Master of Global Affairs
- MGA 60202 Quantitative Methods (Spring 2021, Fall 2021)
This course will address core concepts of statistics, including probability theory, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing, linear and non-linear regression analysis and linear and non-linear optimization. The course places emphasis on hands-on data analysis, effective data visualization and interpretation for global policy analysis.
- MGA 60203 Applied Microeconomics for Policy Analysis (Fall 2018, Spring 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023)
This course uses the tools of economic analysis to illustrate how markets work to allocate goods and services in an economy, and to understand the circumstances under which market forces may or may not lead to socially optimal outcomes. Students will discuss when and how governments should intervene in market processes, and analyze the consequences of policies such as taxes, subsidies and price controls. Course assignments include exams, problem sets, policy memos, in-class quizzes and a policy analysis project.
- MGA 60204 Policy Evaluation (Spring 2019) (Co-Instructor)
This course aims to train students to become informed consumers and producers of empirical research. Students will learn many different methods to identify the causal effects of policies and compare their strengths and weaknesses. These methods include randomized controlled trials, regression analysis, panel data methods, instrumental variables and regression discontinuity. Students will also learn to present the results of policy research to multiple audiences. Students will gain experience working with real data on several smaller assignments and a policy evaluation paper, in addition to a midterm and a final exam.
- MGA 60710 GIS for Social Science (Fall 2018, Fall 2020, Fall 2022)
This course provides a basic understanding of how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to visualize and analyze spatial data. Particularly, the course will concentrate on the applications of GIS in social sciences with a range of modern examples, including crime, health, marketing, urban planning, education, environment, and economics. Students will learn how to use ArcMap to store data, create maps, and perform spatial analysis relevant to research with social sciences data. Students are also required to produce an original GIS research poster to apply skills/tools learned in the classroom.
- MGA 60717 Cost-Benefit Policy Analysis (Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022)
This mini-course offers an introduction to analyzing the costs and benefits of policy interventions with a focus on the practical application of CBA using spreadsheet modeling and analysis. Policy analysis informs the choice and design of policy options as well as our ability to assess the effectiveness and distributional impact of policy outcomes. This course targets students with no relevant background in Economics and Stata. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic economic principles and frameworks that guide the cost-benefit analysis.
- MGA 60751 Intermediate Cost Ben Analysis (Spring 2021, Spring 2022)
This mini-course offers an introduction to analyzing the costs and benefits of policy interventions with a focus on the practical application of CBA using spreadsheet modeling and analysis. Policy analysis informs the choice and design of policy options as well as our ability to assess the effectiveness and distributional impact of policy outcomes. This course targets students who completed Microeconomics and Policy Evaluation (or with equivalent knowledge). Students will gain experience in conducting economic valuation using Stata.
Undergraduate Program in Global Affairs
- KSGA 10002-01 Principles of Economics (Fall 2019)
This course introduces students to the discipline of economics and the principles and methods of micro- and macro-economics. “Principles of Economics” covers topics such as scarcity, demand and supply, elasticity, consumer choice, competition, monopoly, labor markets, poverty and inequality, financial markets, GDP and economic growth, unemployment, money and inflation, monetary policy and exchange rates, and government policy.
- GLAF 10003-01 Quantitative Methods for Global Affairs (Fall 2022)
This course aims to provide students with an introduction to statistical methods and their applications to quantitative problems in global affairs. The course begins with fundamental statistical concepts including descriptive statistics, probability, sampling distributions, and hypothesis testing. It then turns to estimation and inference in the simple and multiple regression models. The course places emphasis on data analysis, data visualization, and interpretation of quantitative results for global policy analysis.
- IDS 30559 Environmental Economics (Concentration in International Development Studies) (Spring 2021, Spring 2023)
Cross listed with Minor in Sustainability, and Minor in Science, Technology, and Values (STV), and MGA
This course introduces the role of economics in environmental issues and in the formation of environmental policy. Topics covered include choice, externalities, market failure, cost-benefit and environmental valuation analyses, and climate change. The course aims to encourage students to think about pressing environmental issues in economic terms and equip students with the diverse set of economics tools to contribute to the evaluation and implementation of wise policy choices. There is no prior knowledge of economics required, and students will have the opportunity to learn basic economic principles and frameworks that guide decision-making regarding environmental issues.