Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - POL 447 D100

Theories of Global Political Economy (4)

Class Number: 2283

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the major theories of international political economy, and their application to such issues as the politics of trade, aid, monetary relations, and transnational corporations.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:

This course is designed to introduce advanced undergraduate and graduate students to classic theoretical perspectives in global political economy, including their underlying logic and assumptions; the history of their development; their strengths and weaknesses; and some practice in applying them to ongoing issues, including trade, finance, and development. Through the course, students have the opportunity to examine the politics behind economic structures and decision-making, and thereby to understand factors that constrain and guide policy decisions and opportunities for members of society, from the levels of taxation to how government manages trade relationships. The policy analysis tools that students develop are analytical, written, and oral, and will serve them in a wide variety of future professional and academic situations.

Course Organization:

This is a four hour seminar each week.

Note:  This course is combined with POL 844.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Weekly quizzes based upon the readings 15%
  • Reflection paper, 7-10 pages, 20% (Grad students, 2 essays, 10%/essay); Undergrads can split the grade between 2 essays if they wish 20%
  • Mid-term exam 25%
  • Final exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Theodore H. Cohn and Anil Hira, Global Political Economy: Theory and Practice, 9th ed. NY: Routledge, available at the SFU bookstore.


All additional material is available on Canvas under files, including a study guide designed to help you prepare for the exams.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.