Module description
This module aims to introduce students to the political science concepts, theories, and methods used to understand how these disciplines explain international development in the emerging economies. Students will be exposed to the foundations of classical political philosophy and democratization theory, while also learning the foundational knowledge of capitalism, modernity and social change from classical and contemporary scholars, in turn providing students with a sound basis for studying further core and optional modules.
Throughout the module, students will gain an understanding of the different trends of development, policy reform and outcomes throughout the emerging regions, and how approaching development issues from political analytical frameworks can strengthen their understanding of development issues and challenges in the emerging economies.
Assessment details
Semester 1:
Semester 2:
- 1,500 Word Essay (25%)
- 2 Hour Examination (50%)
Educational aims & objectives
This module aims to introduce students to:
- The debates about the extent of economic development and global power that the emergence of the 'emerging economies' may represent.
- Political economy background of key countries and regions.
- Critical perspectives on development via comparative assessment of the largest emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India and China).
- Critical perspectives on development via comparative assessment of the largest emerging economies in Latin America, including Argentina, Chile, and Mexico.
- Critical perspectives on development via comparative assessment of the largest emerging economies in Africa, including South Africa, Senegal, and Ghana.
- Critical perspectives on development via comparative assessment of the largest emerging economies in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as 'earlier' emerging economies of Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have developed:
- Understanding of the concept of emerging economies and alternative ways to define and measure it.
- Critical skills in concept formation, classification, and measurement and role of concepts to social science explanation.
- Understanding of the variations in experience, socio - economic profiles, and political systems across regions and within them.
- An awareness of the historical background of emerging economies and an appreciation of the way historical paths shape modern contexts.
- Understanding about approaching case study research and comparative research and have developed skills in how to structure analysis of a single case or small set of cases in order to produce or support social scientific claims.
Teaching pattern
20 x 2 hr lecture
20 x 1 hr seminar