Farms to finance: an introduction to political economy
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- Start Date: 22 Oct 2025End Date: 05 Nov 2025Wed (Evening): 19:00 - 21:00OnlineLocation: OnlineDuration: 3 sessions (over -3 weeks)Course Code: HPC103Tutors: Ingrid Aguiar SchlindweinFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00
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What is the course about?
This online course is about far-reaching political issues: global warming, poverty, inequality and class. It is about how modern economies have contributed to them, and how such economies can be rearranged. Different ideologies offer different solutions and we shall consider a range of views. But we also need to think outside the box. Are markets really how economies work? How have we organised ourselves in the past? Should we rely on governments, or can we make change for ourselves? This course introduces the political side of economics, suggesting we have more options than we tend to believe, and encourages students to decide for themselves how much is possible.
What will we cover?
- A short history of farms, factories and work (the basics).
- Definitions of political economy.
- Busting myths about free markets, barter and human nature.
- Capitalism on poverty, inequality, and social justice.
- Critiques of capitalism.
- International political economy: Wealth of nations, or wealth of empires?
- The political economy of the media.
- Climate change: Game theory, cooperation and the alternatives to extinction.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify and explore political and economic forces in their everyday lives.
- Understand in new ways economic discourse as it appears in non-economic literature.
- See yourself as a historical agent, taking an active role in shaping change,
- Explore political economy further on your own.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is ‘introductory’ and no background in politics or economics is required. The goal is to demystify economics, encourage interdisciplinary thinking, and challenge conventional ideas.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught online, using a combination of lectures and class discussions. Readings will be provided each week, but they are optional, making the course as intense or relaxed as students wish it to be.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper, or digital equivalents, as you will gain more from the course that way.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can take a deeper dive into one or more of the topics we’ve looked at by considering other courses in politics and economics at City Lit.
Ingrid holds a joint International Relations PhD from King's College London and the University of São Paulo. Her focus is on international political economy, international organisations and international financial institutions. In her doctoral research she explored the role of major middle-income emerging countries in the World Bank’s strategies, with a focus on the institution’s knowledge power. She has been teaching seminars for undergraduate students at King's College London on topics related to history, economics, political science, and sociology. Prior to coming to the United Kingdom, she worked as an International Development Cooperation analyst in the public sector in Brazil.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.