In an era dominated by discussions of globalization and seemingly inevitable policy paths, it’s crucial to critically examine the dominant economic paradigms. This module delves into the heart of these discussions, questioning the notion that liberal market capitalism is the only viable option. We will scrutinize both the mainstream political narratives that reinforce this idea and the critical political economy discourses that advocate for radical alternatives.
This module is designed to unravel the complex interplay of discourses that shape and solidify liberal-market capitalism. We aim to explore the nuances of identifying what constitutes “capitalist” and “alternative” forms of socio-political and economic relations. Through critical analysis, we will investigate the processes driving the transformation of these relationships and introduce a range of real-world and theoretical alternatives to capitalism.
Module Aims
This course is structured to equip you with the skills and knowledge to:
- Challenge the “No Alternative” Argument: Critically analyze claims that liberal market capitalism is the only possible economic system.
- Evaluate Critiques and Alternatives: Thoroughly examine critiques of liberal market capitalism and assess the viability and desirability of proposed alternatives.
- Understand Transformation Theories: Develop a strong understanding of diverse theories explaining social, political, and economic transformation.
- Analyze Real-World Examples: Investigate practical examples of alternative capitalist and non-capitalist forms of social and economic organization.
- Enhance Academic Skills: Refine your research, academic writing, and presentation abilities.
Indicative Syllabus
Please note that the topics below are indicative and may be subject to change. The module will likely cover:
- Introduction: Setting the stage for critical inquiry into capitalism and its alternatives.
- Critique and Capitalist Hegemony: Examining how dominant ideologies reinforce capitalist structures.
- Theories of Transformation: Exploring theoretical frameworks for understanding societal change.
- Utopian Socialism: Analyzing historical and contemporary utopian socialist thought.
- Technological Change and Post-Capitalism: Investigating the potential of technology to reshape economic systems beyond capitalism.
- READING WEEK: Dedicated time for in-depth reading and reflection.
- Workers’ Cooperatives and Mondragon: Studying successful examples of worker-owned enterprises and cooperative models like Mondragon.
- Zapatista: Analyzing the Zapatista movement and its alternative socio-economic practices.
- The Right to the City: Exploring urban movements and concepts related to reclaiming urban spaces and challenging capitalist urban development.
- Humanising Capitalism: Kalecki, Post-Keynesianism and Social Democracy: Discussing reformist approaches to mitigate the negative aspects of capitalism through social democratic policies and post-Keynesian economics.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Critically Evaluate Capitalist Alternatives: Engage critically with the widespread belief that there are no viable alternatives to liberal market capitalism.
- Assess Critiques and Merits: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different critiques of liberal market capitalism and its proposed alternatives.
- Compare Transformation Theories: Critically assess the value and limitations of various theories of social, political, and economic transformation.
- Demonstrate Empirical Knowledge: Possess a comprehensive understanding of diverse alternative capitalist and non-capitalist forms of social and economic organization through real-world examples.
- Develop Research and Communication Skills: Significantly improve your research, essay writing, and presentation skills, essential for academic and professional success.
Subject Specific and Transferable Skills
This module will enable you to refine the following crucial skills:
- Critical Scrutiny: Sharpen your ability to critically examine claims and assumptions, particularly regarding economic systems.
- Analytical Thinking: Enhance your analytical skills to dissect complex arguments and theories related to capitalism and its alternatives.
- Theoretical Understanding: Develop a robust understanding of social, political, and economic theories.
- Empirical Analysis: Gain experience in analyzing real-world examples of different economic and social organizations.
- Communication Proficiency: Improve your written and oral communication skills through essays and seminar presentations.
- Reading Comprehension: Develop advanced reading comprehension through engagement with core academic texts.
- Academic Writing: Master analytical writing skills necessary for producing high-quality essays.
- Presentation Skills: Build confidence and competence in delivering effective presentations.
- Group Work and Discussion: Enhance your collaborative skills through active participation in seminar discussions.
Study Time and Assessment
The module involves a total of 150 hours of study time, broken down as follows:
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Private study | 132 hours (88%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study time is allocated for seminar readings and preparing formative essays.
Assessment:
- 2500 word essay (100%): The primary assessment for this module is a 2500-word essay, allowing you to delve deeply into a chosen topic related to the module’s content.
Feedback on your essay will be provided through a PAIS feedback form to help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
This module is an excellent option for students in:
- Year 2 of UECA-LM1D Undergraduate Economics, Politics and International Studies
- Year 2 of UPOA-M100 Undergraduate Politics
- Year 2 of UPOA-M16A Undergraduate Politics and International Studies
- Year 2 of UPOA-M169 Undergraduate Politics and International Studies with Chinese (3 year)
- Year 2 of UPOA-M164 Undergraduate Politics, International Studies and German
- Year 2 of UPOA-M162 Undergraduate Politics, International Studies and Quantitative Methods
- Year 2 & 3 of UPOA-M168 Undergraduate Politics and International Studies with Chinese
- Year 2 of UPOA-ML13 Undergraduate Politics and Sociology
- Year 2 & 3 of UPOA-M163 Undergraduate Politics, International Studies and French
- Year 2 & 3 of UPOA-M164 Undergraduate Politics, International Studies and German
- Year 2 & 3 of UPOA-M166 Undergraduate Politics, International Studies and Hispanic Studies
- Year 2 & 3 of UPOA-M165 Undergraduate Politics, International Studies and Italian
- Year 2 of UHIA-VM11 Undergraduate History and Politics
