Foundations of Political Economy

Course Number: 84-110

Political Economics studies the interplay between economics and politics. Politicians, for example, may deviate from welfare-maximizing policies due to political pressures. Conversely, the economic and political consequences of policy decisions can shape the choices of future governments. The course will provide a broad, accessible introduction to the key issues in micro and macroeconomics, international economics, and financial markets, emphasizing those most valuable to understanding the interaction of politics and economics. The course will examine core economic concepts to illuminate how economies work, what constraints governments face, and what the welfare implications are of policy choices. From there, the course will incorporate the effect of political actors on economic policy decision-making and outcomes. The institutional configurations within countries can fundamentally affect the economic and political decisions available to actors. The course will analyze the various institutional settings and their effects on economic policy-making and outcomes. The course will explore the relationship between politics and economics by examining monetary policy and central banking, economic crises, the international factors influencing the implementation of domestic policies, and political influences on economic integration.

Academic Year: 2023-2024
Semester(s): Spring
Units: 9
Location(s): Pittsburgh