Political Economy and Institutions (ECON442) | GSÜ

Content

Objective

The objective of the course is to enhance learning by using articles that apply economic theory to social and political realms, and by comprehending various approaches to institutional economics through quantitative techniques.

Course Content

The course primarily comprises weekly readings, which will be explored through conceptual and methodological discussions after student presentations, emphasizing comparative analysis

References

Acemoglu, Daron, and James A. Robinson. Economic origins of dictatorship and democracy. Cambridge University Press, 2005.
Acemoglu, Daron, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson. "Institutions as a fundamental cause of long-run growth." Handbook of economic growth 1 (2005): 385-472.
North, Douglass C., John J. Wallis, and Barry R. Weingast. "Violence and social order." Cambridge (Mass.) (2009).
North, Douglass C. "Institutions, transaction costs and economic growth." Economic Inquiry 25.3 (1987): 419-428.
Greif, Avner. Institutions and the path to the modern economy: Lessons from medieval trade. Cambridge University Press, 2006.

Weekly Contents

Theory Topics
Week	Weekly Contents
1	Concept of Institution and social conflict
2	Economic origins of democracy 1
3	Economic origins of democracy 2
4	Factor endowment hypothesis
5	Economic laws and institutions
6	Cultural beliefs and the organization of society 1
7	Cultural beliefs and the organization of society 2
8	Economic incentives and natural resources
9	Middle East and institutional heritage
10	Trust and growth
11	Social structures
12	Social capital
13	Ideas and instutions
14	Economic effects of constitutions

Assessment System

Contribution to Overall Grade
Activities	Number	Contribution
Contribution of in-term studies to overall grade	3	60
Contribution of final exam to overall grade	1	40
Total	4	100

In-Term Studies
Activities	Number	Contribution
Assignments	2	80
Presentation	1	20
Midterm Examinations (including preparation)	0	0
Project	0	0
Laboratory	0	0
Other Applications	0	0
Quiz	0	0
Term Paper/ Project	0	0
Portfolio Study	0	0
Reports	0	0
Learning Diary	0	0
Thesis/ Project	0	0
Seminar	0	0
Other	0	0
Make-up	0	0
Total	3	100

Relation of Proficiency

No	Program Learning Outcomes	Contribution
No	Program Learning Outcomes	1	2	3	4	5
1	Demonstrate a basic knowledge of different economic theories and main discussions driving current theoretical approaches
2	Demonstrate ability to use basic qualitative and quantitative methods to asses different economic questions of applied fields
3	Show a sound understanding of current economic discussions and problems					X
4	Have an effective and clear communication in written and oral formats in different public and professional contexts.
5	Demonstrate basic knowledge of the world economic history and a sound knowledge of the Turkish economic history
7	Demonstrate knowledge of standard quantitative techniques and empirical models used in economics
8	Show ability to apply basic economic theory to an applied topic
9	Show a basic understanding of analytical methods, both theory- and model-based
10	Show ability to use economic concepts to discuss current economic issues					X
11	Reason logically and work analytically
12	Show awareness on social aspects of the economics in different applied and theoretical fields					X
13	Identify appropriate economic models to analyse problems
16	Show understanding of basic statistical and econometric concepts and ability to apply basic concepts to own empirical work
17	Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the current economic issues in Turkey and a general knowledge of the issues in the world economy				X

ECTS

Activities	Number	Period	Total Workload
Class Hours	14	3	42
Working Hours out of Class	14	3	42
Assignments	2	6	12
Presentation	1	6	6
Total Workload			102
Total Workload / 25			4.08
Credits ECTS			4