Why are only some people gainfully employed, with others unable to secure the work they need? Why are governments unable to agree on solutions to problems like climate change? Why does most economic activity take place in cities, rather than rural areas? This subject explores how economies and societies interact. Taught through a historical perspective (which identifies the key social and political problems of a particular period), you will be introduced to ideas central to classical, neoclassical, institutional and Marxian political economy, Keynesian and post-Keynesian analysis, nudge or behavioural economics, along with feminist and ecological approaches. You will compare different theories about the role of labour, capital, commodities, and ideas, along with competing views of state intervention. Without assuming any prior understanding of economics, the subject will help you analyse a variety of policy challenges. Students from regional campuses can take this subject online, with the option of a face-to-face seminar at the Bundoora campus. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of PPE or Law/PPE should choose the face-to-face seminar.