140533 SE VM2 / VM6 - Dependent Development, Capitalism, and Crises (2016W)

The recent economic crisis has reached Europe in 2008, and once more brought to the fore the structural inequalities of European development. Uneven development in spatial terms (between core and periphery) has re-entered the discussions. Countries of the European periphery do look back, however, on a dependent integration into the world market and a dependent process of European integration.

This course will focus on structural developments that had particularly negative consequences in peripheral regions and countries. In addition to these structural and historical analyses, proposals for alternative development and integration will be discussed.

The research seminar combines individual and group work. Participants will discuss texts/issues/problems and present progress in their research. The lecturer will accompany this process with thematic inputs and short lectures. At the end of the seminar results of students' research will be presented.

Key texts are being presented and discussed in the plenary session. Readings and discussions serve as basis for the seminar paper (sample region or country).

Having completed the course, students should be able to assess theoretical and empirical statements on issues of development and integration in Europe and characterize current trends of international political economy, particularly the uneven development in Europe.