Alternative Perspectives in Economics - ECO00040I

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  • Department: Economics and Related Studies
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2025-26

Module summary

The module provides a general introduction to the main alternatives to orthodox economics, including Post Keynesianism, radical/Marxian economics, institutionalism, Sraffian economics and Austrian economics.

Related modules


Additional information

prerequisite module: Principles of Economics

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2025-26

Module aims

  • To give a wide-ranging treatment of heterodox economics covering most of the key theories

  • To explain the reasoning behind heterodox economics and show how it differs from orthodox theories and methods

  • To adopt a political economy approach that stresses the links between economics and other disciplines such as history, politics and sociology

Module learning outcomes

On completing the module a student will be able to:

  • Distinguish and compare the various alternative schools of thought in economics

  • Understand the core arguments in heterodox economics

  • Critically assess the theories and ideas considered

  • Go beyond the neoclassical framework when interpreting modern economies and evaluating economic policy

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be provided in line with University policy

Indicative reading

Sawyer, M.C. (1989), The Challenge of Radical Political Economy, Harvester Wheatsheaf.

Stilwell, F. (2012), Political Economy: The Contest of Economic Ideas, 3rd edn, Oxford University Press.