Course for international guest/part time students

Faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
Organization
TÁTK Department of Economics
Code
IRB124.1
Title
Political Economy
Usual semester
Spring
Published semester
2025/26/2
ECTS
4
Language
en
Description
The course examines the interaction between economics and politics from a comparative point of view. It gives an overview of the most important concepts and results in the field of political economy, including the different characteristics of political and economic systems, lessons of transitions between them as well as the institutional determinants of development. Comparison of social, political and economic structures provides the students with a solid foundation in the discipline, while also strengthens analytical, historical and critical awareness in studying and interpreting problems. The course is very useful for students aiming for either academic or professional careers.
Learning outcomes
Short descripition of the course The course examines the interaction between economics and politics from a comparative point of view. It gives an overview of the most important concepts and results in the field of political economy, including the different characteristics of political and economic systems, lessons of transitions between them as well as the institutional determinants of development. Comparison of social, political and economic structures provides the students with a solid foundation in the discipline, while also strengthens analytical, historical and critical awareness in studying and interpreting problems. The course is very useful for students aiming for either academic or professional careers.
Course content
Course outline (preliminary)   Part One: Methods 1. hét What Is Political Economy? 2. hét Group Choices 3. hét Strategic Interactions   Part Two: Concepts 4. hét Institutions 5. hét The State 6. hét The Market 7. hét Midterm Exam 8. hét Spring Break   Part Three: Systems 9. hét Economic Systems 10. hét Evolution of Capitalism 11. hét The Socialist System   Part Four: Transitions 12. hét Post-Socialist Transformation 13. hét Models of Transition 14. hét Final Exam
Assessment method
Requirements There are two alternative methods to complete the course: A) Two exams (each for 40 points) during the semester for recommended mark: one midterm in week 7 (covering topics 1-6), and one final exam in week 13 (covering topics 7-11). No make-up exams are possible. B) A comprehensive exam in the exam period for 80 points. Grading 0-39 points: fail (1); 40-49 points: pass (2); 50-59 points: satisfactory (3); 60-69 points: good (4); 70-80 points: excellent (5)
Bibliography
Readings: Acemoglu, D., & Robinson, J. A (2012). Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty. Crown Publishers, New York. Kornai J. (2008). From Socialism to Capitalism. Eight Essays. CEU Press, Budapest. Shepsle, K. A. (2010). Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior and Instititutions. W. W. Norton & Company, New York

Programmes of the course

Title (code) Lang. Level Mandatory Year ...
Applied Economics (TÁTK-AKG-NBEN) en 6 Mandatory 2/3
Erasmus Programme (TÁTK-ERASMUS-B-NXXX) en
Health Care Policy, Planning and Financing (TÁTK-EGP-NMEN) en 7 2/2
International Relations (TÁTK-NT-NBEN) en 6 Mandatory 2/3
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