We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Richard Thomas Griffiths
This course is part of the SDG initiative
Read more
This course is part of the SDG initiative
Read more
This course is part of the SDG initiative
In today’s world, politics and economics are interconnected, but what is the nature of this connectivity? What are the power relationships that shape the world economy today and create new challenges for international institutions facing globalization? What makes some countries wealthier than others? Do we face cultural diversity or fragmentation? Does the type of governance effect economic development and social change or is it the other way around? How do we measure it and how trustworthy is the data? These issues and many more will be examined in this course along with a wide library of sources and a biting criticism.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/1uc1ql/political
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction into this course
Welcome to this course! Here we present the instructor and his team, what we will do in the upcoming modules, and what is exactly Political Economy. You play an important role in this module.
We would also like to hear who you are and what are your expectations from this course. Don't forget to read before that our academic standards and tips and tricks that will help you succeed in this course. Good luck!
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction into this course
Welcome to this course! Here we present the instructor and his team, what we will do in the upcoming modules, and what is exactly Political Economy. You play an important role in this module.
We would also like to hear who you are and what are your expectations from this course. Don't forget to read before that our academic standards and tips and tricks that will help you succeed in this course. Good luck!
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Political Economy is taught by Richard Thomas Griffiths, who has 20 years experience working in the field
Explores the intersection of politics and economics to understand global issues and challenges
Covers a wide range of topics, including trust, inequality, governance, development, globalization and more
Provides a strong foundation for students interested in international relations, global governance, and development studies
Draws upon a variety of sources and includes a critical examination of the issues discussed
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Political economy of development overview
According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the core concepts of political economy as they relate to development. Many appreciate the depth of the topics covered, including governance, inequality, globalization, and the role of institutions and international organizations. Reviewers frequently highlight the instructor's expertise and engaging lecture style as major strengths. Some mention the readings are comprehensive, though the workload can be significant, especially for those new to the subject. The course seems particularly valuable for gaining a broad perspective and understanding the interconnections between politics and economics in development.
Essential readings complement lectures but require effort.
"Lectures provide the framework, but the readings are crucial for deeper understanding."
"Don't skip the readings; they are necessary to get the full picture."
"The combination of lectures and readings works well, though the reading list is long."
"Accessing and going through all the readings is a significant part of the course."
Offers valuable perspective on global development issues.
"The course provides a crucial perspective on why some nations develop differently."
"It really helps connect abstract concepts to real-world development challenges."
"Understanding the institutional perspective offered here is very insightful."
"I gained valuable insights into the role of governance and institutions in shaping development trajectories."
Excellent for grasping fundamental political economy concepts.
"This course gave me a really strong foundation in understanding the link between politics and economic outcomes."
"It provides a very good starting point for anyone interested in the political economy of development."
"I feel I have a much better understanding of the core concepts after taking this course."
"Great for building a solid understanding of the basic theories and frameworks."
Comprehensive coverage of key political economy topics.
"The course delves into a wide range of critical issues in political economy and development."
"I found the topics covered to be quite comprehensive, giving a good overview of the field."
"It explores complex issues like trust, governance, and globalization with sufficient depth for an introductory course."
"The course syllabus covers all the important issues regarding institutions and development."
Professor's lectures are engaging and insightful.
"The lectures by the professor are extremely insightful and easy to follow."
"Professor's lectures are well structured and delivered, making complex topics accessible."
"I enjoyed the professor's teaching style very much."
"The instructor is clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, which comes through in the videos."
Requires significant time commitment for readings.
"Be prepared for a substantial amount of reading if you want to fully grasp the material."
"The readings were sometimes heavy, adding to the overall workload."
"While the lectures are good, the readings are essential but can be quite time-consuming."
"I spent a lot of time on the required readings, which are extensive."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Political Economy of Institutions and Development with these
activities:
Seek Mentorship from Economic Professionals
Show steps
Connect with experts in the field to gain valuable insights and guidance.
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors
-
Reach out and introduce yourself
-
Set up regular meetings or communication channels
-
Seek advice and support on course-related topics
Brush up on Data Manipulation Skills
Show steps
Refresh your data manipulation skills to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Data Manipulation
Show steps
-
Review basic data structures and algorithms
-
Practice data cleaning and preparation techniques
-
Experiment with different data visualization tools
Follow Tutorials on Economic Modeling
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of economic models and their applications.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online tutorials
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step
-
Apply the models to real-world economic scenarios
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The World Economy' by Robert Gilpin
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of politics and economics on a global scale.
View
The Political Economy of International Relations
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read and summarize each chapter
-
Identify key concepts and theories
-
Discuss the book's relevance to the course material
Engage in Peer Review of Economic Analyses
Show steps
Refine your critical thinking and analytical skills through peer feedback.
Show steps
-
Form peer review groups
-
Exchange economic analyses
-
Provide constructive feedback on methodology, data analysis, and conclusions
Solve Economic Development Case Studies
Show steps
Engage in real-world scenarios to reinforce your understanding of economic development concepts.
Show steps
-
Analyze economic data and trends
-
Develop and evaluate economic development strategies
-
Present your findings and recommendations
Build a Dashboard to Track Economic Indicators
Show steps
Develop your data visualization skills and gain insights from economic data.
Show steps
-
Choose relevant economic indicators
-
Collect and clean the data
-
Select a data visualization tool
-
Design and implement the dashboard
-
Interpret the data and draw conclusions
Design an Economic Development Plan
Show steps
Demonstrate your comprehension of economic development principles by creating a comprehensive plan.
Show steps
-
Identify economic development goals and objectives
-
Conduct a needs assessment and SWOT analysis
-
Develop strategies and action steps
-
Create a budget and timeline
-
Present your plan to stakeholders
Seek Mentorship from Economic Professionals
Show steps
Connect with experts in the field to gain valuable insights and guidance.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors
- Reach out and introduce yourself
- Set up regular meetings or communication channels
- Seek advice and support on course-related topics
Brush up on Data Manipulation Skills
Show steps
Refresh your data manipulation skills to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Data Manipulation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic data structures and algorithms
- Practice data cleaning and preparation techniques
- Experiment with different data visualization tools
Follow Tutorials on Economic Modeling
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of economic models and their applications.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online tutorials
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step
- Apply the models to real-world economic scenarios
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The World Economy' by Robert Gilpin
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of politics and economics on a global scale.
View
The Political Economy of International Relations
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and summarize each chapter
- Identify key concepts and theories
- Discuss the book's relevance to the course material
Engage in Peer Review of Economic Analyses
Show steps
Refine your critical thinking and analytical skills through peer feedback.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form peer review groups
- Exchange economic analyses
- Provide constructive feedback on methodology, data analysis, and conclusions
Solve Economic Development Case Studies
Show steps
Engage in real-world scenarios to reinforce your understanding of economic development concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Analyze economic data and trends
- Develop and evaluate economic development strategies
- Present your findings and recommendations
Build a Dashboard to Track Economic Indicators
Show steps
Develop your data visualization skills and gain insights from economic data.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose relevant economic indicators
- Collect and clean the data
- Select a data visualization tool
- Design and implement the dashboard
- Interpret the data and draw conclusions
Design an Economic Development Plan
Show steps
Demonstrate your comprehension of economic development principles by creating a comprehensive plan.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify economic development goals and objectives
- Conduct a needs assessment and SWOT analysis
- Develop strategies and action steps
- Create a budget and timeline
- Present your plan to stakeholders
Career center
Learners who complete Political Economy of Institutions and Development will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study human society and behavior. They use their knowledge to analyze social trends and make predictions about the future. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Sociologist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Sociologists who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study political systems and processes. They use their knowledge to analyze political trends and make predictions about the future. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Political Scientist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Political Scientists who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Historian
Historian
Historians study the past to understand the present. They use their knowledge to analyze historical trends and make predictions about the future. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Historian because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Historians who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. They use their knowledge to analyze cultural trends and make predictions about the future. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as an Anthropologist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Anthropologists who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They may specialize in a particular area, such as corporate law, criminal law, or family law. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Lawyer because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Lawyers who want to work on cases related to these issues.
Economist
Economist
Economists study how people produce, distribute, and consume goods and services. They use their knowledge to analyze economic trends and make predictions about the future. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as an Economist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Economists who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Professor
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They may specialize in a particular area, such as political science, economics, or sociology. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Professor because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Professors who want to teach and research these topics.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and produce news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. They may specialize in a particular area, such as politics, economics, or sports. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Journalist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Journalists who want to report on these issues.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. They may specialize in a particular area, such as management consulting, financial consulting, or information technology consulting. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Consultant because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Consultants who want to work on projects related to these issues.
Research Analyst
Research Analyst
Research Analysts conduct research and analyze data to provide insights to businesses and organizations. They may specialize in a particular area, such as market research, financial research, or data science. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Research Analyst because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Research Analysts who want to work on projects related to these issues.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate nonprofit programs. They work with staff, volunteers, and community partners to achieve the organization's goals. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Nonprofit Program Manager because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Nonprofit Program Managers who want to work on programs related to these issues.
International Relations Analyst
International Relations Analyst
International Relations Analysts research and analyze international relations issues. They use their findings to make recommendations to policymakers and international organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as an International Relations Analyst because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for International Relations Analysts who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Development Economist
Development Economist
Development Economists research and analyze economic development issues. They use their findings to make recommendations to policymakers and development organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Development Economist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Development Economists who want to work on projects related to these issues.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate public policies. They use their findings to make recommendations to policymakers. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Policy Analyst because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Policy Analysts who want to work on policies related to these issues.
Writer
Writer
Writers create content for various media, including websites, magazines, newspapers, and books. They may specialize in a particular type of writing, such as technical writing, copywriting, or journalism. This course may be helpful for those who want to pursue a career as a Writer because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Writers who want to write about these topics or who want to work for organizations that focus on these issues.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1uc1ql/political
Reading list
We've selected 39 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Political Economy of Institutions and Development.
Save
Explores the historical and institutional factors that have led to the success or failure of different countries. It must-read for anyone interested in understanding the political economy of development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of institutions in economic development. It covers a wide range of topics, including the role of property rights, contracts, and trust in economic growth.
Provides an overview of the major theoretical perspectives on institutions and economic development, with a particular focus on the role of governance in promoting growth and reducing poverty. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the theoretical foundations of the course.
Examines the challenges facing capitalism in the 21st century. It must-read for anyone interested in the political economy of the global economy.
This classic work of economic development theory provides a framework for understanding the process of economic growth. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the political economy of development.
Examines the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization. It must-read for anyone interested in the political economy of the global economy.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the political economy, covering a wide range of topics from economic growth and development to inequality and political institutions. It valuable resource for students and scholars alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of political economy, with a particular focus on the role of institutions in shaping economic outcomes. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the latest research in political economy.
Examines the impact of information technology on the global economy. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the political economy of the global economy.
Introduces a new approach to thinking about development. Sen argues that development should focus on expanding people's freedom and capabilities.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and solutions to poverty. It must-read for anyone interested in the political economy of development.
Examines the moral and political foundations of capitalism. It must-read for anyone interested in the political economy of capitalism.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the causes of poverty and offers a plan for ending it. Sachs argues that poverty is not inevitable and that it can be overcome through economic growth and development.
Examines the impact of globalization on cultural and political values. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the political economy of globalization.
This classic work of economics provides a foundational understanding of the principles of political economy. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of economic thought.
Challenges some of the common assumptions about capitalism. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the political economy of capitalism.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethics of aid. It covers a wide range of topics, including the moral obligations of wealthy countries to help poor countries, the effectiveness of aid, and the challenges of giving aid in a way that is respectful of the dignity of the recipients.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the global economy in the 21st century. It must-read for anyone interested in the political economy of the global economy.
Argues that the world is entering a new era of conflict between civilizations. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the political economy of globalization.
Explores the role of trust in economic development. It argues that trust key ingredient for economic growth and that it can be created through a variety of mechanisms, including social norms, institutions, and culture.
Discusses methods for how to rebuild and fix failing states around the world.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world's economy and development. It includes data on a wide range of topics, including population, GDP, poverty, and health.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world's human development. It includes data on a wide range of topics, including life expectancy, education, and income.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world's competitiveness. It includes data on a wide range of topics, including infrastructure, education, and health.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world's inequality. It includes data on a wide range of topics, including income, wealth, and education.
Leading textbook on the economics of development. It provides a clear and concise introduction to the key concepts and theories of development economics.
Explores the relationship between institutions and economic development. It argues that institutions are essential for economic growth and that their quality is determined by a country's history and culture.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the political economy of development. It covers a wide range of topics, including economic growth, inequality, poverty, and the environment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economics of poverty. It covers a wide range of topics, including the causes of poverty, the impact of poverty on individuals and societies, and the policies that can be used to reduce poverty.
Classic work of economics that provides a framework for understanding the role of institutions in economic development. It argues that institutions are essential for creating a stable and prosperous economy.
Save
Provides a critical analysis of the global political economy. It argues that the global system is characterized by power and inequality and that this has a significant impact on the lives of people in developing countries.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the global political economy. It covers topics such as globalization, international trade, and finance.
Argues that the lack of property rights major obstacle to economic development. It provides a case study of Peru to illustrate the importance of property rights for economic growth.
Argues that the world is divided into different civilizations and that these civilizations are in conflict with each other. It provides a political perspective on the role of institutions in economic development.
Argues that the end of the Cold War has marked the end of history and that the world is now entering a new era of peace and prosperity. It provides a philosophical perspective on the role of institutions in economic development.
Save
Argues that the Industrial Revolution was not a uniquely European phenomenon. It provides a historical perspective on the role of institutions in economic development.
Save
Argues that the key to economic development is the creation of institutions that protect property rights and promote economic freedom. It provides a historical perspective on the role of institutions in economic development.
Argues that the world is facing a number of global challenges, including war, climate change, and economic inequality. It provides a policy perspective on the role of institutions in addressing these challenges.
Argues that the world is entering a new era of technological change that will have a profound impact on the economy. It provides a policy perspective on the role of institutions in preparing for this change.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1uc1ql/political
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Effort
6-8 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Universiteit Leiden
Instructor
Richard Thomas Griffiths
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser