Major Courses and Plans of Study
With the international political economy concentration, you will choose from a range of core courses tailored to you interests as well as taking a set of required degree courses. Explore a few of the concentration courses below, or download a full plan of study for the concentration as part of the MPIA program.
- PIA 2301 - International Political Economy
This course is an introduction to international political economy, an interdisciplinary field related to international politics and international economics. This course introduces students to important actors and institutions that shape the global economic system. Central issues in international political economy include policy-making on the topics of trade, money, foreign investment, development, migration, and the environment. Major questions include: 1. What are the main economic and political forces that shape the international economy? 2. What domestic and external strategies have states adopted in order to develop their economies and to benefit from exchanges with other countries (while minimizing their vulnerability)? 3. Why and when do states seek to cooperate with each other in the management of the international economy? How successful have their efforts been? (4) What are the major challenges currently facing policy-makers in the management of the international economy? To answer these questions, students will identify key political and economic actors (governments, firms, workers, interest groups, international organizations) and examine interactions within and between states. , Drawing on both historical and contemporary events, the course focuses heavily on globalization's opportunities and challenges by examining the complexities of governing in an interdependent world.
- PIA 2302 - International Financial Policy
The course focuses on the international financial system and its significance for policymaking. Topics include: the balance of payments, foreign exchange markets, fixed and flexible exchange rates, purchasing power parity, and alternative monetary regimes. The course is designed to give students a command of the basic theoretical tools used in analyzing international financial issues and the ability to apply this theory to the real world. Students will write a term paper and make a presentation on a current or historical international financial issue.
- PIA 2319 - International Trade
International trade is important and controversial. All countries participate in international trade. Yet all countries restrict trade. In all countries there are people and groups who favor freer trade and there are others who oppose it. This course will introduce the student to the key issues and controversies in the study of international trade. We will examine economic explanations and analyses of why countries trade. What are the key determinants of trade - factor endowments, resources or skills? We will also analyze the benefits and costs from trade and how these are distributed within a country. Throughout we will adopt a policy perspective and will rigorously examine some elements of trade policy such as tariffs, quotas, subsidies, export taxes, and, the economics of free trade arrangements. We will look at the controversial issue of international trade and the balance of payments. Time permitting; we will analyze the effects of trade and international factor mobility on economic growth and development. We will broaden and deepen our knowledge of the specific subjects and improve our skills in applying the analytical tools that economists have developed to help understand these complex phenomena.
