International Political Economy

Course overview

Summer School modules are designed to be intensive, intellectually-stimulating short courses. They are taught by King’s academics in academic disciplines where King's has expertise. Classes are very international with students from all around the globe learning together.

Each module is 150 study hours comprising intensive teaching, independent study and group work and is examined to university standards. Comparable to an in-semester 15-credit King’s undergraduate module and therefore typically awarded 3-4 US credits or 7.5 ECTS, many summer students ask their home institution to award them external credit for their King's summer module to use towards their degree programme when they return home.

What does this course cover?

This module presents a broad overview of international political economy (IPE). It introduces main theoretical approaches, concepts and substantive issues, and help students better understand the relationship between power and wealth and the interplay of economics and politics in the regional and global arenas. In particular, it examines the political and economic conditions conducive to the development of cooperative international economic behaviour among sovereign states as well as bargaining between rich and poor countries, under the present conditions of economic interdependence, international division of labour, international trade, multinational corporations, and a proliferation of preferential trade and investment agreements.

The first part of the module considers three analytical approaches to interpret economic interaction among countries – liberalism, dependency, and mercantilism. This part also considers theories used to explain the evolution of international regimes in the world system. The second part of the module applies the theoretical tools developed in part one to examine six issue areas of key significance for relations among developed countries, newly industrializing countries, and developing countries: trade, debt, money, the rise of China as an economic power, multinationals, and commodities. Our emphasis will be on the post-World War II transformation of inter-state rules and behaviour in these issue areas.

What will I achieve?

By the end of the module, the students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to a Level 4 module and in particular will be able to demonstrate the following subject specific skills: 

an ability to identify and analyse key issues of globalization as pertaining to international cooperation between states, social groups, and private firms, and relate them to broader and contemporary developmental, social, cultural and ideological debates. 

an ability to assess major political science theories applicable to the above issues, with a critical awareness of the respective roles of the United States and rising economic powers in the post-WWII era.

a set of skills for applying theories of multilateral governance and international cooperation to different regional and historical contexts, while appreciating common challenges of financial shocks and increasing economic interdependence.

Who is this for?

The King's College London Undergraduate Summer School is open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.

You should ensure that you are eligible to apply before you submit your application by checking our academic and English language entry criteria.

How will I be assessed?

The assessment pattern for this module will be confirmed in due course.

What is the teaching schedule?

Taught on-campus 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday