Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies (IR/PS)

Courses

IRPS 87. Freshman Seminar (1)    The Freshman Seminar Program is designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments and undergraduate colleges, and topics vary from quarter to quarter. Enrollment is limited to 15–20 students, with preference given to entering freshmen.

MPIA Core Curriculum

IRCO 400. Policy-Making Processes (4)    A course designed to teach students how to “read” a country’s political and economic system. The course will examine how the evolution of different institutional frameworks in the countries of the Pacific region influences the way in which political choices are made.

IRCO 401. Managerial Economics (4)    Survey of basic tools in economics. Examination of how commodity demand is determined, what affects supply of the commodity, how price is determined, when optimal market allocation of resources and failure occurs, and basic topics concerning the aggregate economy.

IRCO 403. International Economics (4)    The theory and mechanics of international economics. Included will be such topics as real trade theory, international movements of capital, the effects of trade and capital flows on domestic economies, and policies toward trade and foreign investment.

IRCO 410. International Politics and Security (4)    Development of analytic tools for understanding international relations with applications to contemporary problems such as the environment, nuclear proliferation, human rights, humanitarian interventions, and the roots of conflict and cooperation among countries.

IRCO 412. Globalization, the World System, and the Pacific (4)    This course examines globalization and other economic and political factors that shape the international relations of the Pacific Rim. Specific topics include financial market integration, state cooperation and intervention, and case studies of individual countries.

IRCO 420. Accounting (4)    An introduction to financial accounting designed to prepare students to understand their own organizations’ international operations and interpret information from outside organizations. The emphasis will be on understanding the potential uses and limitations of accounting information for various management purposes, and the procedural aspects of accounting will be introduced only to the extent necessary to explicate the basic concepts.

IRCO 421. Finance (4)    This course surveys the financial problems facing managers and analyzes financial institutions, financial instruments, and capital markets. Tools acquired will prepare students to analyze international financial topics such as exchange rate behavior, the management of international risk, and international financing. Prerequisites: IRCO 420, 453, and 454.

IRCO 453. Quantitative Methods: Decision Making and Scenario Analysis (2)    This course is designed to provide proficiency in quantitative methods that are used for optimization and decision making. It first develops graphic and analytical solutions to resource allocation and efficient production. Next, scenario analysis and elements of decision making under uncertainty are introduced. Finally, the use of spreadsheets is applied to data analysis and problem solving.

IRCO 454. Quantitative Methods: Decision Making under Uncertainty (2)    This course covers elements from statistics that are central to business decision making under uncertainty. In particular, regression analysis and estimation will be applied to problems of forecasting and optimization.

IRCO 460. Managerial Decision Making (4)     This course develops practical decision-making skills useful in a management setting. It stresses identifying relevent information and presenting it effectively. Skills include strategic analysis, negotiation, and application of quantitative methods. Prerequisites: IRCO 400, 401, 410, 411, 420, 421, 453 and 454.

IRCO 461. Business and Government in the Global Economy (4)    Business and government interaction in the world economy are examined from both public policy and private sector management perspectives. Topics include competitive advantage, the challenging boundaries of private and public, and the influence of private interests on public sector regulation. Prerequisites. IRCO 400, 401, 410, 411, 420, 421, 453, 454 and 460.

IRCO 462. Public Policy Workshop (4)    Presents tools for analysis of public policies. Students collaborate on term-long projects analyzing public policy formation, implementation, and outcomes.

General Courses

Not all general courses are offered each year.

IRGN 400. International Relations of the Pacific (4)    International relations and developing international political economies of nations bordering the Pacific. Topics include: the “Pacific Basin” concept; the U.S. and “hegemonic-stability” theory; legacies of Korean War and Sino-Soviet dispute; immigration patterns and their consequences; and Japan’s foreign policy.

IRGN 402. International Political Economy: Money and Finance (4)    Examination of effects of national policies and international collaboration of public and private international financial insitutions, in particular management of international debt crises, economic policy coordination, and the role of international lender of last resort. Prerequisite: IRCO 411 or consent of instructor. Conjoined with Political Science 144D and 262.

IRGN 403. International Political Economy: Trade (4)    This course examines the evolution of the international trading system, emphasizing issues of politics and policy. Topics include developments in the GATT, the emergence of regional trading blocs, protectionism, industrial policy, and the relationship between trade and direct investment. Students choose a particular sector to develop expertise. Prerequisite: IRCO 411 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 404. Chinese Politics (4)    This course will analyze post-1949 Chinese politics, including political institutions, the policy making process, and citizen political behavior. Special attention will be paid to the prospects for political reform in China.

IRGN 405. U.S.–China Relations (4)    Can the United States and China manage to develop a constructive relationship or are they headed toward a hostile relationship? This course addresses this question by examining the domestic and international influences on the foreign policies of both countries and key issues in the bilateral relationship. Students also do policy projects.

IRGN 407. Bureaucracy and Public Policy (4)    What determines the degree of influence bureaucrats exert over public policy outcomes, versus the influence of politicians? Overview of themes such as developmental state, state autonomy, legislative oversight, clientelism, corruption. Applications to Japan, East Asia, United States, and Latin America. Prerequisite: IRCO 400 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 408. Internal Conflict after the Cold War (4)    Will examine the causes of civil wars and the problems with resolution and state reconstruction. Theoretical approaches discussed will then be applied to three recent case studies: Cambodia, Rwanda, and Bosnia. Policy implications for the international community will be discussed. Prerequisite: IRCO 410.

IRGN 409. Economic Policy in Latin America (4)    This course seeks to enhance the students’ understanding of the main policy alternatives open to the largest Latin American countries. Development and stabilization policies are analyzed, emphasizing current debate between conventional and heterodox policy packages and their impact on decisionmaking. Prerequisites: IRCO 401, IRCO 403.

IRGN 411. Business and Management in Japan (4)    This course introduces the main aspects of Japanese business and industrial organization (keiretsu), Japanese management practices, and the representation and influence of business interests in the Japanese political economy.

IRGN 412. The Politics of International Competitiveness (4)    Examination of policy debates concerning international economic relations: what policies promote or encourage effective participation in the international economy, and what political factors support or oppose such policies? Examples are drawn from the experiences of the U.S., Japan, Europe, Latin America, and East Asia.

IRGN 416. Post War Politics in Japan (4)    Overview of postwar politics in Japan, including American Occupation reforms, political institutions, major political factors, mass and elite, and political behavior. Special attention will be paid to the issue of Japan’s changing democracy.

IRGN 418. Trade and Economic Growth: Lessons from Pacific Basin Economies (4)    The purpose of this course is to survey economic relations among Pacific Basin economics, exploring relevant economic and public policy issues. Major topics include: productivity; trade; technology spill-over/ transfer; foreign direct investment; factor and human capital accumulation; income distribution; and regional insitutional arrangments. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 and 403.

IRGN 419. Risk Management (4)    This course provides an introduction to derivative assets such as options, futures, and swap contracts. The main emphasis is on their valuation, use in hedging, and role as components of liabilities that mitigate risk and agency problems in business firms. Prerequisite: IRCO 421.

IRGN 420. Strategic Marketing Planning (4)    This course develops the micro-economic foundations of market exchange by explicitly examining the marketing details of transactions: demand and product differentiation, incomplete and incorrect information, search costs and promotion costs. It is argued that within this theoretical framework (i.e., model) most observed marketing behavior can be reconciled. The primary objective of this course is to learn to deduce firm and consumer motives from observed behavior. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 and 403, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 422. Investments (4)    An analysis of the risk/return characterics of different assets as perceived by different investors and their implications for security price behavior, emphasizing real world capital market behavior. International aspects include the role of exchange rate risk and international diversification. Prerequisites: IRCO 421, 453, and 454, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 424. Corporate Finance (4)    The topics covered are dividend policy and capital structure, options, debt financing, and short- and long-term financial planning. Course format will consist mostly lectures, with occasional cases. Some international aspects of corporate finance will also be discussed. Prerequisites: IRCO 401, 403, 420, 421, 453, and 454, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 425. Managing Service Operations (4)    The course covers (1) strategic issues such as service revision, market positioning, growth, and globalization; (2) process design, facility design, and capacity planning; (3) system control and performance measurement; and (4) human resources, information technology, and other service media. Prerequisites: IRCO 460 and either IRGN 438 or permission of instructor.

IRGN 426. Management of Technology (4)    How companies choose and develop new technology. Case studies, lectures by executives. National technology policy, including the roles of intellectual property. This course emphasizes technology strategy at corporate/ national level; the product development course emphasizes tactics for developments teams.

IRGN 427. Competition and Regulation in the Global Communications Market (4)    This course explores the global market for telecommunications, internet, and information services. It analyzes how regulation and international trade rules influence market structure. It examines the politics underlying government rules, and it probes the strategies of corporation in the global market.

IRGN 429. The Globalization of Production (4)    This course examines how trade policy, information technology, and other factors shape the production strategies of multinational enterprises. Topics include foreign direct investment and the mode of entry into foreign markets, global outsourcing and the globalization of work, and the impact of trade and investment policy on the world location of production. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 and 403, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 430. Globalization (4)    This seminar surveys ideas about economic globalization. Discussion focuses on production “chains,” the division of products into components, and their distribution around the world.

IRGN 431. Fiscal and Monetary Policy (4)    This course examines the effects of fiscal and monetary policies on aggregate variables such as output, nominal and real interest rates, price level, and employment. Additional topics include the inflation/ unemployment trade-off, budget deficit, and economic growth.

IRGN 432. Immigration and Immigration Policy (4)    This course examines the role of immigration in the globalization of Pacific Rim economies. Topics include the economic forces behind immigration; the impact of immigration on wages, employment, and industry structure in sending and receiving countries; and the nature, scope, and political economy of immigration policy. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 or permission of insturctor.

IRGN 433. International Finance (4)    The international financial system will be addressed, including the perspectives of individual investors, borrowers, and financial intermediaries. Public policy issues including the exchange rate mechanism, financial linkages among countries, optimum currency areas and macro-policy coordination will be discussed. Prere-quisites: IRCO 403, 421, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 434. Strategic Analysis (4)    This course analyzes competitive interactions, surveying the modern economic analysis of relationships between and within organizations. The foundations of the course are game theory and the economics of information. Topics include bargaining and contracting, principal-agent models, and bidding models.

IRGN 435. Topics in International Trade (4)    Objective is to develop analytic tools and explore their relevance for trade policy issues. Focuses on a revolving set of issues, including the political economy of trade policy, strategic trade and industrial policy; trade and financial liberalization; the debate on trade, jobs and wages; and trade and international technology transfer. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 and 403, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 436. Information and Management (4)    This is a seminar course on the use of information by organization in strategic and tactical decision-making. Actual content varies, and currently includes doing business on the Internet and supply chain management. Prerequisite: IRCO 460.

IRGN 438. Production and Operations Management: Analysis and Control (4)    This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental decisions and trade-offs associated with the control of a firm’s operations function. It analyzes production processes, quality control, inventory and materials planning, kanban and just-in-time principles. Prerequisites: IRCO 453 and 454, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 440. Managerial Accounting and Control (4)    Focus on planning, managing, controlling and evaluating costs for competitive advantage in global markets. Key topics will include cost structure, cost-based managerial decision making, strategic cost management, JIT/TQC cost management, and accounting control systems. Prerequisite: IRCO 420 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 443. Economics of Telecommunications (4)    This course will focus on the underlying economics of the telecommunications and public policy rationale of regulations applied to this industry. Both theoretical models and case studies will be used to provide better understanding of the telecommunications marketplace and the nature of competition between service providers in the industry. Prerequisite: IRCO 401 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 444. Product Development (4)    This course examines how high-tech companies develop successful products. Emphasizes interplay between business and technology issues, including marketing, finance, manufacturing, prototyping, testing, and design. Student teams develop novel products, from concept to working prototype, including a business plan for launching the product. Discussion of concurrent engineering, rapid prototyping, industrial design, and other design methodologies.

IRGN 446. Applied Data Analysis and Statistical Decision Making (4)    The goal of the course is to teach how to evaluate quantitative information in business and economics contexts, and to make sound managerial decisions in complex situations. Much of the problems and course work will involve statistical software and spreadsheet analysis of data. The course covers various applied multivariate statistical methods beyond basics. Prerequisites: IRCO 453 and 454, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 447. Organizations (4)    A seminar course based on the modern economics of organization. Covers an eclectic set of readings on a diverse range of organizations, looking at how incentives for collective action are structured. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 and 403.

IRGN 449. Making U.S. Foreign Policy (4)    Analysis of the interests, structure and procedures of the main executive branch agencies involved in the formulation of foreign policy, and of the roles of Congress, the media, public opinion, and non-governmental actors. Case studies and “daily briefings” to prepare students to perform professionally in the foreign policy arena. Prerequisite: IRCO 410 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 451. Economic Development (4)    This course examines comparative patterns of industrialization and agricultural modernization with a focus on certain common features of the modernization process and widely varying endowments, policies, and experiences of different countries. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 and 403, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 453. Sustainable Development (4)    This course will cover the concept of sustainable development, ways in which sustainable development can be measured, evaluation of environmental damages and benefits, and the role of discounting, and will analyze cases demonstrating failure of the market.

IRGN 454. Current Issues in U.S.-Latin American Relations (4)    This course features active debate of such issues as the collective defense of democracy, coping with revolutionary change, counter-narcotics, anti-corruption, international finance, trade, and U.S.-Mexican and U.S.-Brazilian relations. In each case, students analyze the strengths and weaknesses of current U.S. policy and advocate alternative options. Prerequisite: IRCO 410 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 455. Economic Theories of Regional Integration (4)    This course introduces students to the basic economics of trading blocs and proceeds to more complicated topics in the theory of preferential trading arrangements, customs unions, and currency unions. Students then use the formal theory they have learned to compare economic integration in different parts of the world. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 and 403 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 456. Program Design and Evaluation (4)    Introduction to elements of program design and evaluation. Examines principles and guidelines used in creating a program and evaluating its success or failure. International case studies are explored. Students have the opportunity to develop their own program and evaluation projects.

IRGN 457. Cost Benefit Analysis (4)    Examination of public policy analysis, such as cost-benefit analysis and project evaluation, for use in policy formation. Sustainable development will receive particular attention. Case studies emphasizing the environment, agriculture and food, and economic development will be included.

IRGN 458. International Environmental Policy and Politics (4)    This course analyzes multilateral environmental agreements and negotiating positions of key countries on climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and other subjects. It explores the challenges countries face to balance economic development objectives with global environmental concerns.

IRGN 459. Conflict Resolution of Environmental Issues (4)    Use of bilateral negotiations (U.S.-Canada), regional organization (ECE and acid rain in Europe), and United Nations specialized agencies (UNEP and WMO on ozone depletion and climate change) to mediate environmental disputes. Consideration of nontraditional approaches resolving international environmental problems.

IRGN 460. The Politics of U.S.-Japan Economic Relations (4)    This course will analyze how the domestic politics of each country, their international negotiations, and their interaction concerning economic issues have affected the U.S.-Japan relationship. Both the politics of cooperation and integration, and trade friction and conflict will be addressed in part through study of specific cases.

IRGN 461. Doing Business in China (4)    This course describes the Chinese commerical, organizational, and cultural environment. Case studies of foreign businesses in China are examined, and the opportunities and pitfalls of operation in China are considered. Negotiation with Chinese counterparts is covered through a negotiation exercise. The focus is on mainland China, but some attention is given to business in Hong Kong and Taiwan as well. Students are required to prepare business plans for proposed Chinese ventures.

IRGN 463. Political Economy of Southeast Asia (4)    This course provides an introduction to five Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The focus will be on national level of political and economic issues in these countries. In addition, a number of region-wide issues will also be examined such as: Chinese business groups and networks; clientelism and corruption; regional trade and investment linkages; democratization; and the implications of political change for future economic development.

IRGN 465. Management of Non-profit Organizations (4)    Analyzes the particular environment in which non-profit organizations define and achieve their objectives. Management tools are applied to existing non-profits and to student projects.

IRGN 466. Public Finance (4)    Describes principles of taxation and expenditure analysis, public budgeting, and assessment of budget priorities.

IRGN 468. Government and Business in Japan (4)    This course aims to identify and analyze the basic features of the Japanese political economy and government-business relationships in postwar Japan. Following an introduction to the constituents of Japanese political and industrial organization, specific aspects of financial and industrial policy (MOF/MITI) as well as regulation and corporate governance are discussed.

IRGN 469. The Japanese Financial System (4)    This course studies the financial system in Japan and analyzes its role in the development of the Japanese economy. Topics will include keiretsu and the main bank system, internationalization and deregulation of finance, the Bank of Japan and monetary policy. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 and 403.

IRGN 470. International Business Strategy (4)    This course analyzes corporate strategies and management issues in their international dimensions. Based on numerous case studies, the class examines the strategic opportunities and problems that emerge when companies transfer corporate skills and competence to other countries. Recommended: IRCO 456A.

IRGN 471. Japanese Economy (4)    A broad survey of the Japanese economy, together with in-depth examination of some distinctively Japanese phenomena such as savings behavior, financial structure, industrial organization, and labor markets. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 and 403, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 473. APEC: Regional Integration, Policies and Procedures (4)    This course examines regional integration in the Asia Pacific from historical, institutional, and comparative perspectives. It considers the origins of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, the diverse interests of APEC member economies, APEC institutional procedures, the implementations of trade and technical assistance initiatives, and the roles of the private sector and NGOs. Student participation and original research is emphasized.

IRGN 475. International Negotiation (4)    This course attempts to reach a broad audience of students who seek in-depth understanding of how states and other international actors attempt to achieve specific objectives through give-and take of the negotiation process. Cases include Northern Ireland and Middle East peace processes, negotiations leading to Dayton accords, and negotiations over Antiballistic Missile Treaty.

IRGN 476. Doing Business in Latin America (4)    This course will explore the realities of conducting business in Latin America. The focus will be on discussing a variety of cases, mainly in four countries—Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile—covering strategic, operational, organizational, and cross-cultural issues. Course format will consist of case studies and will include the development and presentation of a business plan.

IRGN 477. Latin American Politics (4)    Introductory reading seminar on Latin American politics to acquaint students with leading schools of thought, provide critical perspective on premises and methodology, and identify themes for further inquiry. Themes include authoritarianism, revolution, democratization, regional conflict, and emergence of middle-level powers.

IRGN 479. Politics and Institutions in Latin America (4)    Overview of Latin American politics and the “rules of the game,” both formal and informal. Key topics include military rule, presidentialism, and clientelism in the region as a whole, with special emphasis on Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. Prerequisite: IRCO 400 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 480. Policy-Making in Latin America (4)    This course explores major policy issues in contemporary Latin America, especially the breaakdown of import substitution and subsequent liberalization of economics. Special attention is given to the coalition strategies of politicians and the capacity of state institutions to deliver public goods. Prerequisite: IRGN 479 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 481. Managing Country Risk in the Modern Multinational Corporation (4)    Examines ways to analyze, assess, and reduce country risk.

IRGN 482. East Asian NICS (4)    Forces explaining the success of four economies in East Asia (South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore), and two natural resource-rich states (Malaysia, Thailand) will be addressed. Theoretical models, implementation of development policies/strategies, and sociopolitical causes and consequences of development will be discussed. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 and 403, or IRCO 410 and 411, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 483. Business and Policy in Southeast Asia (4)    Surveys various dimensions of business in Southeast Asia, with particular attention to the policy context. Special focus on technological capabilities of business organizations in Southeast Asia.

IRGN 484. Korean Politics (4)    This course will examine characteristics and distinctive aspects of contemporary Korean society and politics. Emphasis will be placed on continuity and change in social values, political culture and leadership, economic growth and its impact, and democratization and its future prospects.

IRGN 485. The Korean Economy (4)    Analytical review of South Korea’s economic performance. Examination of major policy changes (e.g., shifts toward export promotion, heavy and chemical industrial promotion); Korea’s industrial structure including the role of large enterprises (chaebol); role of government; links between Korea and other countries.

IRGN 486. Economic and Social Development of China (4)    This course examines China’s development experience from a generally economic standpoint. Contents include: patterns of traditional Chinese society and economy; geography and resource constraints; impact of the West and Japan; development since 1949; and contemporary problems and options.

IRGN 487. Applied Environmental Economics (4)    This course teaches students how to analyze environmental and natural resource policy issues in developing countries using economic concepts and methods. Weekly spreadsheet exercises based on real-world data provide hands-on practice. Prerequisites: IRCO 401, 453, 454, or consent of instructor.

RGN 488. Corporate Strategy and the Environment (4)    This seminar examines the ability of firms to increase shareholder value through improved environmental performance. Topics innclude product differentiation, strategtic use of regulations, the “Porter hypothesis,” and environmental management systems. Readings include case studies and research articles. Prerequisites: IRCO 401, 421, 453, 454, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 490. Special Topics in Pacific International Affairs (4)    A seminar course at an advanced level on a special topic in Pacific international affairs. May be repeated for credit.

IRGN 490x. Additional Special Topics in Pacific International Affairs (4)    A seminar course at an advanced level on a special topic in Pacific international affairs. Variable instruction times expected.

IRGN 497. Internship (4-12)    Field research in an area relevant to career and/or regional specialization. May be repeated for credit.

IRGN 498. Directed Group Study (2-12)    Directed reading in a selected area. The content of each course is to be decided by the professor directing the course with the approval of the student’s faculty adviser. May be repeated for credit.

IRGN 499. Independent Research (2-12)    Independent research under the guidance of a faculty member at IR/PS. May be repeated for credit.

Language Courses

IRLA 4A-B-C. Beginning Portuguese: Portuguese Conversation (4-4-4)    Presentation and practice of basic grammatical structures needed for oral and written communication of Portuguese. Emphasis on listening comprehension, speaking, vocabulary building, reading, and culture. For students with no Spanish background.

IRLA 5A-B-C. Portuguese Language for Spanish Speakers (4-4-4)    This course is designed to introduce undergraduate Spanish-speaking students to the Portuguese language through a combination of classes, exercises, and other language experiences. Consent of instructor is necessary.

IRLA 33A-B-C. Second-Year Vietnamese: Vietnamese Conversation (2-2-2)    Tutorial meetings to practice Vietnamese conversation. Must be taken with IRLA 33AX, BX, CX. Completion of IRLA 3A, 3B, 3C and 3AX, 3BX, 3CX or consent of instructor.

IRLA 33AX-BX-CX. Second-Year Vietnamese: Analysis of Vietnamese (3-3-3)    A continuation of first-year Vietnamese. Through lectures and practice students will review the basic structure of Vietnamese and will be introduced to an intermediate level analysis of Vietnamese structure. Prerequisites: IRLA 3A, 3B, 3C, 3AX, 3BX, 3CX and must be taken with 33A, B, C or consent of instructor.

IRLA 34A-B-C. Vietnamese for Bilingual Speakers (4-4-4)    This course is for those students who have a high level of speaking proficiency in Vietnamese but little or no reading and writing abilities. Special emphasis in the development of reading and writing skills. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

IRLA 145A-B-C. Vietnamese Language and Civilization (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Vietnamese language skills through study of Vietnamese text focusing on Vietnamese culture and society from the sixteenth century to the present. Topics that will be examined include religion, politics, economics, and history. Prerequisites: prior ability to read, write and speak Vietnamese language, department stamp.

IRLA 400A-B-C. Chinese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at a low-intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Chinese language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 401A-B-C. Chinese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Chinese language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 402A-B-C. Chinese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an advanced-intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Chinese language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 403A-B-C. Chinese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an advanced level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Chinese language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 404A-B-C. Chinese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at a superior level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Chinese language skills through individual training with an instructor. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 406A-B-C. Technical Chinese Language (4,4,4)    A course designed to prepare IR/PS technical management track students to meet the language competency requirement in Chinese. Acquisition of technical language skills through classes, language, language laboratory, exercises, and other activities. Prerequisite: IR/PS technical concentration admission status or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 410A-B-C. Japanese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at a low-intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Japanese language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 411A-B-C. Japanese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Japanese language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 412A-B-C. Japanese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an advanced-intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Japanese language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 413A-B-C. Japanese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an advanced level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Japanese language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 414A-B-C. Japanese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at a superior level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Japanese language skills through individual training with an instructor. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 416A-B-C. Technical Japanese Language (4,4,4)    A course designed to prepare IR/PS technical management track students to meet the language competency requirement in Japanese. Acquisition of technical language skills through classes, language laboratory, exercises, and other activities. Prerequisite: IR/PS technical concentration admission status or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 417. Introduction to Kanji (2)    Introduction to the characteristics and usage of Chinese characters (Kanji) used in Japanese language: history, structure, cognitive aspects, their relationship with hiragana and katakana, policy issues, learning strategies, and technology. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of Japanese grammar and consent of instructor, IR/PS majors.

IRLA 418. Strategies for Reading Japanese (2)    This course introduces effective and efficient strategies for reading advanced-level professional texts in Japanese: analysis of extended sentence structure and multiple predicate sentences and development of strategies for skimming, scanning, and intensive reading of Japanese texts. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of Japanese grammar and writing system and consent of instructor, IR/PS majors.

IRLA 420A-B-C. Korean Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at a low-intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Korean language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 421A-B-C. Korean Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Korean language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 430A-B-C. Portuguese Language for Spanish Speakers (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable Spanish-speaking students to acquire proficiency in the Portuguese language through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 431A-B-C. Second Year Portuguese Language for Spanish Speakers (4-4-4)    A continuation of first-year Portuguese for Spanish speakers. This course is designed to enable Spanish-speaking students to be introduced to an intermediate level of Portuguese language through a combination of classes, language, laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 440A-B-C. Spanish Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at a low-intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Spanish language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 441A-B-C. Spanish Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Spanish language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 442A-B-C. Spanish Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an advanced-intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Spanish language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 443A-B-C. Spanish Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an advanced level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Spanish language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 444A-B-C. Spanish Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at a superior level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Spanish language skills through individual training with an instructor. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 446A-B-C. Technical Spanish Language (4,4,4)    A course designed to prepare IR/PS technical management track students to meet the language competency requirement in Spanish. Acquisition of technical language skills through classes, language laboratory, exercises, and other activities. Prerequisite: IR/PS technical concentration admission status or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 450A-B-C. Vietnamese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at a low-intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Vietnamese language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 451A-B-C. Vietnamese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Vietnamese language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 452A-B-C. Vietnamese Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students at an advanced-intermediate level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Vietnamese language skills through a combination of classes, language laboratories, exercises, and other language experiences. Prerequisite: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 460A-B-C. Bahasa Indonesia for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)    This course is designed to enable students with basic knowledge and skills of Bahasa Indonesia to further develop communicative skills through a combination of classes, exercises, and other language experiences.

IRLA 490. Special Topics in Language (2-12)    A seminar course at an advanced level on core linguistic functions and topics related to international management and policy work in the Pacific Rim area. Prerequisite: proficiency examination must be passed.

IRLA 500. Apprentice Teaching of Language (1-4)    This course, designed for graduate students serving as teaching assistants, includes discussion of teaching theories, techniques, and materials, conduct of discussion sessions, and participation in examinations, under the supervision of the instructor in charge of the course. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

Ph.D. Level Courses

IRGN 202. International Political Economy: Money and Finance (4)    Examination of effects of national policies and international collaboration of public and private international financial institutions, in particular management of international debt crises, economic policy coordination, and the role of international lender of last resort. Conjoined with Political Science 262. Prerequisite: IRGN 211 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 203. The International Political Economy: Trade (4)    This course examines the evolution of the international trading system, emphasizing issues of politics and policy. Topics include developments in the GATT, the emergence of regional trading blocs, protectionism, industrial policy, and the relationship between trade and direct investment. Students choose a particular sector to develop expertise. Prerequisite: IRGN 211 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 204. International Relations of the Pacific (4)    International relations and developing international political economies of nations bordering the Pacific. Topics include: the “Pacific Basin” concept; the U.S. and “hegemonic-stability” theory; legacies of the Korean War and Sino-Soviet dispute; immigration patterns and their consequences; and Japan’s foreign policy.

IRGN 205. U.S.–China Relations (4)    Can the United States and China manage to develop a constructive relationship or are they headed toward a hostile relationship? This course addresses this question by examining the domestic and international influences on the foreign policies of both countries and key issues in the bilateral relationship. Students also do policy projects.

IRGN 206. Corporate Strategy and the Environment (4)    This seminar examines the ability of firms to increase shareholder value through improved environmental performance. Topics include product differentiation, strategic use of regulations, the “Porter hypothesis,” and environmental management systems. Readings include case studies and research articles. Prerequisites: IRCO 401, 421, 453, 454, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 207. Bureaucracy and Public Policy (4)    What determines the degree of influence bureaucrats exert over public policy outcomes, versus the influence of politicians? Overview of themes such as developmental state, state autonomy, legislative oversight, clientelism, corruption. Applications to Japan, East Asia, United States, and Latin America. Prerequisites: IRCO 401, 421, 453, 454, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 208. Internal Conflict after the Cold War (4)    Will examine the causes of civil wars and the problems with resolution and state reconstruction. Theoretical approaches discussed will then be applied to three recent case studies: Cambodia, Rwanda, and Bosnia. Policy implications for the international community will be discussed. Prerequisites: IRGN 210.

IRGN 209. Strategic Marketing Planning (4)    This course develops the microeconomics foundations of market exchange by explicitly examining the marketing details of transactions: demand and product differentation, incomplete and incorrect information, search costs and promotion costs. It is argued that within this theoretical framework (i.e., model) most observed marketing behavior can be reconciled. The primary objective of this course is to learn to deduce firm and consumer motives from observed behavior. Prerequisites: IRGN 221 and 243, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 210. International Politics and Security (4)    Development of analytic tools for understanding international relations with applications to contemporary problems such as the environment, nuclear proliferation, human rights, humanitarian interventions, and the roots of conflict and cooperation among countries.

IRGN 212. The Politics of International Competitiveness (4)    Examination of policy debates concerning international economic relations: what policies promote or encourage effective participation in the international economy, and what political factors support or oppose such policies? Examples drawn from the experiences of the U.S., Japan, Europe, Latin America, and East Asia.

IRGN 213. Risk Management (4)    This course provides an introduction to derivative assets such as options, futures, and swap contracts. The main emphases is on their valuation, use in hedging, and role as components of liabilities that mitigate risk and agency problems in business firms. Prerequisite: IRCO 421.

IRGN 215. Competition and Regulation in the Global Communications Market (4)    This course explores the global market for telecommunications, Internet, and information services. It analyzes how regulation and international trade rules influence market structure. It examines the politics underlying government rules, and it probes the strategies of corporation in the global market.

IRGN 216. Post War Politics in Japan (4)    Overview of postwar politics in Japan, including American Occupation reforms, political institutions, major political actors, mass and elite, and political behavior. Special attention will be paid to the issue of Japan’s changing democracy.

IRCO 218. Globalization, the World System, and the Pacific (4)    This course examines globalization and other economic and political factors that shape the international relations of the Pacific Rim. Specific topics include financial market integration, state cooperation and intervention, and case studies of individual countries.

IRGN 219A-B-C. Workshop in International Relations (4,4,4)    Examination of recent research in international politics; development and presentation of research projects by graduate students; presentation of research projects by faculty. Second year students present seminar paper; third year students present dissertation prospectus; candidates make yearly presentation of dissertation research. Prerequisite: Political Science 202 or consent of instructor. Conjoined with Political Science 283A-B-C.

IRGN 220. APEC: Integration, Policies and Procedures (4)    This course examines regional integration in the Asia Pacific from historical, institutional, and comparative perspectives. It considers the origins of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, the diverse interest of APEC member economies. APEC institutional procedures, the implementation of trade and technical assistance initiatives, and the roles of the private sector and NGOs. Student participation and original research is emphasized.

IRGN 221. Managerial Economics (4)    Survey of basic tools in economics. Examination of how commodity demand is determined, what affects supply of the commodity, how price is determined, when optimal market allocation of resources and failures occurs, and basic topics concerning the aggregate economy.

IRGN 222. Investments (4)    An analysis of the risk/return characteristics of different assets as perceived by different investors and their implications for security price behavior, emphasizing real world capital market behavior. International aspects include the role of exchange rate risk and international diversification.

IRGN 223. The Globalization of Production (4)    This course examines how trade policy, information technology, and other factors shape the production strategies of multinational enterprises. Topics include foreign direct investment and the mode of entry into foreign markets, global outsourcing and the globalization of work, and the impact of trade and investment policy on the world location of production. Prerequisites: IRGN 221 and IRGN 243, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 224. Corporate Finance (4)    The topics covered are dividend policy and capital structure, options, debt financing, and short- and long-term financial planning. Course format will be mostly lectures with occasional cases. Some international aspects of corporate finance will also be discussed.

IRGN 225. Managing Service Operations (4)    This course covers (1) strategic issues such as service revision, market positioning, growth, and globalization; (2) process design, facility design, and capacity planning; (3) system control and performance measurement; and (4) human resources, information technology, and other service media. Prerequisites: IRCO 460 and either IRGN 438 or permission of instructor.

IRGN 226. Management of Technology (4)    How companies choose and develop new technology. Case studies, lectures by executives. National technology policy, including the roles of intellectual property. This course emphasizes technology strategy at corporate/ national level; the product development course emphasizes tactics for development teams.

IRGN 227. Organizations (4)    A seminar course based on the modern economics of organization. Covers an eclectic set of readings on a diverse range of organizations, looking at how incentives for collective action are structured. Prerequisites: IRGN 221 and 243.

IRGN 228. Government and Business in Japan (4)    This course aims to identify and analyze the basic features of the Japanese political economy and government-business relationships in postwar Japan. Following an introduction to the constituents of Japanese political and industrial organization, specific aspects of financial and industrial policy (MOF/MITI) as well as regulation and corporate governance are discussed. Additional paper and/or examination will be required at the doctoral level.

IRGN 229. Business and Management in Japan (4)    This course introduces the main aspects of Japanese business and industrial organization (keiretsu), Japanese management practices, and the representation and influence of business interests in the Japanese political economy.

IRGN 230. Trade and Economic Growth: Lessons from Pacific Basin Economies (4)    The purpose of this course is to survey economic relations among Pacific Basin economies, exploring relevant economic and public policy issues. Major topics include: productivity, trade, technology spill-over/ transfer, foreign direct investment, factor and human capital accumulation, income distribution, and regional institutional arrangements. Prerequisites: IRGN 221 and IRGN 243.

IRGN 231. Fiscal and Monetary Policy (4)    Effects of fiscal and monetary policies on aggregate variables such as output, nominal and real interest rates, price level, and employment. Additional topics include the inflation/unemployment trade-off, budget deficit, and economic growth.

IRGN 232. Immigration and Immigration Policy (4)    This course examines the role of immigration in the globalization of Pacific Rim economics. Topics include the economic forces behind immigration; the impact of immigration on wages, employment, and industry structure in sending and receiving countries; and the nature, scope, and political economy of immigration policy. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 or permission of instructor.

IRGN 233. International Finance (4)    The international financial system will be addressed including the perspectives of individual investors, borrowers, and financial intermediaries. Public policy issues including the exchange rate mechanism, financial linkages among countries, optimum currency areas, and macro-policy coordination will be discussed.

IRGN 234. Strategic Analysis (4)    This course analyzes competitive interactions, surveying the modern economic analysis of relationships between and within organizations. The foundations of the course are game theory and the economics of information. Topics include bargaining and contracting, principal-agent models, and bidding models.

IRGN 235. Topics in International Trade (4)    This course develops new analytical models of international trade and examines their relevance for trade policy. Topics include setting trade policy where firms have global market power; the interaction between international trade, innovation, and economic growth; regional economic policy, dynamic industry clusters, and information technology; and new trade theory and the world distribution of income. Prerequisites: IRGN 221 and IRGN 243, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 236. Information and Management (4)    This is a seminar course on the use of information by organization in strategic and tactical decision-making. Actual content varies, and currently includes doing business on the Internet and supply chain management. Prerequisite: IRCO 460.

IRGN 238. Production and Operations Management: Analysis and Control (4)    This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental decisions and trade-offs associated with the control of a firm’s operations function. It analyzes production processes, quality control, inventory and materials planning, kanban, and just-in-time principles.

IRGN 240. Applied Data Analysis and Statistical Decision Making (4)    The goal of the course is to teach how to evaluate quantitative information in business and economics contexts and to make sound managerial decisions in complex situations. Much of the problems and the course work will involve statistical software and spreadsheet analysis of data. The course covers various applied multivariate statistical methods beyond basics.

IRGN 242. Economics of Telecommunications (4)    This course will focus on the underlying economics of the telecommunications and public rationale of regulations applied to this industry. Both theoretical models and case studies will be used to provide better understanding of the telecommunications marketplace and the nature of competition between service providers in the industry. Prerequisite: IRGN 221 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 243. International Economics (4)    The theory and mechanics of international economics. Included will be such topics as real trade theory, international movements of capital, the effects of trade and capital flows on domestic economies, and policies toward trade and foreign investment.

IRGN 244. Product Development (4)    This course examines how high-tech companies develop successful products. Emphasizes interplay between business and technology issues, including marketing, finance, manufacturing, prototyping, testing, and design. Student teams develop novel products, from concept to working prototype, including a business plan for launching the product. Discussion of concurrent engineering, rapid prototyping, industrial design, and other design methodologies.

IRGN 249. Making U.S. Foreign Policy (4)    Analysis of the interests, structure, and procedures of the main executive branch agencies involved in the formulation of foreign policy, and of the roles of Con-gress, the media, public opinion, and non-governmental actors. Case studies and “daily briefings” to prepare students to perform professionally in the foreign policy arena. Prerequisite: IRGN 210 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 250. The Politics of U.S.-Japan Economic Relations (4)    This course will analyze how the domestic politics of each country, their international negotiations, and their interaction concerning economic issues have affected the U.S.-Japan relationship. Both the politics of cooperation and integration, and trade friction and conflict will be addressed in part through study of specific cases.

IRGN 251. Economic Development (4)    This course examines comparative patterns of industrialization and agricultural modernization with a focus on certain common features of the modernization process and widely varying endowments, policies, and experiences of different countries.

IRGN 253. Sustainable Development (4)    The course will cover the concept of sustainable development, ways in which sustainable development can be measured, evaluation of environmental damages and benefits, and the role of discounting, and will analyze cases demonstrating failure of the market.

IRGN 254. International Relations Theory (4)    A survey of the principal theories and approaches to the study of international relations. Conjoined with Political Science 240.

IRGN 255. Globalization (4)    This seminar surveys ideas about economic globalization. Discussion focuses on production “chains,”—the division of products into components, and their distribution around the world.

IRGN 256. Program Design and Evaluation (4)    Introduction to elements of program design and evaluation. Examines principles and guidelines used in creating a program and evaluating its success or failure. International case studies are explored. Students have the opportunity to develop their own program and evaluation projects.

IRGN 257. Cost Benefit Analysis (4)    Examination of public policy analysis, such as cost-benefit analysis and project evaluation, for use in policy formation. Sustainable development will receive particular attention. Case studies emphasizing the environment, agriculture and food, and economic development will be included.

IRGN 258. International Environmental Policy and Politics (4)    This course analyzes multilateral environmental agreements and negotiating positions of key countries on climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and other subjects. It explores the challenges countries face to balance economic development objectives with global environmental concerns.

IRGN 259. Conflict Resolution of Environmental Issues (4)    Use of bilateral negotiations (U.S.-Canada), regional organization (ECE and acid rain in Europe), and United Nations specialized agencies (UNEP and WMO on ozone depletion and climate change) to mediate environmental disputes. Consideration of nontraditional approaches resolving international environmental problems.

IRGN 260. Economic and Social Development of China (4)    This course examines China’s development experience from a generally economic standpoint. Contents include: patterns of traditional Chinese society and economy, geography and resource constraints, impact of the West and Japan, development since 1949, and contemporary problems and options.

IRGN 261. Chinese Politics (4)    This course will analyze post-1949 Chinese politics, including political institutions, the policymaking process, and citizen political behavior. Special attention will be given to the prospects for political reform in China.

IRGN 262. Comparative Public Policy: A Political Economy Approach (4)    Introduction to research methods in comparative policy analysis and to the design of research proposals. Survey of major competing approaches in the field, with analysis of methods used. Special attention to needs of Ph.D. students formulating dissertation proposals.

IRGN 263. Political Economy of Southeast Asia (4)    This course provides an introduction to five Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The focus will be on national level political and economic issues in these countries. In addition, a number of region-wide issues will also be examined such as: Chinese business groups and networks; clientelism and corruption; regional trade and investment linkages; democratization; and the implications of political change for future economic development.

IRGN 265. Management of Non-profit Organizations (4)    Analyzes the particular environment in which non-profit organizations define and achieve their objectives. Management tools are applied to existing non-profits and to student projects.

IRGN 266. Public Finance (4)    Describes principles of taxation and expenditure analysis, public budgeting, and assessment of budget priorities.

IRGN 267. Policymaking and Political Economy in Japan (4)    Examines the policymaking process in Japan, the interaction and role of state and non-state actors in shaping Japan’s economy. Analysis and comparison, through case studies of industrial policies (toward high-tech and declining industries), and non-industrial policies and their consequences.

IRGN 268. Political Development and Modern China (4)    This course examines how political development has dominated the study of comparative politics among U.S. academicians since the revival of the Cold War in 1947. The central focus is on the Western philosophical roots of this paradigm in the context of the experience of modern China. Cojoined with Political Science 132C/232C.

IRGN 269. The Japanese Financial System (4)    This course studies the financial system in Japan and analyzes its role in the development of the Japanese economy. Topics will include keiretsu and the main bank system, internationalization and deregualtion of finance, the Bank of Japan and monetary policy. Prerequisites: IRGN 221 and 243.

IRGN 270. International Business Strategy (4)    This course analyzes corporate strategies and management issues in their international dimensions. Based on numerous case studies, the class examines the strategic opportunities and problems that emerge when companies transfer corporate skills and competence to other countries.

IRGN 271. Japanese Economy (4)    A broad survey of the Japanese economy, together with in-depth examination of some distinctively Japanese phenomena such as savings behavior, financial structure, industrial organization, and labor markets.

IRGN 273. Current Issues in U.S.-Latin American Relations (4)    This course features active debate of such issues as the collective defense of democracy, coping with revolutionary change, counternarcotics, anti-corruption, international finance, trade, and U.S.-Mexican and U.S.-Brazilian relations. In each case, students analyze the strengths and weaknesses of current U.S. policy and advocate alternative options. Prerequisite: IRCO 410 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 274. Economic Policy in Latin America (4)    This course seeks to enhance the students’ understanding of the main policy alternatives open to the largest Latin American countries. Development and stabilization policies are analyzed, emphasizing current debate between conventional and heterodox policy packages and their impact on decision making.

IRGN 276. International Negotiation (4)    This course attempts to reach a broad audience of students who seek in-depth understanding of how states and other international actors attempt to achieve specific objectives through give-and-take of the negotiation process. Cases include Northern Ireland and Middle East peace processes, negotiations leading to Dayton accords, and negotiations over Antiballistic Missile Treaty.

IRGN 277. Latin American Politics (4)    Introductory reading seminar on Latin American politics to acquaint students with leading schools of thought, provide critical perspective on premises and methodology, and identify themes for further inquiry. Themes include authoritarianism, revolution, democratization, regional conflict, and emergence of middle-level powers. Conjoined with political Science 235A.

IRGN 279. Doing Business in Latin America (4)    This course will explore the realities of conducting business in Latin America. The focus will be on discussing a variety of cases, mainly in four countries—Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile—covering strategic, operational, organizational, and cross-cultural issues. Course format will consist of case studies and will include the development and presentation of a business plan.

IRGN 281. Managing Country Risk in the Modern Multinational Corporation (4)    Examines ways to analyze, assess, and reduce country risk.

IRGN 282. East Asian NICS (4)    Forces explaining the success of four economies in East Asia (South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore), and two natural resource-rich states (Malaysia, Thailand) will be addressed. Theoretical models, implementation of development policies/strategies, and sociopolitical causes and consequences of development will be discussed.

IRGN 284. Korean Politics (4)    This course will examine characteristics and distinctive aspects of contemporary Korean society and politics. Emphasis will be placed on continuity and change in social values, political culture and leadership, economic growth and its impact, and democratization and its future prospects.

IRGN 285. The Korean Economy (4)    Analytical review of South Korea’s economic performance. Examination of major policy changes (e.g., shifts toward export promotion, heavy and chemical industrial promotion); Korea’s industrial structure including the role of large enterprise (chaebol); role of government; links between Korea and other countries.

IRGN 286. Business and Policy in Southeast Asia (4)    Surveys various dimensions of business in Southeast Asia, with particular attention to the policy context. Special focus on technological capabilities of business organizations in Southeast Asia.

IRGN 287. Politics and Institutions in Latin America (4)    Overview of Latin American politics and the “rules of the game,” both formal and informal. Key topics include military rule, presidentialism, and clientelism in the region as a whole, with special emphasis on Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico.

IRGN 288. Policy-Making in Latin America (4)    Major policy issues in contemporary Latin America, especially the breakdown of import substitution and sebsequent liberalization of economies. Special attention to the coalition strategies of politicians and the capacity of state institutions to deliver public goods. Prerequisite: IRGN 287 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 289. Applied Environmental Economics (4)    This course teaches students how to analyze environmental and natural resource policy issues in developing countries using economic concepts and methods. Weekly spreadsheet exercises based on real-world data provide hands-on practice. Prerequisites: IRCO 401, 453, 454, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 290. Special Topics in Pacific International Affairs (4)    A seminar course at an advanced level on a special topic in Pacific international affairs. May be repeated for credit.

IRGN 298. Directed Group Study (2-12)    Directed reading in a selected area. The content of each course is to be decided by the professor directing the course, with the approval of the student’s faculty adviser. May be repeated for credit.

IRGN 299. Independent Research (2-12)    Independent research under the guidance of a faculty member at IR/PS. May be repeated for credit.