International Political Economy
The International Political Economy (IPE) major investigates the intersection between economics and politics in the global environment. It encourages the integrated analysis of global problems and issues using the tools and methods of political studies and economics.
Learning Outcomes
Students undertaking the IPE major are expected to:
- Gain an appreciation for competing theoretical perspectives;
- Learn to consider the multiple and overlapping economic and political linkages between and among global actors;
- Learn to engage in critical and creative thinking;
- Master the application of different methodological tools to analysis of IPE issues;
- Gain field experience abroad; and
- Apply these tools and develop expertise through senior year research on a particular IPE problem or issue.
Pitzer Advisers: G. Herrera, W. Barndt, M. Bizuneh, L. Tongun.
Major Requirements
Thirteen courses are required for the major in International Political Economy. Students are also required to undertake some form of international field research or internship. All Pitzer Study Abroad programs and most exchanges provide such opportunities. Students may not major in International Relations at CMC as this field is equivalent to International Political Economy.
Required Courses
Introductory Courses(4)
ECON 051 PZ -Principles of Macroeconomics
ECON 052 PZ -Principles of Microeconomics
POST 030 PZ -Intro to Comparative Politics
POST 040 PZ -International Politics
Upper-Level Courses (4)
Elective Courses (5)
Five elective courses selected from the following list. Appropriate courses at Pitzer or the other Claremont Colleges not on the list may be substituted in consultation with your adviser. The five courses must include at least two courses in Economics and at least two courses in Political Studies. Additionally, at least one course labeled A (or other appropriate course studying low- and/or middle-income country/ies) and one course labeled B (or other appropriate course studying high-income country/ies) must be included. The two economics electives must be taken within the Claremont Colleges consortium.
In addition to required courses IPE majors are recommended to take (a) a course in world history and (b) an area focused course (such as CGS 125 PZ -African Politics ) where relevant.
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