Module: International Political Economy

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	International Political Economy
Module Code	POL1090 (ITS: LG1250)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Law & Government
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

International political economy (IPE) is a subject that bridges the disciplines of economics and political science. It focuses on how and why countries integrate themselves into the global economy, and how openness and participation in the global economy affects individuals, countries, and national policies. This course introduces students to the substantive issues that IPE examines, including the politics of trade, finance, exchange, and economic development.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1D646C9C-02C8-0001-371A-FBBD1D3F45F0
2. Analyse the interaction of politics and macroeconomics in the international arena.
5. 1
6. 1D646C9C-054F-0001-199F-1F601B2DEDA0
7. Compare, contrast and evaluate contending theoretical approaches in the field of International Political Economy
10. 2
11. 1D646C9C-06C7-0001-8840-12D013801A13
12. Appraise the history of trade and international capital flows in the Atlantic economy from the late-19th century to present
15. 3
16. 1D646C9C-0978-0001-3D5E-FFF0B9701FD8
17. Describe and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of contending theoretical approaches to the study of international institutions such as the World Bank and IMF
20. 4
21. 1D646C9C-0C67-0001-1AEA-19C0180069A0
22. Evaluate the interactive relationship between domestic politics and the international economic system.
25. 5

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	No Description
Assignment Completion	35	No Description
Independent Study	68	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20951	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Michael Breen	Module Teacher	Harikrishnan Sasikumar

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Essay.	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Intro to IPE

The International Trade System

US and EU Trade Policy

The International Monetary System

Financial Crises in Developing Countries

The Global Financial Crisis

Multinational Companies and Foreign Direct Investment

Development

Debt

International Organizations

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Balaam and Veseth: 2008, Introduction to International Political Economy, Pearson, New York,
Thomas Oatley: 2009, International Political Economy: Interests and Institutions in the Global Economy, Pearson, New York,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None