University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Tuesday 2-4pm

This module provides a political economy perspective on conflict in a developing economy, introducing concepts and theoretical approaches of political economy and their application to situations involving conflict and violence. Economic arguments for a 'resource curse' and the explanatory binary of 'greed versus grievance' are interrogated and challenged for the absence of political, hence political economic, contextualisation and analysis. The complex network of commodities and goods traded between developed and developing economies are explored through a series of case studies and the increased securitisation of development in the twenty-first century is examined.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminar.

Scheduled learning hours: 0

Guided independent study hours: 0

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 0%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr W B Vlcek

Intended learning outcomes

• develop students' appreciation for the variety of actors (sub-state, state, non-governmental and international) involved in the political economy of a conflict zone;
• provide students with an informed understanding for the complex economic interaction among sub-state, state, non-governmental and international actors when dealing with a conflict;
• provide students with a recognition for the political economic challenges confronting development and human security;
• provide students with the skills to analyse the security and economic issues present in in a conflict zone and to formulate a reasoned policy response for them.