The Global Political Economy: Power and Inequality (remote)

Course Description

Since the 1970s, economic inequality has been steadily rising. Today, the world’s richest 1% own 44% of the world’s total stock of wealth. The problem is especially acute in the United States, where three individuals alone own more wealth than the bottom half of the country combined.

This course argues that far from being natural or inevitable, inequality is created when, through violence or the operation of institutions that reflect the interests of powerful actors, it becomes difficult for ordinary people to provide for themselves. We will draw on the work of political economists, historians, journalists, and activists to examine the world-historic causes of socio-economic inequality (such as the roles played by capitalism, colonialism, and chattel slavery), how inequality intersects with identity markers like gender and ethnicity, and the ways in which the climate crisis is pushing the haves and have-nots even further apart.

In closing, we will consider how reorienting our economies for “use” as opposed to “profit” may help to reverse this tendency.

Course Criteria

Academic Interest

Economics and Business, Examining Culture and Society, Law and Politics, Social Sciences (e.g., history, psychology, sociology)

Application Materials

A complete application includes a transcript, two short essays, a letter of recommendation, writing sample, application fee, and a submitted parent confirmation. If you are seeking need-based financial aid, you must indicate that in your application before it is submitted. Please refer to the Application Instructions for complete details.

Instructor(s)

Fahad Sajid

Cost

$4,980