Politics

Capitalism and Democracy

Module code: L2084
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

Since the end of the Cold War, capitalism has become the dominant political economic system across the globe. On this module, you’ll examine the evolution of capitalism over time, its various forms and its present condition. A key theme is the relationship between capitalism and democracy.

You’ll consider how changes in global capitalism are impacting democratic politics, addressing themes such as:

• global inequality
• plutocracy
• racial domination
• climate breakdown.

This module draws on:

• political theory
• political economy
• political sociology.

Module learning outcomes

• Understand the historical development of capitalism
• Analyse different forms of contemporary capitalism
• Critically reflect on how contemporary capitalism functions