SPE101. An Introduction to political economy and economics
This highly popular ten week course (about to enters its 14th iteration) will help you understand, and evaluate, the diverse ideas that exist in political economy and economics. This course offers a pluralist introduction to economics in that it introduces nine (9) schools of thought, each of which offers a unique and distinctive illumination of economic and social reality. This is an introductory subject so no previous study of political economy or economics is required.
SPE104. INtermediate Political Economy
This ten-week course looks at both particular schools of political economy and particular topics within political economy. This subject builds on the subject SPE101 Introduction to Political Economy (which is a pre-requisite for this subject – unless you have some prior background in political and economics).
SPE103. Comparative economic systems
This ten week course is designed for people who have already completed SPE101 An Introduction to Political Economy or alternatively have undertaken some prior studies in political economy or economics.
The first section of the course introduces the theory and concepts of comparative economics. The focus then turn to examining different types of economic systems, including social-democratic (welfare state) capitalism, neoliberal capitalism, command socialism, market socialism and local self-governance systems. Applied case studies include Sweden, Yugoslavia, China and Australia. The final section of the subject looks at both capitalist and socialist economic systems might best adapt themselves to the lessons of the past, and also better respond to the environmental, economic and social challenges of the present.
SPE 102. Evolution of the World Economy
Learn about major changes to the world economy from the emergence of capitalism up the present and in the process be introduced to some of major ideas, concepts and debates in political economy and economics. This ten-week course covers the emergence of capitalism, first and second world wars, the Great Depression, the rise and fall of the USSR, the long boom (1950-73), the stagflation of the mid to late 1970s, the rise of neoliberalism (70’s, 80’s to the present), the rise of Japan, underdevelopment in the Global South, and the Global Financial Crisis.