Master's Program Courses

Students in the International Trade and Investment Policy (ITIP) program can choose from a wealth of courses offered each semester.

Below is a list of courses relevant to the ITIP program that have been offered within the past several semesters. These courses include core courses that are required for all ITIP students as well as other courses that can be applied to the program. Special topics courses (Econ 295) are offered occasionally. Where abailable, syllabi have been posted.

Please note that the "Econ" designation refers to courses offered by the Department of Economics and "IBUS" to courses offered by the Department of International Business for the MBA program. ITIP students can take both.

Descriptions of 1-credit professional skills and knowledge courses can be found here.

Core Courses  |  Spring 2009 Semester  |  Fall 2009 Semester

Core Courses

Econ 283 Survey of International Trade Theory and Policy
This course is an introduction to international trade theory and policy. The aim of the course is to provide students with the theoretical background in economics that will allow them to analyze current trade policy questions. Material covered includes economic theory but also institutions and legal frameworks that govern the current international trading system. For example, students will understand both the economic impact of free trade agreements but also current US approaches to these agreements and the WTO rules that influence how they are negotiated. For graduate students in fields other than economics. Survey of international economics and policy; application of comparative advantage and other arguments for trade; impact of trade on a domestic economy; new arguments for protectionism; regional trading blocs.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2007, Moore) (Summer 2007, Suranovic)

Econ 284 Survey of International Macroeconomics and Finance Theory and Policy
For graduate students in fields other than economics. The program of this course emphasizes macroeconomic issues and policies in an open-economy setting. It begins with the analysis of national income accounts and the balance of payments. It continues with the analysis of flexible exchange rate regimes and the effects of fiscal and monetary policies on the exchange rate and economic activity. Afterwards, it examines fixed exchange rate regimes. It concludes with a variety of topics in international finance, such as currency crises, international capital flow volatility, and the history of the international monetary system.
 Sample syllabus (Spring 2007, Kaminsky) (Spring 2007, Cipriani)

PSC 239 International Political Economy
Research seminar exploring alternative theoretical approaches to the study of international political economy and their application to the explanation and interpretation of historical and contemporary events in world political and economic affairs.

Hist 221 History of International Economic Systems
Development of arrangements and institutions designed to manage the international economy since the 19th century, with a focus on the period since World War II.

Note: there is also a Quantitative Methods requirement for the Core Field.

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Spring 2009

Econ 123 Introduction to Econometrics
Construction and testing of economic models: regression theory, parameter estimation, and statistical techniques applicable to economic models.

Econ 217 Survey of Economics - Micro
Intermediate theory course in Micreoeconomics

Econ 218 Survey of Economics - Macro
Intermediate theory course in Macreoeconomics

Econ 221 Economics for Applied Public Policy
This course is designed to develop your ability to use economic concepts to analyze and evaluate the effects of public policy. This course will review and further develop concepts covered in Econ 217 (Microeconomics). This course will build two distinct skill sets: (1) skill in using the standard economic tools to derive precise answers to clearly defined problems; (2) skill in applying economic reasoning to illuminate poorly defined or complex policy problems, including an understanding of alternatives to the standard economic approach.
Sample Syllabus (Spring 2007, Brock) (Fall 2001, Cordes)

Econ 222 Cost Benefit Analysis
This course seeks to link economic theory with policy analysis, using the tool commonly referred to as "cost-benefit analysis" (CBA). CBA attempts to measure and compare the economic efficiency of policy options. This type of analysis has become standard practice in policy analysis - particularly in microeconomic policy areas such as the provision of public goods, government regulation and taxation. The goal of the course is to provide you with the conceptual foundations and practical skills you will need to be thoughtful consumers and producers of CBA. At the conclusion of the semester you will not only take away how to conduct a CBA, but you will also understand its limitations. You will come away with a deeper understanding of how economics can inform policy; how one might begin to measure the many and varied effects of our laws, regulations and government programs; and ultimately how to evaluate and compare alternative policies
Sample syllabus (Spring 2007, Cellini)

Econ 250 Survey of Economic Development
An introduction to economic problems faced by less developed countries. Emphasis placed on applications to policy-making and evaluation. This course provides students with a survey of major theoretical and empirical economic analyses that seek to explain and to devise policies to support economic development in less developed countries, with a particular focus on understanding and alleviating extreme poverty. Students will learn to "think like an economist" about problems and solutions of poverty and economic development, and to make use of some of the key modeling frameworks of development economics, so as to be able to apply these ideas as development professionals.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2007, Smith)

Econ 269 Economy of China: Analysis of organization, operation, policies, and problems.
This course is designed to give the student an overview of the problems and opportunities that face the contemporary Chinese economy. Emphasis will be on the last steps China needs to take in its long transition from a socialist to a market-led economy. Issues in the transition will be discussed, the geography and national characteristics of China will be touchen on, and the future outlook addressed. The student will learn how to use basic microeconomics and macroeconomics techniques to analyze China's goods, labor and capital markets. China's experience will serve as a platform from which to better understand economic growth theory, financial market issues, and international trade and investment issues. Implications of China's emergence as a market economy for the East Asian Region and the United States will be addressed.
 Sample syllabus (Spring 2007, Brown)

Econ 295 Economics of U.S. Trade Policy (Prerequisite Econ 283)
Topics will include the patterns and explanations for US trade flows, the effect of trade on the American economy, critical trade policy institutions, and the trade policy choices facing the Bush administration. Particular attention will be paid to how economic analysis can help inform the debates surrounding trade policies. Another critical aspect of the course will be to improve students' writing as well as their use of simple spreadsheet and presentation programs.
The course will begin by reviewing arguments about US trade policy history and then move onto an analysis of current US trading relationships as well as the economic effects of trade intervention on the US economy. We will also discuss some of the economic tools commonly used to analyze trade. We then turn to a discussion about the legal and bureaucratic institutions that are so important to the conduct of US trade policy. The final section of the course will consider some of the current multilateral and bilateral trade challenges facing the US.
 Sample syllabus (Fall 2007, Moore)

Econ 295 International Migration and Labor Markets

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IBUS 263 Legal Aspects of International and Multinational Business
This course will consider legal and related aspects in international business transaction with a particular focus on recognizing, andticipating, preventing and remedying legal problems and pitfalls. The objective will be to explore and understand: (1) international sale of goods, (2) technology transfer, (3) foreign direct investment and joint ventures, (4) international dispute resolution and international regulations.
Sample syllabus (Spring 2005, Riederer)

IBUS 266 International Marketing
International markets are dynamic, evolutionary, and challenging. This course examines the dynamics of global markets and provides a strategy framework that guides international marketing strategy formulation at the stages of entry, local market development, and global market integration. Students will learn to analyze international market situations, identify key issues at each stage, and formulate the strategy recommendations that take into account the stage of international market development. This course will relate these diverse topics to the local greater Washington, D.C. area economy and it interactions with the global economy.
Sample syllabus (Spring 2005, Robles)

IBUS 271 International Business Finance
Analysis of major international financial management issues and risks faced by businesses operating in global markets. Current developments in international monetary and financial environment, and discussions of international funding and investment techniques as well as trade financing.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2005, Yang)

IBUS 273 Seminar on International Banking
This seminar focuses on insitutional and management issues of international banking. It examines the current international banking environment and its evolution during the past several decades, banks' global managerial and operational issues, and the regulatory problems confronting international banks as well as the recent financial innovations impacting international banking.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2005, Park)

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IBUS 274 Seminar on Global Investment Banking
A course dealing with investment banking as practiced in a global competitive environment. Our perspective on the business will be to understand how investment banking firms organize themselves to compete successfully in the global marketplace. Through case studies and readings, the class will examine representative markets, products and competitor firms. Topics will include securities underwriting and derivative instruments, risk management and business development strategies, cross border mergers and acquisitions as well as the organizational characteristics of investment banking firms. Student teams will be expected to participate and make presentations.
Sample syllabus (Spring 2005, Seale)

IBUS 277 International Portfolio Management
The focus of the course is on international portfolio management. The emphasis is on emerging equity markets and hands-on portfolio construction. Familiarity with exchange rates, introductory finance and CAPM, and use of spreadsheets is required.
Sample syllabus (Spring 2005, Weiner)

MBAD 250 Financial Management
Theories and application in International Business Negotiations (IBN). Formulation of concepts and frameworks; development of systematic approaches to planning for and conducting IBN. Integration of functional, environmental, and institutional contexts facing negotiators internationally.

IAFF 202 Analyzing International Trade Data
This short course will develop student's skills in conducting economic data analysis applicable to academic pursuits and professional demands. The curriculum will cover overarching trends in economic growth, global commerce, trade and investment over the past 35 years to provide a context for more narrowly focused topical research. The curriculum is designed to provide hands on experience using internet sources of economic data, online software to specify data queries, and covers how to download and manipulate electronic data. The course will expose students to sources, terminology, and definitions unique to analyzing international economic data.
Sample Syllabus (Spring 2008)

IAFF 202 Financial Statement Analysis

IAFF 203 The WTO

IAFF 203 Understanding the Federal Budget

IAFF 233 Assessing Aid Effectiveness
This course will review the long-standing debate about the effectiveness of Official Development Assistance (ODA). Has ODA contributed to economic growth and poverty reduction? Has development assistance promoted or undermined better governance? What impacts, if any, has aid had on specific developmental objectives such as better health or post-conflict reconstruction? This course will survey the economic, political, and institutional impacts of ODA - considering the theory of development assistance, reviewing evidence about its track record, examining recent proposals to improve aid impacts, and debating future prospects. Particular attention will be given to the methods used to assess the effectiveness of development assistance. The course will be conducted as a seminar requiring advance reading of the assigned materials and active class participation.

IAFF 308 Advanced Quantitative Analysis

DNSC 274 Statistical Modeling and Analysis
The process of specifying, analyzing, and testing models of human and systemic behavior. Formalization of models; statistical test comparison and selection; computer implementation of univariate, bivariate, and multivariate tests. General linear model: linear regression, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance.

DNSC 277 Applied Forecasting and Time Series Analysis
Introduction to various forecasting techniques, including time-series regression models, cyclical trends, exponential smoothing methods, seasonal and nonseasonal ARIMA processes, and the Box���Jenkins approach. Application of forecasting methods in economics, finance, and marketing.

PPol 211 Research Methods in Policy Analysis
Multivariate research methods in policy analysis

Stat 112 Business and Economic Statistics II
Emphasis on techniques of regression, chi-square, nonparametric inference, index numbers, time series, decision analysis, and other topics used in economics and business.

Stat 183 Intermediate Statistical Laboratory: Statistical Computing Packages Modares
Application of program packages (e.g., SAS, SPSS) to the solution of one-, two- and k-sample parametric and nonparametric statistical problems. Basic concepts in data preparation, modification, analysis and interpretation of results.

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Fall 2009

Econ 123 Introduction to Econometrics
Construction and testing of economic models: regression theory, parameter estimation, and statistical techniques applicable to economic models.

Econ 217 Survey of Economics - Micro
Intermediate theory course in Micreoeconomics

Econ 221 Economics for Applied Public Policy
This course is designed to develop your ability to use economic concepts to analyze and evaluate the effects of public policy. This course will review and further develop concepts covered in Econ 217 (Microeconomics). This course will build two distinct skill sets: (1) skill in using the standard economic tools to derive precise answers to clearly defined problems; (2) skill in applying economic reasoning to illuminate poorly defined or complex policy problems, including an understanding of alternatives to the standard economic approach.
Sample Syllabus (Spring 2007, Brock) (Fall 2001, Cordes)

Econ 222 Cost Benefit Analysis
This course seeks to link economic theory with policy analysis, using the tool commonly referred to as "cost-benefit analysis" (CBA). CBA attempts to measure and compare the economic efficiency of policy options. This type of analysis has become standard practice in policy analysis - particularly in microeconomic policy areas such as the provision of public goods, government regulation and taxation. The goal of the course is to provide you with the conceptual foundations and practical skills you will need to be thoughtful consumers and producers of CBA. At the conclusion of the semester you will not only take away how to conduct a CBA, but you will also understand its limitations. You will come away with a deeper understanding of how economics can inform policy; how one might begin to measure the many and varied effects of our laws, regulations and government programs; and ultimately how to evaluate and compare alternative policies
Sample syllabus (Spring 2007, Cellini)

Econ 237 Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources
Analysis of public policy problems relating to the environment and natural resources development and management.

Econ 250 Survey of Economic Development
An introduction to economic problems faced by less developed countries. Emphasis placed on applications to policy-making and evaluation. This course provides students with a survey of major theoretical and empirical economic analyses that seek to explain and to devise policies to support economic development in less developed countries, with a particular focus on understanding and alleviating extreme poverty. Students will learn to "think like an economist"; about problems and solutions of poverty and economic development, and to make use of some of the key modeling frameworks of development economics, so as to be able to apply these ideas as development professionals.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2007, Smith)

Econ 255 Economics of Technological Change
Economics of research and development; innovation and growth; the role of government in the development and use of new technology.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2005)

Econ 271 Economy of Japan
This course is designed to give the student an overview of the problems and opportunities that face the contemporary Japanese economy. Students will learn to discriminate between theories that lie behind Japan's unusual boom and bust growth pattern over past decades and the role of government policy. Views of economists will be supplemented by sociologists, historians, political scientists and technology specialists. Japan will be used as a platform from which key microeconomic and macroeconomic principles can be reviewed and tested. These concepts includes growth theory, fiscal and monetary policy, trade theory, balance of payments, and market competition principles.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2007, Brown)

Econ 280 Survey of International Economics
The course is divided into two sections. The first half (lasting roughly seven weeks) will focus on international trade topics. These include the effects of trade on an economy, the economic consequences of protectionism and the institutional and legal structures of international trade in goods and services. The second half of the course (lasting for the balance of the semester) will involve international financial issues. These include the determination of exchange rates, international capital flows, balance of payments accounts and fixed versus flexible exchange rate regimes.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2007, Moore) (Fall 2007, Suranovic)

Econ 285 Economic Development in Latin America
This course will analyze economic developments in Latin American economies since indepence. Specific instances covered will include the oil boom of the 1970s, the debt crisis of the 1980s, the reform process of the 1990s, the recent financial crises, and the effect of the new political movements to the left and/or to populism. Determinants of economics growth, the relevance of economic growth theories to the region, and human capital, poverty and income distribution will be covered. These topics will be followed by a study of the region's relations with the rest of the world, including issues of trade and relations with international organizations.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2007, Loser & Suarez)

Econ 293 Topics in International Finance (Prerequisite: Econ 284)
This course focuses on macroeconomic issues and policies in open economies. It begins with a review of a traditional model of an open economy under different exchange rate regimes. It continues with the study of some of the most relevant topics in international finance, such as, determinants of international capital flows, currency crises, financial contagion, current account sustainability and the real exchange rate, and macropolicies in emerging markets and mature economies. Based on this discussion, the course ends by revisiting the debate of fixed versus flexible exchange rate regimes. At this time, special attention is dedicated to the debate about dollarization and currency unions.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2005, Kaminsky)

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Econ 295 Economics for Development Policy
This course provides an overview of the theory and practice of economic development, with a focus on issues related to applied economics as it relates to policy making. The course covers causes of underdevelopment, theories of development, the role of government, trade, aid and debt issues.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2007, Hicks)

Econ 295 Financial Issues in Emerging Markets
(Prerequisites Econ 284 or Econ 218)
Emerging market countries such as India, China, Russia and Brazil are expected to be major sources of global economic growth in the coming decades. This seminar focuses on critical financial policy issues that will challenge the governments in the most important emerging market countries and have a major impact on their relative performance. These issues will also affect economic and political relations with the United States and other industrialized countries, with internationally active businesses, and with NGOs concerned with global challenges such as poverty, terrorism, post-conflict reconstruction, loss of biodiversity, and global warming.
The seminar adopts the perspective of finance ministers in the leading emerging market countries as they make choices in five areas of 'internal' policy and six areas of 'external' policy. The internal areas are the role of the central bank, the budget, privatization, banking sector reform, and capital market development. The external areas are the exchange rate regime and capital account liberalization, private equity flows, private debt flows, multilateral official financing, bilateral official financing, and debt restructuring. In each area the seminar will examine the factors that push countries to adopt policies that deviate from the 'ideal' policies indicated by theory and precedent.
The core concept in the seminar is the "country risk premium," measured by the difference in the market yield between a country's sovereign bonds and equivalent-maturity U.S. Treasury bonds. Students are expected to develop a sophisticated understanding of why this premium is important, how financial policy choices affect the premium, and what external factors affect the premium.
 Sample syllabus (Spring 2007, Rieffel)

IBUS 260 The Global Competitve Framework
Discussion of the global competitive framework and of how nations develop and sustain competitive advantages. As such, there will be an emphasis on the Triad nations : the changing nature of the U.S. economy, the enlarged European Union (EU) (and the euro and the continuing economic transformation of the Central and Eastern European nations), and on the internationalization, restructuring, and recovery of the Japanese economy. China will also be discussed. The course combines macro and micro elements of economic development and sustainable competitive advantage.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2005, Rehman)

IBUS 266 International Marketing
International markets are dynamic, evolutionary, and challenging. This course examines the dynamics of global markets and provides a strategy framework that guides international marketing strategy formulation at the stages of entry, local market development, and global market integration. Students will learn to analyze international market situations, identify key issues at each stage, and formulate the strategy recommendations that take into account the stage of international market development. This course will relate these diverse topics to the local greater Washington, D.C. area economy and it interactions with the global economy.
Sample syllabus (Spring 2005, Robles)

IBUS 269 Managing in Developing Countries
This course is designed to train future managers to successfully recognize and contend with the developing country institutional environment. First the institutions and legacy issues are defined. The roles played in society by the public, private, and third sectors in developing country institutions are then discussed. Next, the course turns to the managerial challenges posed by the institutional environments of developing countries. Specifically, firm strategy and managerial action in response to risk and crisis; weak natural, physical, and commercial infrastructure; and social challenges and social innovations in developing countries are studied. How the institutional environment impacts multinational enterprises and local firms in similar and different ways will also be discussed.
Sample syllabus (Spring 2005, Teegen)

IBUS 271 International Business Finance
Analysis of major international financial management issues and risks faced by businesses operating in global markets. Current developments in international monetary and financial environment, and discussions of international funding and investment techniques as well as trade financing.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2005, Yang)

IBUS 273 Seminar on International Banking
This seminar focuses on insitutional and management issues of international banking. It examines the current international banking environment and its evolution during the past several decades, banks' global managerial and operational issues, and the regulatory problems confronting international banks as well as the recent financial innovations impacting international banking.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2005, Park)

IBUS 275 External Development Financing
This course examines the history, rationale and instruments of external development financing. It covers the transfer of public and private funds from developed to developing countries through unilateral and multilateral organizations. We will look at various development approaches, the project planning and assessment process, debt burden and debt relief, and the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs); the US approach to development assistance, microenterprise lending and other innovations in the financing of development; the risks associated with project development as well as review and critique the current aid emphasis on promoting democratization, civil society and human rights, and the mandates of the Millennium Declaration; the future of development finance and the prospects for building indigenous capacity for sustained development.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2004, Al-Bazzaz)

IBUS 278 International Business Negotiations
Theories and application in International Business Negotiations (IBN). Formulation of concepts and frameworks; development of systematic approaches to planning for and conducting IBN. Integration of functional, environmental, and institutional contexts facing negotiators internationally.

IAFF 202 Micro Enterprise Lending

IAFF 203 Practice of Global Investing

IAFF 203 Inter American Development Bank

IAFF 308 Advanced Quantitative Analysis

DNSC 274 Statistical Modeling and Analysis
The process of specifying, analyzing, and testing models of human and systemic behavior. Formalization of models; statistical test comparison and selection; computer implementation of univariate, bivariate, and multivariate tests. General linear model: linear regression, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance.

PPol 211 Research Methods in Policy Analysis
Multivariate research methods in policy analysis

Stat 112 Business and Economic Statistics II
Emphasis on techniques of regression, chi-square, nonparametric inference, index numbers, time series, decision analysis, and other topics used in economics and business.

Stat 183 Intermediate Statistical Laboratory: Statistical Computing Packages Modares
Application of program packages (e.g., SAS, SPSS) to the solution of one-, two- and k-sample parametric and nonparametric statistical problems. Basic concepts in data preparation, modification, analysis and interpretation of results.

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