise suitable partners and supervisors.
To enable a sufficient component of student exchanges, IPPE students can apply for different forms of financial support. (More information can be found on www.csn.se
under the section
“studies abroad”).

6.1. ECTS - European Credit Transfer System
IPPE uses the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit system. The use of the ECTS system is particularly important for internationally oriented programmes, such as IPPE, where study credits taken outside the home institutions needs to be accredited. An ECTS credit of 1.5 is equivalent to one week of full-time studies in the Swedish university system. A semester in the
Swedish University system consists of 20 weeks, which provides 30 ECTS credits. The ECTS credits given for a course are divided into a six-graded credit scale from A – F.
Credit Scale
(Grade)
A
B
C
D
E
F
Definition
EXCELLENT – Exceptional result with only minor mistakes.
VERY GOOD – Above average standard but with some mistakes
GOOD – Generally good work but with a number of noticeable mistakes
COMPETENT – Relatively good work but with significant mistakes
SUFFICIENT – The result just fulfil the minimum criteria
INSUFFICIENT – Substantial additional work required. Lacking both detailed knowledge and overview
6.2. Outcome Based Grades
Explanation
High knowledge level. Good analytical capacity. Able to use the knowledge independently
Good overview of the knowledge field. Able to use the knowledge independently
Able to outline the most important component in the subject. Able to partly use the knowledge independently
Overview of relevant parts in the subject is partly missing. Not able to use the knowledge independently
Overview of most relevant parts in the subject is partly missing. Not able to use the knowledge independently
Overview of relevant parts in the subject almost entirely missing. Not able to use the knowledge independently
IPPE applies the ECTS system based on “outcome assessment criteria” for each course. To pass a study module (course), a minimum grade of 50-59% (Grade E) is required. The grade reflects how well the student has fulfilled the course requirements. The assessments are made in absolute terms – students are NOT assessed relative to other students.
6.3. Assessment Criteria & Examination Forms
Requirements and assessment criteria are provided at the start of each study module. When appropriate, an assessment sheet is used to examine the performance of a student. . The criteria used in an assessment sheet will differ depending on the course and examination form. The diagram below displays an example of an assessment sheet. Requirements, grading criteria and assessment sheets will be provided in connection with the assignment. The assessment sheet is handed back to students after examination, including comments and grades, which enables students to analyse strengths and weaknesses in the work performed.

Assessment Criteria
Composition: well structured; good introduction and conclusion.
Fluent and lucid sentences, grammatically correct.
Very high level of understanding: reflecting, theorizing, and linking.
Sources reviewed, with high validity: theoretically and empirically grounded,
Critically interpreted.
A
Excellent
90-100%
B
Very Good
80-89%
C
Good
70-79%
D
Competent
60-69%
E
Sufficient
50-59%
F
Insufficient
-49%
Assessment Criteria
Sources correctly acknowledged in the text; reference list accurate
No introduction or conclusion; lacks structure, no linking between sections.
Many errors of sentence construction, grammatically incorrect and/or inconsistent.
Very low level with misunderstandings: little empirical or theoretical knowledge.
Sources empirically methodologically and theoretically and unsound, partial and biased. Naively interpreted.
Sources inadequately and incorrectly cited in the text and reference list.
Comments: Grade:
Marker:
IPPE is administratively organised under the Department for Studies of Economics and
Informatics and University West.
7.1. IPPE Staff
IPPE includes instructors from various academic disciplines. Currently, IPPE includes the following teaching and administrative staff;
Name
Coordinator/Senior Lecturer: Associate Prof. Per Assmo
Coordinator/Senior Lecturer: Dr. Hanna Kjellgren
Senior Lecturer: Dr. Urban Gråsjö
Lecturer: Dr. Fredrik Sjögren
Senior Lecturer: Prof. Roddy Fox
Senior Lecturer: Dr. Ann Towns
Senior Lecturer: Associate Prof. Maher Asal
Division Head/Lecturer: Mr. Anders Palmqvist
Student Counselling: Ms. Malin Nordin
International Office: Mr. Carl-Fredrik Miles
Student Administration: Ms. Mary Nilsson
E-mail per.assmo@hv.se
hanna.kjellgren@hv.se
urban.grasjo@hv.se
fredrik.sjogren@hv.se
roddy.fox@hv.se
ann.towns@hv.se
maher.asal@hv.se
anders.palmqvist@hv.se
malin.nordin@hv.se
carl-fredrik.miles@hv.se
mary.nilsson@hv.se
International Student Co-ordinator: Ms. Ingela Strive
7.2. IPPE Programme Council ingela.strive@hv.se
The Programme Council is an important section of the administrative structure of IPPE. The council is headed by the IPPE Co-ordinator and includes a minimum of two staff and two student representatives. The student representatives are elected by the students on an annual basis. The
Programme Council meets twice a semester to discuss and decide upon issues related to IPPE.

7.3. IPPE Documentation
A number of formal documents describe and guide different components of IPPE, such as the
Programme Educational Plan, Course Syllabus & Literature. These documents are available on the IPPE website: www.ippe.hv.se
Course Study Guide
To assist and guide students, each study module is documented with a Study Guide that provides information concerning the overall aim of the study module, specific course requirements and assessment criteria, literature list, assignments and examination forms etc. The Study Guide is available on the DisCo Website: http://disco.hv.se
7.4. Evaluation
Each study module in IPPE is evaluated by the students. The result of the evaluation is presented to the Programme Council that analyses results and discusses possible improvements.
7.5. Academic Advisement and Career Counseling
The academic advisors and career counselors of University West serve as a resource for students, providing assistance before, during, and after university studies. For instance, the advisors can provide assistance with:
 Course selections
 Creation of individual study guides
 Finding appropriate sources of financial aid and scholarships, including for students with disabilities
 Applications for an academic leave of absence
 General counseling and conversations about a student’s study situation
The IPPE advisor is Ms. Malin Nordin, and her office is located at Studentcentrum in House G, level 2 (right above the main reception). E-mail: malin.nordin@hv.se
Phone: 0520-22 34 35
Telephone hours: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.00 – 10.00.
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty
Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are serious breaches of the rules that guide academia, University West and the IPPE program. Plagiarism involves the presentation of ideas or words from another source as if they were your own work, without using a footnote or quotation marks. A charge of plagiarism can have severe consequences, including expulsion from the university. Ensure that you are informed and follow regulations in this matter. More information is available on the student’s homepage www.hv.se