Unit Code: APS604

Unit Name: Political Economy of the South Pacific

Description: This unit introduces students to, and provides an understanding of, political economy as a framework for the analysis and its application to the understanding of the development of South Pacific Island countries from the last century. It explores the involvement of the Pacific Island societies into the global economy through imperialism and colonization, and the transformation of their traditional societies, under the impact of capitalism, through exploitation of their natural resources that laid the foundations for their underdevelopment and current socio-economic and political situation. The emergence of \'capitalism\', wage labor, social classes, the state and politics, including race and ethnic relations resulting from colonial development policies are examined. The critical issue of post-independent development and dependent economic relations that have endured is also examined with particular emphasis on role of multi-national corporations, and globalization and international financial institutions.

Learning Target Outcomes:

Prerequisite: Pass in APS502 and APS503

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1