Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 1 session / week, 2 hours / session

Course Description

Political Economy I explores the major social science paradigms for analyzing relations among state, economy, and society. Through readings, lectures and discussion of original texts in political liberalism and individualism, neo-classical economics, Marxism, sociological and cultural theories, and neo-institutionalism, the seminar examines the fundamental assumptions on which our understanding of the social world and our research are based. All participants in the seminar are required to do the weekly readings before class meetings. The course also requires two 12-15 page essays on assigned topics. The seminar is open to graduate students in all departments and also to undergraduates with prior course work in economics or political science and with permission of the instructors.

Requirements

Students must do all the reading before attending the class. Each student must write two essays (each 12-15 pages long) on assigned topics.

Grading

Grading is based mainly on the two essays, with some consideration of class participation.