Home > Academics > Degree Programs > EMPA Programs > Curriculum
International Economic Policy Management Concentration
The International Economic Policy and Management concentration prepares students for careers in international agencies, nonprofit organizations, international business and finance, and government. Students develop proficiency in international trade, finance, and economic policy analysis, giving them the conceptual and technical skills needed to understand the complex forces that drive international economic activity in this era of globalization. Course work in political economy and international relations provides students with the training to understand how the international political system and governmental institutions affect national security and foreign economic policies, and to contend with increasingly complex governance issues, such as corruption and human rights.
Context Courses
The following 3 context courses are required for the International Economic Policy & Management concentration.
Open Economy Macroeconomic Analysis
Examines key concepts in open economy macroeconomics, including national income accounts, balance of payments, aggregate consumption and investment behavior, demand and supply of money, inflation, effects of government spending and taxation, and unemployment, as well as primary theoretical approaches, such as Keynesian, monetarist, and rational expectations models. (Summer semester only)
Global Context of Policymaking
An exploration of the contemporary international economic policymaking environment at the local, national, and international level. Examines the expanding field of international regulatory policy in areas such as finance, trade, investment, intellectual property, and the environment as well as key governance issues, including corruption, humanitarian and human rights issues, promoting participation, and developing civil society. (Summer semester only)
International Political Economy
Explores the politics of international economic relations. Major topics include the political economy of international trade, international finance and monetary affairs, production, development, and North-South relations. Several contemporary debates are studied in depth, including the advisability of strategic trade policy, the impact of globalization on state autonomy in economic policymaking, and merits of different development strategies. (Summer semester only)
Concentration Courses
Students may choose 4 courses from the following electives to complete their International Economic Policy & Management concentration.
International Finance and Monetary Policy
Examines international finance and the institutions and principles governing the functioning of the international monetary system. Among the topics discussed are the structure, operation, and stability of foreign exchange markets, the causes and consequences of international accounts disequilibria, the mechanisms of balance-of-payments adjustment, the merits of different exchange rate regimes, financial crises, the effects of international capital mobility on trade, growth, and employment, and the problem of international policy coordination. Students must take International Finance and Monetary Policy AND/OR International Trade and Development.
International Trade and Development
An exploration of the basis of trade, the gains from trade, and the impact of trade on growth, employment, and income through in-depth analysis and case studies, simulations and policy debates. Topics discussed include the theory of comparative advantage, “new” trade theory, the terms of trade, protectionism in theory and practice, customs unions, the impact of the internationalization of production on trade, and contemporary debates, such as the role of environmental and labor standards in trade agreements and the effect of trade on poverty. Students must take International Finance and Monetary Policy AND/OR International Trade and Development. (Fall semester only)
International Economic Policy Analysis
Application of the tools of international economic analysis and political economy to current policy issues. Sample topics include the Mexican and Asian financial crises, contemporary trade problems, international regulatory issues, the economic transition in Eastern Europe, and recent proposals to reform the international financial architecture. Students work in teams to write an in-depth paper analyzing a contemporary international economic topic.
Issues in Contemporary Security and Policymaking
This course examines central issues in contemporary international security policy (American hegemony, multilateralism, civil and ethnic conflict, nuclear proliferation, globalization and failed states, state building, democratization and violence, the war in Iraq, etc.) and key concepts in the academic study of international relations (e.g., realist and liberal approaches; traditional and nontraditional security concepts, ranging from the threat or use of force to environmental challenges)
Communicating in Organizations
A survey course that explores aspects of day-to-day managerial communication, presentations and high profile moments, as well as interpersonal communication. The course uses many teaching techniques: short lectures, individual and group exercises, videotaped presentations, role-plays, case discussions, video clips, and writing assignments.
Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility
This course will introduce students to the global context of CSR through comparative business perspectives. After considering the theoretical frameworks for undertaking CSR activities the course will addresses a number of public policy issues facing globalizing companies through a series of case studies. Under examination is the manner in which business and ethical considerations have impacted upon different social, labor, and environmental challenges. We will be asking students to consider: to what extent such factors have been, and will be, part of the corporate strategy decision-making process; why companies are having to adapt (or not) to different pressures; and whether they might sometimes be going above and beyond the standards required by regulation. Students must take Public Sector Ethics AND/OR Strategic Corporate Responsibility.