Outline

Overview

This is an advanced unit in the theoretical foundations of political economy which extends and deepens your knowledge gained from ECOP3911 and complements your studies in ECOP4012. You will interrogate the main schools of critical scholarship, and how they can be deployed in our research practice to illuminate and advance new understandings of contemporary issues in political economy. This will assist your choice of the theoretical framework for your Honours thesis, and inform your knowledge of appropriate application of methodologies as you construct the research project for this thesis.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	ECOP4011
Academic unit	Political Economy
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Beggs, michael.beggs@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Michael Beggs, michael.beggs@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Online task	Learning journal Written form	10%	Multiple weeks	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Seminar paper Written form	15%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Apr 2024 at 23:59	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Research essay Written form.	50%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2024 at 23:59	3000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Seminar leadership Oral presentation form.	25%	Weekly	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Seminar leadership and 10-15 minute presentation (25%):

In one seminar, present an overview and response to the readings, raising at least three questions for the class. Then facilitate class discussion.

Submit a 1000-word write-up of your presentation, due two weeks after. Feel free to revise your position from the oral version and draw on things raised in class. You are not expected to do research beyond the week's set readings for the presentation or write-up. But please cite anything you draw on, including the readings.

The seminar presentation and leadership will be assessed according to:

The clarity and insight of the introductory overview;
Clarity and relevance of the design of key questions; and
Skill in leading and guiding group discussion.

Learning Journal (10%):

Submit a total of 2 x 500 word papers for any two seminars. These must be for different weeks than your Seminar Leadership presentation.

Learning journal entries are due online before class on the day of the seminar. Your paper should provide a critical response to  the week’s seminar focus. Additional research beyond the set readings is not required. A single mark for both seminar papers will be awarded at the end of semester.

Seminar paper (15%):

Submit a 1,000 word essay online by 23:59 on Friday 12 April.

This will relate to material covered in a seminar in the first half of semester. Questions can be found on Canvas.

Research or long-form essay (50%):

Submit a 3,000 word essay online by 23:59 on Friday 24 May.

Questions can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Written work demonstrates initiative and ingenuity in research and reading, pointed and critical analysis of material, innovative interpretation of evidence, makes an insightful contribution to debate, engages with values, assumptions and contested meanings contained within original evidence, develops abstract or theoretical arguments on the strength of detailed research and interpretation. Properly documented; writing characterised by creativity, style, and precision.
Distinction	75 - 84	Written work demonstrates initiative in research and reading, complex understanding and original analysis of subject matter and its context, both empirical and theoretical; makes good attempt to ‘get behind’ the evidence and engage with its underlying assumptions, takes a critical, interrogative stance in relation to argument and interpretation, shows critical understanding of the principles and values underlying the unit. Properly documented; writing characterised by style, clarity, and some creativity.
Credit	65 - 74	Higher Credit: Evidence of extensive reading and initiative in research, sound grasp of subject matter and appreciation of key issues and context. Engages critically and creatively with the question, and attempts an analytical evaluation of material. Makes a good attempt to critique various interpretations, and offers a pointed and thoughtful contribution to an existing debate. Some evidence of ability to think theoretically as well as empirically, and to conceptualise and problematise issues. Well written and documented. Lower Credit: Written work contains evidence of comprehensive reading, offers synthesis and critical evaluation of material on its own terms, takes a position in relation to various interpretations. In addition, it shows some extra spark of insight or analysis. Demonstrates understanding of broad historical significance, good selection of evidence, coherent and sustainable argument, some evidence of independent thought.
Pass	50 - 64	Higher Pass: Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading and research, and demonstrates a reasonable understanding of subject matter. Offers a synthesis of relevant material and shows a genuine effort to avoid paraphrasing, has a logical and comprehensible structure and acceptable documentation, and attempts to mount an argument, though there may be weaknesses in particular areas. Lower Pass: Written work contains evidence of minimal reading and some understanding of subject matter, offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question, but may have a tendency to paraphrase; makes a reasonable attempt to organise material logically and comprehensibly and to provide scholarly documentation. There may be gaps in any or all of these areas.
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: unacceptable levels of paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; presentation, grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; submitted very late without extension.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction: What's wrong with capitalism? What's right with capitalism?	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Socialist calculation debate I: Calculation in kind, calculation in money	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Socialist calculation debate II: Lange's jiu-jitsu - shadow prices and central planning	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Really existing socialism: how did Soviet planning fare?	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Socialist calculation debate III: Hayek's rejoinder - information and incentives	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Market socialism: a contradiction in terms?	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	Socialism, capitalism and the household	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Workplace democracy: prospects and problems	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	Ecological debates: degrowth or decoupling?	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	The good life: more stuff or more leisure?	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Socialist finance	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	State, market and community	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	Looking backward, looking forward	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please see Canvas for the required readings each week.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand theories in political economy that are integral to the study of capitalism
LO2. demonstrate a capacity to critically reflect on and evaluate these debates
LO3. apply key conceptual ideas to analyse the political economy of inequality
LO4. participate in all aspects of the unit of study including class presentations and discussions and independent study
LO5. write original and well-researched pieces of work in which you articulate your own unique position and effectively argue your case.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit is being taught on a new topic for the first time.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

ECOP4011: Advanced Theory in Political Economy

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect