Advanced Economics of Politics

Module description

This course examines public policy formation, political processes and political institutions from a rational choice (RC) perspective. A one semester course cannot offer a comprehensive treatment of the complex working of political systems. The emphasis is on introducing some key formal models to simplify and analyse broad classes of situations. Students are not only expected to be familiar with these models but also to be able to use them to solve problems of a technical nature. At the same time, empirical testing of formal models will be part of our approach to political economy. We will focus on the rational choice literature on collective action, voting, elections, interest groups, legislative organization and bargaining, political agency and bureaucracies, electoral institutions and their effect on political competition.

Assessment details

Participation

4 Problem Sets

2 hour exam

Educational aims & objectives

• Apply the economics tool-kit to study problems that are on the border of two disciplines; economics and politics. • Expose students to the formal, rational-choice based way of approaching problems in political science and economics, • Familiarise them with existing literature and prepare them for pursuing a higher degree in quantitative political science or economics. • Familiarise them with modern mathematical tools that are used currently by economists and formal/quantitative political scientists.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module students will be comfortable in understanding the workings of formal (game-theoretic) models in political science, apply them and acquire a rigorous understanding of how such models are tested. While students are not expected to produce formal models on their own they should feel comfortable in working with them and understanding the relevant literature. They should also feel comfortable to use mathematical tools in the study of political economy and political science.

Teaching pattern

2-hour lecture & 1-hour seminar weekly

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.