| Unit name | Governance, Institutions and the Global Political Economy (PPA) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOLM0070 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Kennett |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit explores some of the key debates in relation to globalisation, governance and the global political economy. It will consider the implications of the changing global political economy for the integrity and autonomy of the nation state and the policy process. As international activity increases does the nation state lose influence or authority? To what extent is power dissipating both upwards (via supranational organisations) and downwards (via decentralisation) and thus ‘hollowing out’ the nation state? This unit will explore these debates paying particular attention to the variable geometry of power among nation states; the tension between ‘geographical space’ and the space of financial flows and global networks; the relationship between supranational and national institutions in the setting of policy agenda: the role and status of international non-governmental organisations and new social movements within international and global policy making; and discourses, theories and policy frameworks for less-developed countries.
The unit will consider the range of approaches to understanding the new institutional structure and patterns of decision-making emerging in this global age. It will focus on the concept of `governance’, consider the various interpretations of and theoretical approaches to the term, and its usefulness for understanding the policy process.
On completion of this unit a student should:
The unit will be delivered through a combination of asynchronous content for students to engage with and complete in their own time, and synchronous (live) online seminar sessions in which students will work in small groups to discuss key topics and complete prepared exercises.
Asynchronous content will present students with course materials related to weekly topics, and will be in the form of recorded presentations, as well as key readings, infographics, notes, video materials and/or self-directed exercises.
One hour per week synchronous (live) seminar sessions will give students the opportunity to develop their ideas in collaboration with other students in the programme. Students may be asked to work in small groups in seminars or in preparation for seminar activities such as group presentations.
Students will complete two formative assessments for this unit, as well as the following summative assessments:
Thematic annotated bibliography (1,500 words) (30%)
This assessment covers ILOs 3&4.
Policy Brief (2,500 words) (70%)
This assessment covers ILOs 1-5.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SPOLM0070).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
