Foundations of Political Economy

Are you seeking to grasp the fundamental forces shaping our world? This course provides a clear, text-based introduction to the core concepts of political economy. You will gain a solid understanding of how different social science perspectives analyze the complex relationships between the state, economic systems, and societal structures. By engaging with key theoretical traditions, you'll build a robust framework for analyzing social and economic phenomena. What you'll learn: * Understand foundational social science paradigms for analyzing state, economy, and society. * Explore core assumptions of political liberalism, neo-classical economics, and Marxism. * Analyze sociological, cultural, and neo-institutionalist theories. * Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate research and social structures. * Grasp the foundational concepts that underpin our understanding of the social world. * Practice applying theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios through written exercises. This course begins with essential definitions and progresses through major theoretical schools of thought, equipping you with a comprehensive understanding of political economy's core principles. Designed for beginners with no prior knowledge required, this text-based program offers a clear path to mastering foundational concepts. Start your journey into understanding the forces that shape our world today.