Quantitative Analysis I for Internationa

This survey course introduces students to the fundamentals of statistical analysis. We will examine the principles and basic methods for analyzing quantitative data, with a focus on applications to problems in public policy, management, and the social sciences. We will begin with simple statistical techniques for describing and summarizing data and build toward the use of more sophisticated techniques for drawing inferences from data and making predictions about the social world. The course will assume that students have little mathematical background beyond high school algebra. Students will be trained on STATA. This powerful statistical package is frequently used to manage and analyze quantitative data in many organizational/institutional contexts. Because each faculty member takes a somewhat different approach to teaching this course, students should examine each professors syllabus to understand the differences.

• M 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• T 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• W 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Doru Cojoc
  Info
• 3 points

Quantitative Analysis II for Internation

Prerequisites: SIPA U6500

This course is the second semester in the SIPA statistics sequence, extending the multiple regression framework introduced in the first semester as a tool for policy analysis and program evaluation (also known as 
econometrics
). The first half of the course will focus largely on the fundamentals of multiple regression analysis for causal inference. The second half builds on this foundation and introduces experimental and quasi-experimental methods that are widely used in empirical research. Additional topics on data collection, statistical analysis and interpretation will also be covered to help students become thoughtful consumers of statistical analysis for public policy. Students will receive instructional support in Stata to carry out regression analysis and complete assignments. Assignments and supplementary topics may vary by instructor, please review syllabi for further details.

• T 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• T 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• W 9 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• W 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• R 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• F 9 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• F 1 p.m.-2:50 p.m.
• M 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Alan S Yang
  CULPA: 5 Info
• 3 points

Politics of Identity in Post-Communist E

Politics of ID in ECE

The course examines the complex relations between politics and identities in various countries of post-communist Eastern, Central and Southern Europe. It deals with various aspects of the politics of identity, including language, ethnicity, religion, and memory, in an array of social domains encompassing education, public administration, media, churches, linguistic landscapes, and public monuments. It seeks to describe post-communist processes in these domains as both grounded in ideologies and practices of the communist and pre-communist past and shaped by the domestic sociopolitical situation and external (geo)political contexts. A case featured in the course is Ukraine, which is very interesting in view of its ambivalent historical legacy, contradictory policies in post-Soviet years, and the remarkable resilience that has been demonstrated in time of war with Russia. At the same time, considerable attention will be paid to cases as different as Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, the Baltic and post-Yugoslav states. This choice of cases makes it possible to present a diversity and complexity of identity politics in post-communist societies. 

• W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Volodymyr Kulyk
  Info
• 3 points

Global Reliance on Russian Energy

Globl Reliance-Russ Enrgy

Russian unprovoked war in Ukraine dramatically changed the world energy landscape and created one of the primary energy crises in the world. Russian Federation is the world's largest energy exporter of fossil fuels. However, shocked by the war, the West imposed sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The course will discuss a significant energy geopolitical shift happening worldwide because of the war. We will focus on how the EU navigates this crisis and how Russia tries to escape sanctions. What new energy alliances appear, and what disappear because of this war? 

• W 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Natasha Udensiva
  Info
• 3 points

Politics of the Caucasus

This course tracks the trajectories of politics in the Caucasus, focusing on the political development of the independent states of the South Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. While the focus is on contemporary political dynamics, the course considers the mechanisms through which the legacies of Imperial Russian expansion and Soviet structures interact with current mechanisms of interest articulation and power. Students in this course will examine the contours and mechanisms of the collapse of Soviet hegemony in the South Caucasus, spending some time examining the conflicts that accompanied this process and persist today. The course will address the country contexts both individually and comparatively, thereby encouraging students to delve deeply into the politics of each state, but then also enabling them to find continuities and contrasts across major thematic considerations.

• T 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• Instructor: Julie George
  Info
• 3 points

Macroeconometrics

The course aims to analyze dynamic, multivariate interactions in evolutionary and non-stationary processes. The course first considers stationary univariate time-series processes and then extend the analysis to non-stationary processes and multivariate processes. The course covers a review of linear dynamic time-series models and focus on the concept of cointegration, as many applications lend themselves to dynamic systems of equilibrium-correction relations. In the final analysis, the course is aimed at presenting a certain number of econometric techniques the mastery of which is becoming increasingly inevitable in professional circles.

• R 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• W 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Noha Emara
  CULPA: 7 Info
• 3 points

Empirical Econometric Project

This course aims to provide students with further instruction on how (1) to motivate detailed empirical analysis on a research question of their choice, (2) to justify and to design appropriate econometric tests using relevant time-series, cross-sectional, or panel data, etc., and (3) to draw accurate inferences—as well as direct policy implications—from their results for a wide audience. To meet this objective, the key course requirement is to write an empirical policy paper that details (1)–(3) in no more than 5000 words total (including exhibits, references, etc.), geared not for academics but for economic policymakers or other practitioners. Also, students will be required to report their findings to their instructor, advisors, and fellow students during 10- to 15-minute slide presentations toward the end of the semester.

• M 9 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• Instructor: John Benson Durham
  Info
• 1.5 points

North Korea: State, Society, Diplomacy,

N. Korea- State & Securit

After completing the course, students will be able to intelligently discuss and critically analyze issues related to North Korea’s state, society, diplomacy, and security. This includes a nuanced understanding of critical areas such as: the Korean Peninsula’s division and war, North Korea’s economic management, strategy, military, human rights abuses, gender roles, social changes, propaganda and outside information, denuclearization diplomacy, and alternate approaches to nuclear North Korea. To present a variety of perspectives and viewpoints, the reading list includes works of history, analyses by political scientists, primary documents including diplomatic cables, memoirs by North Korean refugees, documentary videos, and news articles. Students engage analytically with the material, steered by weekly guided questions to comprehend the different sides of issues and develop an informed perspective.

• M 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Jonathan Corrado
  Info
• 3 points

Negotiation & Conflict Resolution

There are two purposes to this course: 1. to develop your ability to negotiate in a purposeful, principled and effective way; and 2. to teach you how to build consensus and broker wise agreements with others. Negotiation is a social skill, and like all social skills you have to practice it if you want to get better at it. To give you the chance to practice, we'll do a number of simulated negotiations in and out of class. We'll also use lectures, case studies, exercises, games, videos, and demonstrations to help you develop your understanding. As we advance in the course, our focus will shift from simple one-on-one negotiations to more complex ones involving many parties, agents, coalitions, and organizations.

• W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• W 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• Instructor: Teemu Alexander Puutio
  Info
• Instructor: Seth Freeman
  Info
• 3 points

China in International Human Rights Regi

China-Intl Human Rights R

This seminar will examine the causes of human rights violations and explore how external forces can address them, with a specific focus on China. I will contextualize China within the international community, which plays a defining, framing, and exercising role in one of the core liberal norms, human rights. Consequently, this seminar will encompass a comprehensive survey of broader themes within the international human rights regime. It will also involve a critical assessment of China's role in shaping this regime, in comparison with other key actors in various regions throughout history to the present day. Throughout the course, students will be expected to critically evaluate the assigned readings, actively engage in discussions on contemporary human rights issues, and gain research experience in presenting and writing their final projects. By the end of this seminar, students will have developed a deeper understanding of the intricate landscape of human rights and the influence of external forces, particularly China, in shaping this crucial global discourse

• R 9 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• Instructor: Lucie Lu
  Info
• 3 points

Financial Management

The course introduces students to budgeting and financial control as a means of influencing the behavior of organizations. Concepts include the budget process and taxation, intergovernmental revenues, municipal finance, bonds, control of expenditures, purchasing, debt management, productivity enhancement, and nonprofit finance. Students learn about the fiscal problems that managers typically face, and how they seek to address them. Students also gain experience in conducting financial analysis and facility with spreadsheet programs. Case materials utilize earth systems issues and other policy issues. A computer lab section is an essential aspect of the course, as it teaches students to use spreadsheet software to perform practical exercises in budgeting and financial management.

• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• R 9 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• Instructor: Rebecca E Koike
  Info
• 3 points

Applied Geopolitics: Risk Analysis

Geopolitics-Risk Analysis

The course introduces students to political risk analysis risks by exploring three key concepts and related frameworks for understanding this phenomenon at the international, country, and sectorial levels respectively: G-ZERO, J-Curve, and state capitalism. The course also equips students with key qualitative and quantitative techniques for doing political risk analysis, including the identification of top risks, fat tails, and red herrings, as well as the construction of political risk indices, models, and game-theory simulations. In addition, these concepts and techniques are further applied to analyzing and forecasting current, real-world problems and business concerns, such as market entry or portfolio investment allocation. These concepts and techniques are further practiced in the course practicums, which include interactive activities that invite students to grapple with the challenges of identifying and forecasting the range of outcomes of current, real-world risks as those come up at the time of the course. In the process, the course explores a range of political-risk topics on the macro- and micro-economic impacts of geopolitics—including issues of international and civil war, international trade, unconventional conflict, and a shifting global political order—as well as of politics at the national and sub-national level, including elections and political transitions, social unrest, the social and political drivers of economic and investment policies, and emerging vs developed markets dynamics.

• M 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• 1.5 points

Microeconomics and Policy Analysis II

Microecon & Policy Analysis II

This two-semester course demonstrates that it is both possible and useful to think about public policy rigorously: to examine underlying assumptions; to understand how formal models operate; to question vagueness and clichés; and to make sophisticated ethical arguments. An important goal of the class is to have students work in groups as they apply microeconomic concepts to current public policy issues having to do with urban environmental and earth systems. The course includes problem sets designed to teach core concepts and their application. In the spring semester, the emphasis is on the application of concepts to analyze contemporary policy problems. Some time is also devoted to international trade and regulation, and industrial organization issues. Students not only learn microeconomic concepts, but also how to explain them to decision-makers. Student groups take on specific earth system policy issues, analyze options through the use of microeconomic concepts, and then make oral presentations to the class. 

• R 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• R 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Eren Selcuk
  h-index: 4 Info
• 3 points

Governing the 21st Century City

Governing-21st Century City

This course will examine the linkages between urban governance structures and an economically successful democratic city. We will consider the particular policy challenges that confront both developed and developing cities in the 21st century. It will be important to understand the institutional political causes of urban economic decline, the unique fiscal and legal constraints on city governments as well as the opportunities that only cities offer for democratic participation and sustainable economic growth. The course will draw on case material from primarily American cities and from other developing and developed cities around the globe. It is important to keep in mind that creative policy solutions to the problems of urban economic sustainability may be found in small towns, in rural areas, in private businesses or in other global cities. The utility of importing ideas and programs rests on a practical understanding of politics in that city or community and an effective implementation strategy. Our objective in this course is not simply to understand the challenges to governing the 21st century city but also the policies that promote effective urban governance and economic sustainability.

• T 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• Instructor: Kian Tajbakhsh
  Wikipedia Info
• 3 points

Financial Stability Monitoring

This course focuses on financial stability monitoring and evaluation as an essential discipline for macroeconomic, financial and prudential policymakers.  We begin by defining financial stability, examining the dynamic behavior of macroeconomic models with developed models of the financial sector, and considering conceptual frameworks for assessment of threats to financial stability.  From there, we identify key signatures of financial instability, how they can be measured and combined in a monitoring system, and how such measurement systems signal changes in the level of systemic risk.  Through case studies, class participation and two assignments, you will interpret these measures, develop questions for further investigation and assess the nature and extent of systemic risk. You will be asked to write two policy memoranda:  the first proposing and justifying a small set of financial stability indicators for monitoring; and the second assessing the risk of financial instability in indicators for that (or another) country, in indicators of vulnerabilities with strong network effects, and in unconventional risks such as cyber or widespread trade tensions.  Both assignments emphasize developing timely and persuasive analysis that prompts policymakers to consider the need for action to preserve financial stability.  

• W 9 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• Instructor: Christine Cumming
  Info
• 1.5 points

Macroprudential Policy

This short course will start with a brief overview of the post-crisis reforms and focus on the gap that macroprudential policy was meant to fill: the lack of a system-wide perspective on financial stability. It will explore the conceptual and practical difficulties in defining financial stability and setting an operational target for policy; provide a high-level overview of the tools for monitoring systemic risk, including stress tests, as well as of the various macroprudential policy instruments available to mitigate it; and discuss the governance challenges in setting up an institutional framework for macroprudential policy. The course will review how the major advanced economies (US, UK, Euro area) have tackled these issues, as well as discuss aspects of macroprudential policy specific to emerging market (EM) and developing countries. Lastly, the course will examine recent and emerging challenges to financial stability, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, cyber risk, and the transition to a low-carbon economy; discuss the experience so far with macroprudential policy responses to these challenges; and assess the adequacy of the existing tools to address them.

This course will have a practical focus, emphasizing the perspective and actual experience of policymakers. By the end of this course, students should have a good understanding of the concepts of financial stability and systemic risk and their measurement, as well as how they are applied in the real world; the difference between the micro- and macro-prudential approach to financial regulation; the architecture and working of macroprudential policy in a variety of country circumstances; the role of central banks and the associated political economy challenges; and emerging risks to financial stability. Students will be encouraged, including through class discussions and assignments, to approach these issues from the standpoint of policymakers.

• T 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• Instructor: Dimitrios Demekas
  Info
• 1.5 points

Race, Gender and Political Change

Race, Gender & Political Chang

This course will examine the impact that the current social and racial justice awakening (or reckoning), at the intersection of race and gender, is having on the US politics and policy. We will look at this along several dimensions, including politics, voting rights and voter suppression, governing and philanthropy. Ultimately, political change is the natural consequence of social and economic disruption, but will the change that is to come be of the kind that activists in movements such as the Me Too movement, Black Lives Matter, and gender equity leaders have envisioned? If the US has yet to fulfill the promise of a truly representative government, what solutions might there be to address systemic barriers to power its citizens face on the basis of race and gender? There is an opportunity to influence the broader national conversation with the very best ideas and work to implement them, but this unique moment in history and the opportunity that comes with it will not last forever.  Our goal will be to critically examine and explain these systemic barriers to political power found along racial and gender lines. We will look at the causes and consequences of racial, economic and social inequality, and how that plays out in different systems, policies and spaces. In addition to readings, students will benefit from the practical knowledge of guest lecturers drawn from the political sphere. This course will help prepare policy makers and elected officials in their efforts to create an equitable government for all citizens regardless of race or gender.

• W 9 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• Instructor: Jeri E Powell
  Info
• 1.5 points

Democracy, Movements & Public Policy in

Dem, Movements & Pub Pol in US

This course will explore the relationship between representative and direct democracy, movement strategy and public policy development in the United States. The course will begin by defining movements and their relationship to power and democratic institutions. This course will examine three movements (1) civil rights, (2) Black Lives Matter/policing reform, and (3) disability rights and the relationship between policy development and governance. We will then examine limitations and opportunities for movement and protest strategies overall. The final two classes will focus on the principles of protest and governance and visioning. Student presentation will consider 21st century strategies for mobilizing popular movements and future opportunities for local and national governance change. And the final course will address scenario planning for the near future.

• T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Keesha Gaskins-Nathan
  Info
• 1.5 points

Labor, Inequality, and Multiracial Democ

Labor, Ineq, Multiracial

A central issue of our time is the strength of democracy in an era of mounting threats of authoritarianism, rising inequality, and deep insecurity and precarity for working people. This seminar will probe the relationship between labor, inequality, and an inclusive, multiracial democracy from a variety of perspectives in law, political science, sociology, history, and economics. Our discussions will address questions as varied as: Can political democracy thrive when people spend the bulk of their time in workplaces that are autocratic? What is the connection between workplace democracy and political democracy? How have global trade, outsourcing, contracting, on-call and contingent employment arrangements, monopolistic business practices, and technology shaped labor markets while contributing to rising inequality and an erosion of democracy? How does racial and gender stratification in labor markets interact with ethnonationalism and growing threats of authoritarianism—and what role does labor organizing play in countering ethnonationalism and authoritarianism? How can labor law be reformed to achieve greater workplace, economic, and political democracy, and what are new hooks and opportunities for labor organizing? During several sessions, we will be joined by policymakers and labor organizers or by academics who will present works-in-progress for discussion.

• T 4:20 p.m.-6:10 p.m.
• Instructor: Alexander Hertel-Fernandez
  h-index: 18 Info
• 3 points

Quantitative Methods in Program Evaluati

Quant Methods in Program Eval

Prerequisites: SIPA U6501 The goal of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge of how to perform some more advanced statistical methods useful in answering policy questions using observational or experimental data. It will also allow them to more critically review research published that claims to answer causal policy questions. The primary focus is on the challenge of answering causal questions that take the form Did A cause B? using data that do not conform to a perfectly controlled randomized study. Examples from real policy studies and quantitative program evaluations will be used throughout the course to illustrate key ideas and methods. First, we will explore how best to design a study to answer causal questions given the logistical and ethical constraints that exist. We will consider both experimental and quasi- experimental (observational studies) research designs, and then discuss several approaches to drawing causal inferences from observational studies including propensity score matching, interrupted time series designs, instrumental variables, difference in differences, fixed effects models, and regression discontinuity designs. As this course will focus on quantitative methods, a strong understanding of multivariate regression analysis is a prerequisite for the material covered. Students must have taken two semesters of statistics (SIPA U6500 & U6501 or the equivalent) and have a good working knowledge of STATA

• W 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• Instructor: Alan S Yang
  CULPA: 5 Info
• 3 points

Time Series Analysis

Prerequisites: SIPA U6500 This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of Time Series Analysis (in the Time Domain) thereby allowing them to develop an appreciation for the range of available methods, their strengths and limitations, and their use in a research context. After completing the course, students will be able to examine critically the use of these methods in the technical literature and be capable of selecting, using and interpreting appropriate statistical methods for describing and analyzing time series data sets, in the context of their own work.

• W 9 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• R 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Flavio C Bartmann
  Info
• 3 points

Modern Iran: From Monarchy to Islamic Re

Modern Iran:Monarchy-Islam Rep

An introduction to the culture, politics and international relations of Iran which will explore the countrys transition from the 19th to the 21st century. Topics include continuity and change in traditional social structure, the conflict between clergy and state and the modernization of Iran under the Pahlavi shahs (1925-79). The role of women will be explored. The roots of the Iranian revolution will be examined, and an assessment made of the present Islamic Republic. The role of Iran in international affairs, including the course of U.S.-Iranian relations, will also be considered. Sources will be multidisciplinary and include historical works, literature and films.

• W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Lawrence G Potter
  CULPA: 2 Info
• 3 points

Ukraine: Power Politics & Diplomacy

The seminar like course consists of three parts: Historical Background, Thematic and Political Issues and Conclusions. It provides historical perspectives on the development of today’s Ukraine, analyses the evolution of its politics since Independence and its quest for Euroatlantic integration. While providing an assessment of political, social and economic transformations, the course examines major causes of Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity The current political situation in the country and an ongoing military conflict are thoroughly investigated. The results of the 2019 Presidential and Parliamentary election and it's impact will also be analyzed in detail. What are the chances by the new Government to reach a "peaceful solution" in the Donbass, eradicate corruption, improve economic situation and implement  reforms ? Is there a future for the Minsk accords? What's the significance of the Normandy Summit? These and other issues, including behind-the scenes activities, power struggle and diplomatic activities, are dealt with in the newly revised course delivered by a career diplomat. The format of the course will encourage active dialogue and analytical reflection on the part of the students. The professor regularly provides additional articles and analytical reviews on current political situation to be discussed at each session. During the course each student is to prepare a mid-term and final papers exploring the prospects of Ukraine becoming a free, prosperous, democratic state and a member of European institutions or staying in the zone of Russian influence and the consequences thereoff.

• T 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Valerii Kuchynskyi
  Info
• 3 points

Capstone Workshop for Executive MPA

Capstone Workshop for EMPA

The EMPA Capstone workshop applies the practical skills and analytical knowledge learned during the EMPA program to a current, real-world issue. Students are organized into small consulting teams (typically 7 students per team) and assigned a policy-oriented project with an external client. Student teams, working under the supervision of a faculty expert, answer a carefully defined problem posed by the client. Each team produces an actionable report and presents an oral briefing of their findings at the close of the workshop that is designed to translate into real change on the ground. Capstone or Portfolio Presentation Workshop is a graduation requirement for the EMPA program and it is typically taken in the final semester at SIPA. Registration in this course is managed by the EMPA Assistant Director and requires an application.

• T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: William B Eimicke
  Info
• Instructor: Robert Kopech
  Info
• Instructor: Brian Gurski
  Info
• 3 points

Capstone Workshop

Capstone workshops apply the practical skills and analytical knowledge learned at SIPA to a real-world issue. Students are organized into small consulting teams (typically 6 students per team) and assigned a substantive, policy-oriented project with an external client. Student teams, working under the supervision of a faculty expert, answer a carefully defined problem posed by the client. Each team produces an actionable report and an oral briefing of their findings at the close of the workshop that is designed to translate into real change on the ground. The Capstone is a graduation requirement for all Masters of Public Administration and Masters of International Affairs students; it is typically taken in the final semester at SIPA. Registration in this course requires an application, please visit: sipa.columbia.edu/academics/workshops/workshop-students for more information. A course fee of $400 will be applied to students traveling internationally for the Capstone Workshop.

• M 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• T 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• M 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• F 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• F 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• R 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• T 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• F 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• T 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• T 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• R 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• T 9 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• F 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• R 9 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• R 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• T 9 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
• M 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• R 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• Instructor: Fernando Sotelino
  Info
• Instructor: Michelle Greene
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• Instructor: Daniel J Waldman
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• Instructor: Benjamin N Reames
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• Instructor: Merit E Janow
  Wikipedia Info
• Instructor: Linda Mann
  Info
• Instructor: Jack Pan
  Info
• Instructor: Robert Kopech
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• Instructor: Isabelle Marie F Delalex
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• Instructor: Christine Capilouto
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• Instructor: Jenik Radon
  Info
• 3 points