Course Catalogue

International Economic Relations since 1931 ESH4033

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course addresses the changing patterns of international economic relations since 1931 with particular focus on the origins and development of global economic institutions and the determinants of the patterns of international trade and international capital flows for both developed and developing economies.

Timetable

Lecture: one hour per week

Seminar: one hour per week.

 

Please note this course does not run every session.

Requirements of Entry

Enrolment in an MA (SocSci) or MA (Arts) Honours Programme

Excluded Courses

N/A

Co-requisites

N/A

Assessment

One source report (1,500 words) = 40%

One essay (2,500-3,000 words) = 60%

Course Aims

The aims of this course are to evaluate and understand the forces which shaped the international economy since 1931, with particular emphasis on international trade, international capital flows and the formation of international economic policy. Particular emphasis is placed on the impact of policy on international economic relations, as well as investigating the causes and impact of major disturbances such as the Second World War, the decline of British and then American economic hegemony, the third world debt crisis, the rising economic influence of East Asia and globalisation.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

 

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the nature and development of international economic relations since 1931

 

2. Discuss critically the origins and development of global economic institutions

 

3. Assess key factors that shaped international trade and capital flows in developed and developing countries

 

4. Use primary sources to analyze key events related to international economic relations

 

5. Develop well-reasoned and critically aware arguments, supported by the literature, in relation to international economic relations

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions