SSJ20150 Political Economy & Social Justice

Academic Year 2023/2024

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to a political economy approach, focusing on the intersection between politics and economics in understanding our society. It provides students with an appreciation of the analytical methods, key concepts and theoretical frameworks of political economy. The module examines key theorists of political economy and how they have understood the nature and politics of modern capitalist economies. The module also deals with key issues in the contemporary economy, such as economic inequality and neoliberalism. The module takes a social justice perspective, emphasising issues of power and inequality in how we understand social, political and economic changes.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module students will have:

1. Ability to understand and analyse how political and economic processes work together to shape society and social justice
2. A critical understanding of different ways of theorizing capitalism as an economic system
3. Ability to understand and critically evaluate economic policies
4. An understanding of the relationship between political economy and social change

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction to Political Economy
Adam Smith and 'the market'
Karl Marx
Feminist political economy
Environment and capitalism
Neoliberalism
Populism

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

52
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
lectures; debates; active discussion 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Written assignment Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

60
Assignment: Written assignment Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

40

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual written feedback is provided for the mid-term. General feedback on the mid-term is also provided for the whole group. Individual written feedback is not provided for the final assignment.

Name Role
Mr Robert Sweeney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 15:00 - 16:50