International Political Economy
Advisers — Professors HENDRICKSON, KAPURIA-FOREMAN; Associate Professors GOULD, LYBECKER; Assistant Professor KHRAICHE
THE MAJOR — REQUIREMENTS:
The major in international political economy prepares students for careers in government, international organizations, international business, or private foundations; for further study in international economics and politics; and for constructive citizenship in a world of increasing interdependence. The major is designed for students with broad interests in international studies.
The major focuses on the interaction between politics and economics in comparative politics and international settings. It examines the possibilities and constraints furnished by social structures, institutions, ideologies, and culture within and across societies, and it looks at the interplay of economic and political forces in the world arena.
Students are introduced to the field in their junior year when they take Introduction to International Political Economy, a course emphasizing theoretical foundations. They draw upon this body of theory as they undertake a research experience during the senior year.
A student majoring in international political economy must complete a minimum of 16 units of credit, including the following requirements:
- At least five units of credit in political science, including one theory course (PS205, 270, 292, or 298) AND PS209 or 225. Either PS209 or 225 can be counted towards the IPE major, but not both. The remaining units must come from the comparative and international relations subfields, including at least one unit from each. Students may take a maximum of one pre-approved elective from outside the political science department;
- At least four units of credit in economics and MA125 or 126, EC150 (or 151 and 152), 207 or 209, and 342 or 344. While not required for the IPE major it is highly recommended that majors include some of the following 300-level courses in their course of study as well: EC334, 337, 390 (some topics; e.g., Global Environmental Economics), or EC391 (some topics);
- Demonstrate second-year college proficiency in a modern foreign language or earn at least three units of credit from an approved program of studies outside the United States;
- EC/PS375 (normally taken in the junior year);
- Statistics (EC200, MA117 or BY220);
- Capstone Research Experience — student must complete one of the following: PS470 (or 410 or 412), EC498, or PS450.
Whatever the choice of research experience, students must present their projects to their peers and discuss the research of fellow majors.