Political Economy
We provide a rigorous, multidisciplinary approach to the study of political economy. You will gain strong analytical skills and a thorough knowledge of contemporary events—key attributes that employers and graduate programs alike seek in successful applicants.
Why Choose a Minor in Political Economy?
Our innovative and interdisciplinary program consists of a diverse group of faculty and students who investigate the interaction between the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of a society. We help you make sense of a complex world in which a multitude of economic and political interests conflict at the local, national, and international levels.
What You’ll Study
Showcase what students will learn and some standout or unique classes. If there is a graduate program that this program would naturally funnel into, then make sure to mention that the student could stay and get their graduate degree.
Our program explores the political-economic dynamic from multiple disciplinary perspectives and historical angles, using a range of conceptual approaches. Core courses for the minor are taught by economics, international affairs, and sociology and anthropology faculty, and introduce you to various theories of political economy as well as their application to significant national and international patterns and developments. The remaining courses are on the topics ofglobal dynamics, national structures and power, and cultural forces and social movements to best prepare you for your professional life outside Lewis & Clark.
We believe in the value of hands-on experiential learning. Many political economy students get involved in collaborative research with faculty, available through classes and summer programs. We provide extensive guidance to help students find and secure these opportunities. Many of our students also earn course credit while on an overseas program.
Outside the classroom, gatherings are organized throughout the year to discuss and debate contemporary social, political, and economic events. Each year, we also sponsor the Political Economy Program Best Paper Award, given to the best student paper on any topic related to the field. The author or authors receive a $50 gift certificate to a local independent bookstore.
Complement Your Education With One of These Majors
The most popular majors for our political economy minors are environmental studies, international affairs, and political science.
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
What Can You Do With a Minor in Political Economy?
Our alumni use their minor in political economy in a wide variety of careers in academia, in industry, with nonprofits, and for local, state, and federal governments. Many alumni apply the skills they have acquired in problem solving, critical thinking, writing, and speaking in graduate and professional schools or through international Fulbright grants.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Political economy faculty rely on their students to be collaborative researchers, providing an opportunity that’s rarely available to undergraduates at other schools. Students are frequent coauthors on peer-reviewed faculty publications and professional presentations.
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate in four years with their bachelor of arts degree that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.
Find Your People
Students can join a variety of student-run organizations that relate to their political economy minor. Don’t see what you’re looking for on the club list? Start something new and build your own community of peers!
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
Mikah Bertelmann BA ’21More about MikahI completed my master of public policy degree in June, 2023, and joined the U.S. Foreign Service in July.
Andrea Blobel Pérez BA ’19More about AndreaTake classes that inspire and interest you. Make connections with people and make the most out of this time to explore who you are and what you’d like to become.
Past Events
Carbon Emissions Trading Simulation
Political Economy minors are invited to join Professor Elizabeth Bennett’s International Political Economy Classes and the Environmental Studies Symposium for a simulated experience of carbon emissions trading. Join us for 3 hours of CarbonSim, the Environmental Defense Fund’s artificial intelligence-enhanced, multi-lingual, multi-user, software application that teaches the principles of emissions trading and brings markets to life.
Sustainability Certifications: A Good Way to Limit Competition?
Guest Speaker: Dr Ellen Alexandra Holtmaat
How can you know whether a product that you buy is actually sustainably produced? Sure, the seller says so, but can you trust it? Sustainability certifications aim to provide reliable information for these situations. But who sets these sustainability certifications? Can we trust them? And, are we sure there aren’t any hidden agendas?
Lecture by Elizabeth Bennett
Corporate Social Responsibility and Consumer Activism: Solutions to socio-economic problems? Or distractions from sincere solutions?
Organic food! ESG (environmental-social-governance) investing! Fair trade! Certified B Corps! Social entrepreneurship! Triple bottom line! For three decades, our economy has been marked by companies “doing well while doing good” and consumers “shopping for change.” Do these initiatives fight poverty, wealth inequality, and labor exploitation? Or do they simply distract us from more effective solutions?
