Global Economics - Junior

Course # ECON  3003

Credits 6

Prerequisites and/or Corequisites: Students are required to have passed courses in Calculus, Introductory Statistics, and Econometrics I. Background in linear algebra is useful.

Course Description

Econometrics II is an advanced quantitative methods course that builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in Econometrics I. This course is divided into different parts and introduces time series, panel data models, instrumental variables, simultaneous equations, and limited dependent variables. The first part covers time-series regression analyses with special attention to issues of stationarity and seasonality, which are applicable in assessing the timing of effects and forecasting. The next part focuses on the analysis of panel data using different regression models, including pooled OLS, and fixed and random effect models. Then it covers instrumental variables estimation followed by simultaneous equations and limited dependent variables.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Analyze time series with different patterns of autocorrelation, trend, and seasonal fluctuations, and detect structural breaks for use in forecasting
• Analyze cross-section time series, and panel data using pooled ordinary least squares regressions, and fixed and random effect regressions.
• Recognizing endogeneity problems and applying instrumental variables estimation.
• Recognizing and applying logit and probit models for Binary Response.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # ECON 3004

Credits 6

Prerequisites and/or Corequisites: “Introductory Macroeconomics” and “Intermediate Macroeconomics”

Course Description

The International Economics: Trade, Theory and Policy course will offer a comprehensive overview of the so called "real" or trade part of international economics. The course will examine the causes and consequences of international trade, as well as provide an analysis of trade policy. Questions addressed will include, but not limited to: Why do nations trade? Who gains and who loses from trade? Is free trade optimal, or should be restricted in some cases? Should countries intervene to influence the structure of their international trade?

This course extensively uses tools from Microeconomics and Macroeconomics although set in a different and sometimes unfamiliar context. The course is not limited to theoretical models, though, and each topic will be backed by the empirical evidence, also based on examples from Central Asia economies. This will allow students to understand how theoretical models can be applied in real life.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• define the driving forces of the international trade
• seeing gains and losses from free international trade for different categories of people
• analyze the role of the Central Asian economies in the world economic system, including the strength and weaknesses of their respective domestic economies
• examine the interconnectedness between international economics and regional economic issues
• adopt formal models and analytical tools to real life economic problems

Course Assessments and Grading 

Course # ECON 3006

Credits 6

Course Description 

Natural Resource Economics applies microeconomic concepts and tools to issues arising from the growth, use, depletion, and degradation of natural systems and their components, including land, energy, air, water, and biodiversity. The course explores how economic objectives can align with sustainability and environmental goals, and how markets can be harnessed to improve environmental quality and preserve natural resources. We begin with a review of microeconomic concepts related to market function and failure, then examine market-based, regulatory, and community-based approaches to achieving economic efficiency and sustainability. A significant focus is placed on the economics of climate change, covering both mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation approaches to cope with climate impacts. Students will learn to apply economic analysis to evaluate real-world environmental policy problems, particularly those relevant to mountainous regions of Central Asia. The course also addresses the limitations of economic analysis in providing policy guidance on natural resource issues, especially in the context of long-term, global challenges like climate change. Throughout, we evaluate approaches in terms of efficient allocation, sustainable scale, and just distribution.

Course Learning Outcomes 

• Describe the economic aspects of natural resource issues, including those relate to climate change
• Apply analytical tools (rhetorical, graphical, and mathematical) to describe the extent to which these issues constitute the failure of market systems
• Explain the difficulties arising in using economic analysis in natural resource and climate policy design
• Recognize a number of real-world environmental policy problems, particularly those in the context of mountainous regions of Central Asia and evaluate in depth solutions to such problem using economic analysis.

Course Assessment and Grading 

Course # ECON  3113E

Credits 3

Prerequisites and/or Corequisites: None

Course Description

The focus of the course is gender differences in the labor market and will cover both theoretical and empirical studies. Students will delve into these topics to understand the many ways that gender is relevant in the economy. Students will obtain an evidence-based understanding of two key aspects: 1) the potential mechanisms behind gender inequality, and 2) the policies and evidence of their effects on advancing gender equality. Specifically, this course analyzes the economic aspects of issues related to gender, such as gender wage gaps, labor force discrimination, family-friendly policies in the workplace, the valuation of unpaid household work, and the differential impact of public policies. During the course, students will become familiar with the methodology of gender analysis in the economic sciences and research gender analysis indicators to support skills development for relevant research and analysis.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Define gender inequality.
• Explain how gender wage gaps are measured and why they might exist
• Describe global best practices in family policy
• Determine models and data appropriate for gender analysis
• Relate evidence-based empirical analysis to economic and sociological theory in gender issues

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # ECON 3133E

Credits 3

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites: Introduction to Accounting

Course Description

The aim of the course is to develop knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles and concepts relating to financial accounting and technical proficiency in the use of double-entry bookkeeping, including the preparation of basic financial statements.  The course enables students to conduct a basic interpretation of  financial statements. The syllabus covers the principles of accounts preparation, including an in-depth look at recording, processing, and reporting business transactions and events.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the context and purpose of financial reporting
• Define the accounting principles, concepts and qualitative characteristics of useful financial information
• Demonstrate the use of double-entry bookkeeping and accounting systems
• Record transactions and events
• Perform reconciliations
• Prepare a trial balance
• Prepare financial statements
• Prepare basic consolidated financial statements
• Interpret financial statements

Course Assessment and Grading

Course # ECON 4088E

Credits 6

Prerequisites and/or Corequisites: None

Course Description

This marketing course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts and strategies in marketing. Throughout the course, students will actively engage in analyzing real-world marketing scenarios, developing marketing strategies, and applying marketing principles in various contexts. By the end of the course, students will have acquired the skills to understand consumer behavior, evaluate marketing environments, and create effective marketing plans. This course is integral to the major, highlighting the role of marketing in influencing economic trends, consumer behavior, and global market dynamics.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Analyze and interpret consumer behavior using relevant theories and models.
• Develop effective marketing strategies based on market research and analysis.
• Apply the principles of the marketing mix to real-world business scenarios.
• Evaluate the impact of external environments on marketing decisions.
• Design a comprehensive marketing plan that integrates strategic and tactical marketing elements.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # ECON 4016E

Credits 6

Prerequisites and/or Corequisites: None

Course Description

The "Strategic Management" course serves as a comprehensive exploration of the key aspects of strategic decision-making and implementation within organizations. Students will actively engage in analyzing real-world business cases, formulating strategies, and evaluating the effectiveness of strategic decisions. This course is integral to the Bachelor of Arts in Global Economics, as it provides students with the knowledge and tools to understand and influence the strategic direction of organizations in a global context. Throughout the course, students will develop critical thinking skills, apply strategic management concepts, and collaborate on projects that simulate real-world strategic challenges.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Analyze the internal and external environments of an organization using appropriate strategic management tools.
• Formulate strategies that align with an organization's goals and objectives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different strategic approaches in various business contexts.
• Apply strategic management concepts to real-world business scenarios.
• Collaborate effectively in teams to develop and present strategic management plan and recommendations.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # HUSS 2116E

Credits 6

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to social and cultural anthropology, emphasizing the intricate relationships between society, culture and ecology. Students will explore how human societies are not only diverse in their cultural practices but also share common experiences that transcend geographical boundaries. The course delves into the ways different communities interpret their environments, sustain livelihoods, and organize social, political, and religious structures. A key focus will be the interplay between culture and ecology, examining how traditional societies are shaped by and, in turn, shape their environments. Students will apply basic ethnographic research methods in practical research projects that investigate the cultural and environmental dynamics within their own communities. By the end of the course, students will have a nuanced understanding of how anthropological theories can be applied to contemporary issues, offering insights into the sustainable interaction between human societies, their culture and environments.

Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• analyze and discuss the core concepts and principles of anthropology
• apply concepts of cultural variation and the diversity of perspectives, practices, and beliefs found within each culture and across cultures
• Critically examine traditional and modern economic systems, focusing on how cultural patterns influence consumption and economic structures
• apply anthropological research methods such as participant observation, thick description, fieldwork and interviewing.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # ECON 4131E

Credits 3

TBA

Course # ECON 3005

Credits 6

Prerequisites and/or Corequisites: “Introductory Macroeconomics” and “Intermediate Macroeconomics”

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the main topics in international monetary economics. During classes, students will examine the theoretical concepts of international monetary economics and discuss world economy practical examples, including cases in developed countries, emerging markets and the Central Asian economies. All the topics discussed in the course will be illustrated with relevant practical examples.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Discuss and explain specific policy issues such as the choice of exchange rate regime, the desirability of free capital flows or the creation of optimal currency areas.
• Identify causes and consequences of international financial crises.
• Discuss central bank actions and decisions in relation to international financial markets and the consequences of monetary policy changes for the domestic economy
• Compare country specific experiences in the field of exchange rate policies and regimes
• Critically interpret press reports discussing world financial markets
• Critically comment on current debates on international economic finance policies.

Course Assessments and Grading