International Political Economy

Courses

Students studying IPE at Carthage will take courses in international relations, international trade and finance, international management, microeconomics, macroeconomics, political science, statistics, law, accounting and geography.

Students take courses in Economics, Geography & Earth Science, Political Science, Business Administration, Social Science and Modern Languages.


Economics Courses
Carthage Department of Economics

ECN 1030
Issues in Economics
4 credits
Instructor: Staff

This course offers students an introduction to economics, along with some elementary tools of economic analysis, with emphasis upon their application to contemporary problems and issues. The economy and selected issues are examined in their global context. Designed to meet the needs and interests of students in various majors outside of the economics and business administration areas, the course is not open to students who have received credit for either Economics 1010 or Economics 1020. Fall.

ECN 200T
Topics in Economics
1-4 credits
Instructor: Staff

Selected topics in economics. Depending upon content and level of work, the course may be taken more than once for academic credit.

Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Fall/J-Term/Spring.
ECN 2340
Applied Statistics for Economics and Management
4 credits
Instructor: Ron Cronovich

The application of statistics to problems in business and economics, encompassing the gathering, organization, analysis, and presentation of data. Topics include descriptive statistics in tabular and graphical forms; the common measures of central tendency and dispersion; sampling and probability distributions; construction of confidence intervals and hypothesis testing; and correlation analysis. This course is offered as BUS 2340 or ECN 2340

Prerequisite: Math 1070 or equivalent. Fall/Spring/Summer.
ECN 2510
Intermediate Microeconomics
4 credits
Instructor: Yuri Maltsev

The economic theory of microeconomic units: consumers, firms, and industries. This entails the study of production, cost, and price theory, and the practices of firms under alternative market structures. Concepts of social welfare will be explored, and the uses and limits of public policy in addressing the problems of market failures will be examined.

Prerequisite: ECN 1010 or 1030. Fall.
ECN 2520
Intermediate Macroeconomics
4 credits
Instructor: Brent McClintock

The economic theory of macroeconomic aggregates: national income accounting; the determinants of output, income, and employment levels; the analysis of inflation; processes of economic growth; and open-economy macroeconomics. Monetary, fiscal, and incomes policies are examined and the uses and limits of these tools in promoting macroeconomic goals are discussed.

Prerequisite: ECN 1020 or 1030. Spring.
ECN 3270
International Trade
4 credits
Instructor: Robert Schlack

An historical and theoretical analysis of international economic relations in both public and private spheres. Using the principles of economic analysis, models of international trade and factor prices, commercial policy, economic integration, balance of payments adjustment and foreign exchange markets are set forth and become a basis for examining policy issues.

Prerequisite: ECN 1010 and 1020, or 1030. Fall.
ECN 3290
International Finance
4 credits
Instructor: Ron Cronovich

This course examines the monetary side of international economics and globalization, including the current and historical structure of international finance institutions. Topics include exchange rate theories, monetary regimes, interest rates, asset pricing, and risk diversification, the balance of payments, currency crises, and open-economy aspects of fiscal and monetary policies. Emphasis is given to the use of theories in understanding current events and policy issues.

Prerequisite: ECN 1010 and 1020, or ECN 1030.
ECN 3300
Law and Economics
4 credits
Instructor: Brent McClintock

An examination of how economic concepts and modeling can be applied to help determine the justification for, and the effects of, various types of laws and contractual arrangements. The problems posed by externalities and other market failure arising in resource, labor, and product markets are discussed, and the legal framework and regulatory environment for addressing these issues is surveyed in order that alternative approaches might be evaluated.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Fall.
ECN 4030
International Political Economy
4 credits
Instructor: Brent McClintock

Building upon prior analysis of international trade and finance, this course offers students an advanced study of the interaction of the economic and political processes in the world arena. Topics may include, but are not limited to, economic and political integration, theories of direct foreign investment and international production, economic development, the political economy of the global environment and international governance. Spring.

ECN 4050
Seminar in International Political Economy
4 credits
Instructor: Staff

Serving as a capstone for the international political economy major, the seminar goes beyond disciplinary lines in an attempt to further integrate diverse and often competing perspectives, methodologies, and values. A research thesis, on a topic of individual student's choice made in consultation with an advisor, is required along with an oral presentation to faculty and students involved in the program.

Prerequisite: Senior standing. Spring.

Geography and Earth Science Courses
Carthage Department of Geography & Earth Science

GEO 2100
The Human Landscape
4 credits

An overview of contemporary themes in cultural/human geography which stresses the changing and changeable relationship between people and the environment. Topics include examination of urban, rural, and suburban landscapes; their functionality; how the human environment describes the culture and its values; the cultural basis for environmental problems; the origin and spread of human culture; human migration and the distribution of population. Listed as Geography 2100 and Sociology 2060. Fall/Spring.

GEO 2300
Economic Geography
4 credits

A study of resource location and utilization, population and labor force characteristics, and the production and distribution of goods and service in selected regions of the world and its sustainability.Fall/Spring.

GEO 3500
Transportation Geography and Business Logistics
4 credits
Instructors: Julio Rivera, Wenjie Sun

An examination of industrial location theory, site-selection analysis, market and service area estimation, network analysis and planning, the allocation problem, and related geographic data-gathering and analysis techniques which are applicable to the production and distribution of goods and services. Fall/Spring.


Political Science CoursesCarthage Department of Political Science

POL 1050
Introduction to International Relations
4 credits
Instructor: Jeffrey Roberg
This course offers an introduction to the major concepts and theories in international politics and their application to the events of the postwar world, particularly the Cold War and the North-South conflict. Attention is also given to disruptive forces in the international community, such as the nuclear arms race and ethnic conflict, as well as those forces, such as the United Nations, that contribute to world order. Fall.
POL 200T
Topics in Political Science
1-4 credits
Instructor: Staff

This course covers selected topics such as jurisprudence, international law, women and politics, U.S. foreign policy in Central America, art and politics, politics of developing areas, political socialization, the Presidency, criminal justice and internal security. The course content will determine in which area credit will be given.

POL 2050
Philosophical Foundations of Political Economy
4 credits
Instructor: Arthur Cyr
An introduction to the philosophical foundations of political economy from classical times through the Enlightenment and to the modern era. Students will read, discuss, and analyze the works of both European political economists (Smith, Ricardo, Mill, and Marx) and American thinkers and statesmen in the field (Jefferson, Mason, Hamilton, and Madison). Fall
POL 4050
Seminar in International Political Economy
4 credits
Instructor: Arthur Cyr

Serving as a capstone for the International Political Economy major, the seminar goes beyond disciplinary lines in an attempt to further integrate diverse and often competing perspectives, methodologies, and values. A research thesis, on a topic of the individual student's choice made in consultation with an advisor, is required along with an oral presentation to faculty and students involved in the program.

Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Business Administration Courses
Carthage Department of Business Administration

MGT 3710
International Management
4 credits
Instructor: Colleen O'Brien

A study of management in an international environment, its evolution, and its position in today's society. Students also study the control and decision-making process for management of a worldwide organization, including the financial, marketing, human resource, political and ethical implications of the worldwide organization in local markets and in the international community.

Prerequisite: Junior Standing. Spring.
MGT 3730
International Legal Environment of Business
4 credits
Instructor: Staff

A survey of various legal systems including common law, civil law, and Islamic law. Students will be introduced to a variety of concepts, including the sources of international law, the distinction between private and public law, and the concept of sovereign nations. The implications of sovereignty as they relate to international business activity are a central theme of the course. Original source materials, case studies, and legal opinions are used. Special schedule.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.
ACC 3750
International Accounting and Finance
4 credits
Instructor: David Brunn

A survey course exploring the implication of international transactions on financial decisions. As businesses continue to globalize, anyone involved in international commerce needs to understand the effects of disclosure disparity, exchange rates, and multinational taxation on the entity's performance. In addition, they should understand the implications of international accounting standards on financial disclosure and capital market efficiency. Special schedule.

Prerequisite: ACC 2000 or 2010. J-Term.

Modern Language Courses
Carthage Department of Modern Languages

FRN 3080
The French-Speaking World: Social, Political, and Economic Issues
4 credits
Instructor: Staff

Students will learn about social, political, and economic issues affecting the French-speaking world using a variety of media and texts. Issues will be contextualized in the contemporary world, and examination of their historical background will further students' understanding of these issues in their cultural context.

Prerequisite: French 3010 or consent of instructor. Alternate Fall Semesters.
GRM 3080
The German-Speaking World: Social, Political, and Economic Issues
4 credits
Instructor: Staff

Students will learn about social, political, and economic issues affecting the German-speaking world using a variety of media and texts. Issues will be discussed within the context of the contemporary world, and examination of their historical background will further students' understanding of these issues in their cultural context.

Prerequisite: German 3010 or consent of instructor. Alternative Fall Semesters.
SPN 3080
The Spanish-Speaking World: Social, Political, and Economic Issues
4 credits
Instructor: Staff

Students will learn about social, political, and economic issues affecting the Spanish-speaking world using a variety of media and texts. Issues will be discussed within the context of the contemporary world, and examination of the historical background will further students' understanding of these issues in their cultural context.

Prerequisite: Spanish 3010 or consent of instructor

Social Science Courses
Carthage Division of Social Sciences

SSC 2330
Behavioral Research Statistics
4 credits
Instructor: Robert Maleske

A beginning course in statistical concepts and procedures needed for critically evaluating and conducting research in psychology, sociology, political science and other behavioral sciences.

Prerequisite: PYC 1500 or permission of instructor. Fall/Spring.

Academic Resources

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J-Term

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