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POL S 270 A: Introduction to Political Economy

Meeting Time: 
TTh 10:00am - 11:20am
Location: 
KNE 210
SLN: 
20528
Instructor:
Prof. Anthony Gill
Anthony Gill

Syllabus Description:

Go to the syllabus page for links to the 270 Syllabus Autumn 2021, tips for academic success, and the 100-point grade scale.  The draft version of the syllabus is provided for students who want to get a jump on the readings.  Dates and exact format of exams, essays, and homework assignments are still tentative as I am waiting upon the university to determine whether courses will be delivered in-person, remotely, or hybrid.

 

Course Catalogue Description:

Political economy is a rapidly expanding and increasingly diverse field of inquiry in political science.  This class has two purposes. First, it designed to introduce students to the analytical side of political economy – i.e., the use of economic assumptions and analysis to understand political and social.  We will explore a school of thought commonly known as “rational choice” and its derivatives – decision theory, public choice, and game theory.  “Rational choice” analysis is contrasted frequently with cultural and psychological perspectives on human behavior, though they are not necessarily incompatible.  Second, we will also tackle a fundamental question underlying all political economy inquiries: How do humans allocate resources in society?  We will compare and contrast decentralized (market) and centralized (hierarchy/government) methods of allocation.  This course is taught with an eye to exploring the power of free markets and how government interference alters incentives.

Grading will be based upon a series of homework assignments (graded on a check-minus, check, and check-plus basis), discussion participation, and two midterm exams. 

The learning goals of the course including learning the material presented in the course and developing an understanding of about three dozen economics concepts that can be applied in everyday life.  There is a strong emphasis on developing an intuitive understanding of economics.

POL S 270 was voted UW's "Best Course" by the Panhellenic Association and Intrafraternal Council in 2013 and Prof. Gill received "Best Sense of Humor" and "Best School Spirit" in 2012 and 2011, respectively.  

Catalog Description: 
Political economy as a tool for understanding and evaluating the political world. Combines theory, methods, and insights derived from economics and political science and applies them to a range of substantive issues.
Department Requirements: 
International Relations Field
American Politics Field
GE Requirements: 
Social Sciences (SSc)
Credits: 
5.0
Status: 
Active
Last updated: 
September 17, 2021 - 3:59pm
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