International Political Economy

The International Political Economy (IPE) major investigates the intersection between economics and politics in the global environment. It encourages the integrated analysis of global problems and issues using the tools and methods of political studies and economics.

Students undertaking the IPE major are expected to:

  • 1. gain an appreciation for competing theoretical perspectives;
  • 2. learn to consider the multiple and overlapping economic and political linkages between and among global actors;
  • 3. learn to engage in critical and creative thinking;
  • 4. master the application of different methodological tools to analysis of IPE issues;
  • 5. gain field experience abroad; and
  • 6. apply these tools and develop expertise through senior year research on a particular IPE problem or issue.

Requirements for the Major

  • 1. Twelve courses are required, a minimum of six (6) semester courses in political studies and six (6) semester courses in economics. Courses that are crosslisted may be counted for either discipline, but not for both.
  • 2. The six semesters in economics must include two semesters of Principles of Economics (Econ 51 and 52) and two semesters of Economic Theory (Econ 104 and 105-Note: Calculus is a prerequisite for Econ 104 and is recommended for Econ 105).
  • 3. The six semesters in political studies must include Introduction to Political Studies (PS 10a and 10b) and two of the three following courses: Congress and the Presidency (PS 20), Comparative Politics (PS 30), Global Politics (PS 40).
  • 4. Economic Statistics (Econ 91) if one plans to take the Economics Senior Seminar or Research Methods (PS 70) if one plans to take the Political Studies Senior Seminar.
  • 5. A one-semester senior seminar (PS 195 or 196 or Econ 198). 6. Of the twelve (12) required courses, a minimum of two semester courses must explicitly join the two disciplines.

Requirements for the Major:

  • Thirteen courses are required: five required introductory-level courses, three required upper-level courses and five electives.
  • Students are also required to undertake some form of international field research or internship.
  • All Pitzer Study Abroad programs and most exchanges provide such opportunities.

Honors candidates will be expected to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better in the required coursework and submit a deserving honors thesis. Normally, the thesis readers should include readers from both Political Studies and Economics.

Pitzer Advisers: G. Herrera, E. Stephens, N. Boyle, L. Tongun.

International Political Economy in the Pitzer College course catalog