Description
Objective: 1. This course aims to provide the students with an understanding of the fundamental questions and debates in the political economy of finance, and thereby provide them with the skills the analyze current policy debates in the wake of the crisis
Objective: 2. Contribute to oral and written expression skills through class discussions and written assignments.
Content: The global financial crisis that started in 2007 has put the political economy of finance in sharp relief. The near-meltdown of the global financial system not only demonstrated its connectedness and complexity, but also exposed the tensions between global market integration and the politics of regulation of these markets. The course will consist of two main parts. In the first part, students will be introduced to the nuts and bolts of the political economy of finance: Who are the main actors, what are the main policy discussions, and how do financial markets work. The second part will focus on the global financial crisis and its consequences for academic and policy debates.
Methods of Instruction
This course will utilize a combination of lectures, open discussion, and other forms of students participation (e.g. presentations). Attendance in lectures is mandatory.
Study Material
A selection of readings will be announced. Students are recommended to prepare by reading journalistic accounts of financial crisis, such as Sorkin: Too big to fail (Penguin, 2009), Lewis: The big short (Penguin 2010), or Tett: Fool’s gold (Free Press 2010).
Examination
Students will write two papers: a mid-term take home exam (mostly covering the course materials of block I) and a final essay. These two papers each compose 40% of the final grade. The remaining 20% will be examined based on class participation and assignments.
Admission requirements
N/A
Schedule
Monday 1 September unitl 20 October, 15.00-17.00 hrs in 1A12 (except 13 October will be in room 6C03)
Wednseday 3 September until 22 October, 15.00-17.00 hrs in SA23