Program Overview

The political economy minor embraces one of the world's major interdisciplinary perspectives on human phenomena. This perspective emphasizes the dynamic interaction between, and critical influence of, political and economic forces on individuals, cultures, societies, markets, states, and the global system. The intellectual reach of political economy is illustrated by the fact that the minor includes courses drawn from anthropology, communication, economics, gender studies, history, international affairs, philosophy, political science, sociology, and teacher education.

To earn a minor in political economy, students must complete five courses: two core classes and three electives. The core classes, chosen from economics and international affairs, introduce students to various theories of political economy and examine their application to significant national and international patterns and developments. The elective courses fall into three concentrations: Global courses, Regional courses, and Social and Cultural courses. Many of these electives go beyond the material bases of power to examine how ideas, culture, discourse, gender, race, and identity can affect and interact with political and economic forces to structure varied social environments. Underlying all these courses is the premise that power-be it state-power, business-power, collective-power, or individual-power-is primarily shaped by, and operates through, political and economic systems.

Potential employers and graduate programs increasingly seek liberal arts majors who have strong analytical skills and knowledge of contemporary events; a political economy minor offers evidence of such preparation. Reflecting the sponsoring faculty's broad array of training and interests, the minor highlights a wide range of topics and applications. Examples include the connections between economic systems and political power in structuring production relations at the shop-floor, national, and international level; the relationship between governments and markets in determining national development; the relationship among gender, race, and class and an individual's position in society; the ways in which environmental issues are shaped by economic institutions; the influence of state power on the global economy; and the role of social movements in promoting economic change.

Students may enhance almost any major through the addition of a minor in political economy. Students interested in the minor are encouraged to take one of the core classes in their sophomore year. Application for admission to the minor is made in consultation with one of the program's sponsoring faculty after the student has successfully completed one of the core courses.