Political Economy
Understand the political factors affecting governments’ behaviour and policies.
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Overview
Learning outcomes
Key Topics
Schedule
Who is this Course for?
Admissions
Fees
FAQ
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Course overview
Economic outcomes crucially depend on the economic policies pursued by the governments. Understanding these policies is impossible without a proper framework for analyzing political factors affecting the behavior of governments. In the last two or three decades, a thriving research program in political economics has shown that a proper understanding of economic phenomena in both developed and developing countries requires a consideration of the political and legal institutions in which markets operate.
This course introduces the frontier of political economy. This field studies how political institutions, collective decision-making, and the distribution of power shape economic outcomes, and how economic forces in turn shape politics. The course reviews key contributions in the field of political economics, both theoretical and empirical. It illustrates the key approaches to studying democratic politics, elections, and policy choice.
Faculty
Who is this course for?
The course may be of interest to:
- PhD and Master’s students in Economics (or other social sciences) who want to further their knowledge in Political Economy
- Researchers and professionals from public institutions and policy-oriented institutions whose work would benefit from exposure to the latest advances in academic research in Political Economy
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand theoretical models of collective decision-making
- Critically assess empirical evidence related to political economy
- Analyze economic policies from the perspective of the underlying political process
- Develop skills to assess research methodologies and findings in political economy critically
Key topics for Political Economy course
Here is an outline of the topics that will be discussed during the course.
Introduction: The role of politics in economic policies
- The problem of collective decision-making
Political Accountability
- Term limits
Political Selection
Political Institutions
Political Participation
- Why do people vote?
Information
- The role of mass media
Call for Papers
Participants can present their work and receive feedback from course professors during lunchtime workshops held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week of the program.
To submit a paper, email summerschool@bse.eu with “Frontiers of Applied Economics call for papers” in the subject line by June 14. We will announce the presentation schedule once paper selection is complete.
Participants who present their work will receive an additional certificate at the end of the Summer School.
List of References
See below for a list of selected readings that may help you prepare for the course.
Books
- Acemoglu, Daron, and James Robinson. (2006) Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy, Cambridge U. Press.
- Besley, Timothy (2006) Principled Agents?: The Political Economy of Good Government, Oxford U. Press.
Why join our Summer School?
All BSE Summer courses are taught to the same high standard as our Master’s programs. Join us to:
Network with like-minded peers
Study in vibrant Barcelona
Learn from world-renowned faculty
Admissions and Requirements
Please make sure you are eligible to apply before submitting your application.
Requirements
- A strong background in Economics or a field closely related to the course topic (Statistics, Law, etc.)
- Postgraduate degree or current Master’s/PhD studies related to the course topic
- Relevant professional experience
Schedule
Here is your schedule for this edition of BSE Frontiers of Applied Economics program Political Economy course.
Credit Transfers (ECTs)
To be eligible for credit transfer, students must complete a final project.
Students will deliver a short summary of a paper one week after the summer school finishes: a critical summary of a published paper and a discussion of possible extensions, around 3-4 pages, 1.5-spaced, font size 11.
Certificate of Attendance
Participants who attend more than 80% of the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance, free of charge.
* Reduced Fee applies for PhD or Master’s students, Alumni of BSE Master’s programs, and participants who are unemployed.
FAQ
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ section.
Is accommodation included in the course fee?
Unfortunately, accommodation is not included in the course fee. Participants are responsible for finding accommodation.
Are the sessions recorded?
Sessions will NOT be recorded; However, the materials provided by the professor will be available for a month after the course has finished.
How much does each Summer School course cost?
Fees for each course may vary. Please consult each course page for accurate information.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes, BSE offers a variety of discounts on its Summer School courses. See more information about available discounts or request a personalized discount quote by email.
Can I take more than one course?
Yes! you can combine any of the Summer School courses (schedule permitting). See the full course calendar.
Credit Transfers (ECTS)
To be eligible for credit transfer, students must complete a final project.
Students will deliver a short summary of a paper one week after the summer school finishes: a critical summary of a published paper and a discussion of possible extensions, around 3-4 pages, 1.5-line spacing, font size 11.
Consult the Summer School Admissions page for more information about this option.
Are there any evening activities during the course?
Yes, a social dinner is held once a week for all participants, and it is free to attend.
Mix and match your summer courses!
Remember that you can combine this program with courses in any of the other BSE Summer School programs (schedule permitting). Maximise your learning this summer and take advantage of our multiple-course discount.
Economics. All rights reserved.
