EDS379 Global Political Economy

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Melanie Erin Sommerville

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Limits of class size:60 students

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:250 hours

Teaching and exam period: Autumn parallel

About this course

Global Political Economy (GPE, also called international political economy) considers the dynamic interplay between politics and economics at a global scale and the relations of power that underpin the processes of production, trade, consumption, distribution and accumulation. This course examines the complex interactions between economic and political phenomena across state borders and the interrelationships between states and non-state actors, markets and institutions in the global system, as well as the role of civil society actors and social movements. Pivotal issues in the contemporary global economy, such as trade, foreign direct investment, international finance and debt, the role of transnational corporations, labour and migration, and globalisation and regionalisation will be discussed as part of a historically contextualised exploration of power and global inequality.

Learning outcome

The course aims to provide students with:

  • Familiarity with and the ability to distinguish between key concepts and theories of Global Political Economy.
  • Knowledge about the political dynamics of the global economy and the capacity to give an overview of key actors, governance institutions, and processes of accumulation and distribution of wealth and resources therein.
  • Experience in analysing historical and contemporary case studies and empirical evidence by drawing on Global Political Economy approaches.
  • Opportunities to develop independent and critical thinking skills.
  • Experience formulating clear arguments that are supported with adequate evidence and logic in written and oral expression.
  • The course spans the autumn parallel and includes an integrated set of lectures and seminars.

    In lecture sessions, the course convenor and select guest lecturers will provide an overview of the weekly topic, identifying contending perspectives and situating the topic within the field of Global Political Economy.

    Seminars in turn provide opportunities for applying the knowledge gained, including through reflection on the readings, discussions, case studies, and student-led presentations on select topics related to the course.

    Students are expected to complete the required readings prior to the lecture and seminar sessions, to attend the sessions, and to participate actively in discussion and engagement exercises.

  • Office hours and procedures for the course convener will be explained at the first class meeting. A course schedule and syllabus will be made available in Canvas.
  • A relevant Bachelor degree or equivalent
  • This course has portfolio assessment with two components:

    1. A presentation delivered in one of the seminar periods (students work in small groups to complete this component).
    2. A research paper on a chosen topic of maximum 5000 words (students work individually to complete this component).

    Grades are on the A-F scale. Students must obtain a passing grade on both assignments to pass the course.



    Portfolio assessment with letter grades.
  • Both internal and external examiner will participate in the grading.
  • Completion of the components and task decribed under ‘Assessment Method’.
  • Combination of lectures and seminars
  • M-IR, M-GDS, M-IES and M-GEP