The aim of the course is to give students a conceptual understanding of political economy. The course will anchor current debates in the history of ideas about the nature of political economy and examine the different methodological approaches taken by political economists. The aim of the lectures is to outline key political economy concepts and their theoretical background, especially the underlying assumptions about economics and politics that shape our views of their relationship. The seminars explore the uses and limits of particular concepts through the systematic analysis of relevant research papers and applications of particular concepts.