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

Courses

For course descriptions not found in the UC San Diego General Catalog, 2011–12, please contact the department for more information.

IRGN 199. Independent Research/Study (2-4)

Independent research/study under the guidance of a faculty member of IR/PS. Prerequisites: consent of undergraduate advising office and instructor.

MPIA Core Curriculum

IRCO 400. Policy-Making Processes (4)

This course is 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. Prerequisites: IR/PS students only.

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 occur, 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. Prerequisites: majors only.

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 I (2)

This course is designed to provide proficiency in quantitative methods that are used for optimization and decision making. The use of spreadsheets is applied to data analysis and problem solving. Statistical theory and regression analysis are introduced.

IRCO 454. Quantitative Methods II (4)

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. Prerequisites: majors only.

IRCO 460. Managerial Decision Making (4)

This course develops practical decision-making skills useful in a management setting. It stresses identifying relevant information and presenting it effectively. Skills include strategic analysis, negotiation, and application of quantitative methods. Prerequisites: IRCO 400, 401, 410, 412, 420, 421, 453 and 454, or consent of instructor.

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, 412, 420, 421, 453, and 454, or consent of instructor.

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. Prerequisites: IRCO 400, 401, 410, 412, 420, 421, 453, and 454, or consent of instructor.

IRCO 463. Strategy and Negotiation (4)

This class introduces the fundamentals of corporate strategy, based on case studies requiring corporate analysis; and the principles of negotiation, based on exercises and class learning. Both sections of this class are highly applied, and require intensive out-of-class preparation and teamwork that help students acquire skills in analytical thinking, strategic action planning, and hands-on negotiations. Prerequisites: IRCO 400, 401, 403, 410, 412, 420, 421, 453, and 454.

IRCO 464. The Corporation in the Global Economy: The Interaction of Business and Government (4)

What can countries, firms, and individuals do to position themselves effectively in the world economy? This course uses case studies to explore the global division of labor in the production value chain, government policy and the micro-organization of the firm. Prerequisites: IRCO 400, 401, 410, 412, 420, 421, 453, and 454, or consent of instructor.

MAS-IA Core Curriculum

IRCO 481. The Politics of International and National Policy Making (4)

This course provides an introduction to the international political economy of the Pacific Rim. The course covers important international developments, such as regionalism, as well as domestic decision making processes.

IRCO 482. Economies of the Pacific Rim (4)

This course studies major economies of the Pacific region by combining standard tools in economics with institutional background on each economy. Special attention is given to the challenges that economic globalization poses on the economic relations among those economies.

IRCO 483. Workshop on Policy Issues in the Pacific Rim (4)

Students collaborate on long-term projects analyzing important political, economic, and business issues in the Pacific regions using the tools acquired through other courses at IRPS. Prerequisites: IRCO 481 and 482 or consent of the instructor.

General Courses

Not all general courses are offered each year.

IRGN 400. International Relations of Asia-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 401. Understanding Civil Wars: Theory and Policy Implications (4)

This course examines why civil wars break out, why they are difficult to resolve, and the effects of outside intervention. The course introduces ethnic and internal conflict theory, and engages students in current policy debates regarding how the international community can best respond to these conflicts. Prerequisites: admission to program or consent of instructor.

IRGN 402. International Political Economy: Money and Finance (4)

Examination of effects of national policies and international collaboration on public and private international financial institutions, in particular the management of international debt crises, economic policy coordination, and the role of international lender of last resort.

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 given 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 406. Finance and Development (4)

This course analyzes the roles of money and financial institutions in the economy. The first part of the course focuses on microeconomics and the financial system. The topics include money, financial markets, financial intermediaries, banking regulations, and bank runs. The second part of the course focuses on the microeconomics aspects of financial institutions. The topics include financial development, financial liberalization, and their effects on the economy, especially economic growth and development. Prerequisites: IRCO 403 and IRCO 421 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 407. Policy Implementation Process (4)

Course builds on Policy-Making Processes class by focusing on nonelected officials’ role in setting and implementing policy. Ideally, elected officials make policies that unbiased, technically proficient bureaucrats carry out. Course provides insight into why the real world departs from this. Prerequisites: IRCO 400.

IRGN 408. Korean Security (4)

This course will consider major security issues on the Korean peninsula, including the evolution of the US-South Korea alliance and the management of the current nuclear crisis. A distinctive feature of the course will be a consideration of the political economy of recent developments on the peninsula, particularly with respect to North Korea, and an extended discussion of the logic and strategy of engagement.

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 the current debate between conventional and heterodox policy packages and their impact on decision making. Prerequisites: IRCO 401, IRCO 403.

IRGN 410. Corporate Governance (4)

Why do corporate governance systems—the way firms are run, the relationships among managers, stockholders, and workers—differ widely around the world? This course examines the various explanations for these striking differences and the consequences. Prerequisites: graduate level or consent of instructor.

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 413. 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.

IRGN 416. Post-War Politics in Japan (4)

Overview of post-war 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 417. Microfinance (4)

This course will begin by examining financial markets in poor countries. Investigates how microfinance contracts overcome problems that had previously barred the extension of business credit in many environments. Prerequisites: admission to program or consent of the instructor.

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. Prerequisites: IRCO 421.

IRGN 420. Marketing (4)

This course develops the microeconomic foundations of market exchange by examining the marketing details of transactions: demand and product differentiation, incomplete and incorrect information, search and promotion costs. Students will 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 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. Prerequisites: IRCO 421, 453, and 454.

IRGN 423. Corporate Social Responsibility (4)

Nongovernmental organizations monitor compliance with norms through shareholder activism, consumer pressures, political protest, creating “brands,” and legal action. Course examines these strategies to determine what works best, and how organizations and individuals can influence corporations to “do the right thing.”

IRGN 424. Corporate Finance (4)

The topics covered are dividend policy and capital structure, options, debt financing, and short and long-term in financial planning. Course format will be 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 431. 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 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 consent of instructor.

IRGN 435. 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: IRCO 401 and 403, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 437. Policy Design (4)

Course teaches how to make strong, reasoned cases for new policy initiatives. Covers cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness evaluation, multigoal analysis, and how these are used in policymaking. Covers tools to predict policy impact, like drawing on “best practice” and related experiences.

IRGN 438. 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 439. Policy Evaluation (4)

Research-design class focusing on strategies for evaluating policies’ effectiveness with data in small quantities. Skills taught: understanding limits of what data say, and using information optimally. The emphasis is on qualitative analysis. The concepts taught are similar to those presented in QM3. Prerequisites: IRCO 453 and IRCO 454.

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. Prerequisites: 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 telecommunication marketplace and the nature of competition between service providers in the industry. Prerequisites: 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 the 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 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 448. Civil Society and Development (4)

To explore the roles that civil society/NGOs/the third sector can play in advancing political, social, and economic progress in developing countries. To consider the strengths and weaknesses, capacities, and limitations of NGOs in developing countries. To provide students with experience in evaluating NGOs and in making professional recommendations to enhance their ability to make a difference. To prepare students to take leadership roles—whether in government, the private sector, or NGOs—in promoting civil-society participation in development.

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 nongovernmental actors. Case studies and “daily briefings” to prepare students to perform professionally in the foreign policy arena. Prerequisites: 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 452. Quantitative Methods for Advanced Analysts (4)

This course caters to the needs of those who routinely face a variety of advanced data-analysis challenges, such as international marketing and sales managers, consulting analysts, or international business development and intelligence specialists. Knowledge of introductory optimization and statistics, including linear regression, is assumed. The course is entirely practical in that it is organized around in-depth case studies, requiring students to work extensively with data. Methods covered include cluster, factor, and discriminate analysis, and modeling and simulation.

IRGN 453. 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 454. Current Issues in U.S.-Latin American Relations (4)

Issues to be actively debated include 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 US policy and advocate alternative options. Prerequisites: IRCO 410 or consent of the 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 evaluate 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 organizations (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. Prerequisites: graduate standing.

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 commercial, 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 462. Economies in Southeast Asia (4)

This course focuses on the long-run and current economic issues of Southeast Asia. The topics are economic growth, human capital, inequality and poverty, social institutions, the business sector, the financial sector, government, the external sector, and regional and interregional economic relations. For each topic, we will discuss the issues from selected countries in the region in more detail. Prerequisites: IRCO 401 and IRCO 403 or consent of instructor.

IRGN 463. Politics 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. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.

IRGN 464. Strategies and Skills for Effective Consulting (4)

This course will provide an introduction to the field of consulting. It will focus both on effective consulting strategies and on skills and tools that are helpful in the process. Technical, cultural, economic, and political issues will be considered, as the various aspects of consultant work are examined. Prerequisites: admission to program or consent of instructor.

IRGN 465. Management of Nonprofit Organizations (4)

Analyzes the particular environment in which nonprofit organizations define and achieve their objectives. Management tools are applied to existing nonprofits and to student projects.

IRGN 466. Public Finance (4)

Describes principles of taxation and expenditure analysis; public budgeting; and assessment of budget priorities.

IRGN 467. Policymaking and Political Economy in Japan (4)

Examines the policymaking process in Japan, the interaction and role of state and nonstate actors in shaping Japan’s economy. Analysis and comparison, through case studies of industrial policies (toward high-tech and declining industries), and nonindustrial policies and their consequences.

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.

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 472. Japanese Corporate Culture (4)

This course examines Japanese culture values and social relations in the context of business organizations. The central focus will be on the integration of individuals into their organizations and on the human relations characteristic of their work environments.

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 478. Japanese Foreign Policy (4)

Examines the domestic and strategic sources of Japan’s foreign policy in the postwar era. Unlike IRGN 460, this course emphasizes Japan’s foreign economic policy in regional and global multilateral organizations, and the major security issues it confronts with its Asian neighbors.

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. Prerequisites: IRCO 400 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 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. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.

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 industries 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.

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 492. Special Topics in Pacific Studies (2)

A seminar course at an advanced level on a special topic in Pacific studies.

IRGN 497. Internship (2)

Independent research that draws on an internship with an organization relevant to career track and/or regional specialization. Nature of the required product to be determined by professor supervising the course. May be repeated for credit.

IRGN 498. Directed Group Study (2)

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 of IR/PS. May be repeated for credit.

Language Courses

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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: IR/PS majors only, 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: IR/PS majors only, 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. Prerequisites: basic knowledge of Japanese grammar and consent of instructor, IR/PS majors.

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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: IR/PS majors only, or by consent of instructor.

IRLA 445A-B-C. Spanish Language for Professional Proficiency (4-4-4)

This course is designed to enable student at a superior level of proficiency to maintain and improve their Spanish language skills through individual training with an 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. Prerequisites: IR/PS majors only or consent of instructor.

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. Prerequisites: graduate standing.

PhD Level Courses

IRGN 201. Understanding Civil Wars: Theory and Policy Implications (4)

IRGN 202. International Political Economy: Money and Finance (4)

IRGN 204. International Relations of Asia-Pacific (4)

IRGN 205. U.S.–China Relations (4)

IRGN 206. Corporate Strategy and the Environment (4)

IRGN 207. Policy Implementation Process (4)

This course builds on the core Policy-Making Processes class by focusing on nonelected officials’ role in setting and implementing policy. Ideally, elected officials make policies that unbiased, technically proficient bureaucrats carry out. This course provides some insights into why the real world departs from this. Prerequisites: IRCO 400.

IRGN 209. Marketing (4)

This course develops the microeconomics 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: IRGN 221 and 243, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 210. International Politics and Security (4)

IRGN 211. Finance and Development (4)

This course analyzes the roles of money and financial institutions in the economy. The first part of the course focuses on microeconomics and the financial system. The topics include money, financial markets, financial intermediaries, banking regulations, and bank runs. The second part of the course focuses on the microeconomics aspects of financial institutions. The topics include financial development and financial liberalization, and their effects on the economy, especially economic growth and development. Prerequisites: IRCO 403 and IRCO 421 or consent of instructor.

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 the hedging, and role as components of liabilities that mitigate risk and agency problems in business firms. Prerequisites: IRCO 421.

IRGN 214. Corporate Governance (4)

Why do corporate governance systems—the way firms are run, the relationship among managers, stockholders, and workers—differ widely around the world? This course examines the various explanations for these striking differences and the consequences. Prerequisites: graduate level or consent of instructor.

IRGN 216. 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 217. Microfinance (4)

IRGN 218. Globalization, the World System, and the Pacific (4)

IRGN 221. Managerial Economics (4)

IRGN 222. Investments (4)

IRGN 224. Corporate Finance (4)

The topics covered are dividend policy and capital structure, options, debt financing, and short and long-term in financial planning. Course format will be mostly lectures with occasional cases. Some international aspects of corporate finance will also be discussed. Prerequisites: IRGN 221, 243, IRCO 420, 421, 453 and 454, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 227. Organizations (4)

IRGN 229. Business and Management in Japan (4)

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 consent of instructor.

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: IRCO 401 and 403, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 237. Policy Design (4)

IRGN 238. 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 239. Policy Evaluation (4)

IRGN 240. Applied Data Analysis and Statistical Decision Making (4)

IRGN 243. International Economics (4)

IRGN 244. Product Development (4)

IRGN 248. Civil Society and Development (4)

IRGN 249. Making US 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 nongovernmental actors. Case studies and “daily briefings” to prepare students to perform professionally in the foreign policy arena. Prerequisites: IRGN 210 or consent of instructor. Suggested: IRGN 211.

IRGN 250. The Politics of U.S.-Japan Economic Relations (4)

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. Prerequisites: IRGN 221 and 243, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 252. Quantitative Methods for Advanced Analysts (4)

This course caters to the needs of those who routinely face a variety of advanced data analysis challenges such as international marketing and sales managers, consulting analysts, or international business development and intelligence specialists. Knowledge of introductory optimization and statistics, including linear regression, is assumed. The course is entirely practical in that it is organized around in-depth case studies, requiring students to work extensively with data. Methods covered include cluster, factor, and discriminate analysis, and modeling and simulation.

IRGN 256. Program Design and Evaluation (4)

IRGN 257. Cost Benefit Analysis (4)

IRGN 258. International Environmental Policy and Politics (4)

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)

IRGN 261. 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 given to the prospects for political reform in China.

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, we will also be examining a number of region-wide issues: Chinese business groups and networks; clientelism and corruption; regional trade and investment linkages; democratization; and the implications of political change for future economic development. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.

IRGN 264. Economies in Southeast Asia (4)

IRGN 265. Management of Nonprofit Organizations (4)

Analyzes the particular environment in which nonprofit organizations define and achieve their objectives. Management tools are applied to existing nonprofits and to student projects.

IRGN 266. Public Finance (4)

Describes principles of taxation and expenditure analysis; public budgeting; and assessment of budget priorities.

IRGN 270. International Business Strategy (4)

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. Prerequisites: IRGN 221 and 243, or consent of instructor.

IRGN 273. Current Issues in U.S.-Latin American Relations (4)

IRGN 274. Economic Policy in Latin America (4)

IRGN 276. International Negotiation (4)

IRGN 278. Japanese Foreign Policy (4)

IRGN 281. Country Risk Analysis (4)

Examines ways to analyze, assess, and reduce country risk.

IRGN 284. Korean Politics (4)

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 287. Politics and Institutions in Latin America (4)

IRGN 289. Applied Environmental Economics (4)

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 292. Special Topics in Pacific Studies (2)

A seminar course at an advanced level on a special topic in Pacific Studies.

IRGN 298. Directed Group Study (2)

Directed reading in 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. Prerequisites: graduate standing and consent of faculty adviser.

IRGN 299. Independent Research (2-12)

Independent research under the guidance of a faculty member in IR/PS. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: graduate standing and consent of faculty adviser.