The course focuses on the political economy of the original BRICs, Brazil, Russia, India, and China, as a means of introducing wider aspects of the global economy today. After an introduction to each of the four, it explores the themes of industry, land and labour, relating these to the various demands upon the state in relation to domestic political economy, and engagement in foreign trade in a competitive world market. Participants will critically review relevant academic literature, write comments on contemporary issues, and write an original analysis of a case beyond the four original BRICs.