Time Schedule:
Anthony J Gill
POL S 270
Seattle Campus
Political economy as a tool for understanding and evaluating the political world. Combines theory, methods, and insights derived from economics and political science and applies them to a range of substantive issues.
Class description
Description: This course has two sets of objectives. First, it introduces students to the use of microeconomic reasoning to understand political phenomena. In contrast with explanations that focus on culture or human psychology, some political economists see political behavior as responding to cost-benefit (incentive-based) calculations. Theoretical topics covered include rational choice theory, collective action, and game theory. We will use these theoretical tools to better understand property rights in the Wild West and economic development in Africa. In short, students will explore how the assumptions and tools of economic theory have been applied to the study of politics. Second, the course will explore how the theoretical tools discussed in the first part of the class can be applied to the case of economic development. The goal is to juxtapose the importance of economic theory for the study of politics with the importance of politics in the study of economics. .. and to have a little fun with economic analysis.
Student learning goals
Understand the basics of rational choice theory and be able to apply cost-benefit analysis to a wide range of social behavior.
Explain why buffalo nearly became extinct, but cattle didn't.
Understand why popcorn is "expensive" at movie theaters.
Leave the class wanting to tell others what you learned that day.
General method of instruction
Texts: Tommasi & Ierulli, The New Economics of Human Behavior; Winter, Trade-Offs; Anderson & Hill, The Not So Wild, Wild West; Hisrshman, Exit, Voice & Loyalty; Bates, Markets and States in Tropical Africa.
Recommended preparation
Recommended preparation: No prerequisites, but a class in microeconomics would be helpful. A willingness to attend lecture and section and have fun with economics would also be good to have.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments: Weekly in-class assignments, Mid-term Exam, Final-exam, Participation
Grading: Three Exams: 70 %; Weekly Assignments 15%; Class participation: 15 %. Grading criteria subject to change prior to the first day of class.
