FOUNDATION COURSE

CSS5000 Critical Thinking and Writing Prerequisites: None

This course is designed to prepare you for the writing of a masters thesis by addressing the challenges common to graduate research writing. Students will learn how to analyze and present valid arguments. Practice includes developing writing skills that enable students to clearly present claims to support their conclusions and avoid reinforcing biases. Topics addressed include the relationship between critical thinking and clear writing, credibility of sources, rhetorical devices, fallacies, unclear or misleading language, and the characteristics of various types of arguments.

ECONOMICS AREA

ECN5012 Econometrics I (3 Credits) Prerequisites: None

Econometrics deploys economics, mathematics and statistics to specify economic relationships that help people forecast and make decisions. The course presents basic concepts in applied econometrics, such as probability distributions, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression analysis.

ECN5013 Econometrics II (3 Credits) Prerequisites: ECN5012

This course extends Econometrics I. It considers, in detail, violations of assumptions that guarantee the value of classical linear regression. The course also presents several topics in estimating single equations: Distributed lag models, causality problems, logit and probit models, and dummy variables. We also analyze simultaneous equation models and methods. Finally, the course briefly introduces time series analysis. Students practice their skills with a user-friendly statistical package, Eviews.

ECN5021 Microeconomics I (3 Credits) Prerequisites: none

This course covers consumer and producer theory; welfare measures; and comparative statics as well as general equilibrium analysis. Students analyze economic structures with perfect information, enforceability, limited market power and no externalities.

ECN5022 Microeconomics II (3 Credits) Prerequisites: ECN5021

This course extends analysis of economic equilibria by incorporating time, uncertainty and asymmetric information in the presence of externalities and of market power.

ECN5031 Macroeconomics I (3 Credits) Prerequisites: none

This course treats, with rigor, standard macroeconomic theory. It dissects Keynesian theory by integrating product and financial markets (i.e., the IS-LM model). The course also views Monetarist and the New Classical (Rational Expectations) models through the prism of choice theory. Other topics include: Stabilization policy with international linkages, the aggregate production function, and economic growth.

ECN5032 Macroeconomics II (3 Credits) Prerequisites: ECN5031

This course deepens your knowledge of such macroeconomic issues as inflation, unemployment, the business cycle, and economic growth. It uses math to present theory and empirics.

ECN5142 International Trade (3 Credits) Prerequisites: ECN5021

This course covers the basic theory of trade, including gains from exchange and specialization; factor and goods prices;

tariffs; imperfect competition in trade; distortions in commodity and factor markets; and economic integration. .

Topics include: Ricardian theory of comparative cost; the Heckscher-Ohlin model and the impact of factor abundance on trade; increasing returns and product differentiation; factor movements; commercial policy -- tariffs, quotas, export subsidies, and infant industries; international oligopoly and strategic trade; and economic integration, exemplified by free trade areas and customs unions. The course complements one on international finance but can be taken alone. A basic undergraduate course in trade would be useful although not necessary. Students should also have had an undergraduate course in intermediate or advanced microeconomic theory. The course deploys calculus and basic statistics.

ECON5143 International Finance (3 Credits) Prerequisites: ECON5031

This course deals with macroeconomics, financial markets, and monetary institutions, all from an international point of view. The field is eclectic, so the course can cover only a few theoretical topics: The balance of payments;

international asset markets; and the exchange rate. The course concludes with contemporary policies in the international monetary system. The course complements International Trade (ECON5142) but can be taken alone.

Students should have had undergraduate macroeconomics and microeconomics. Basic undergraduate courses in international trade and finance, as well as in money, would be useful. The course will use calculus and basic statistics.

ECN5226 Industrial Organization (3 Credits) Prerequisites: ECN5022

The study of industrial organization is important for understanding industrial economics and corporate behavior. It is also essential for students aiming to serve the industrial sector of the economy. The course focuses on an empirical and theoretical examination of the structure, conduct, and performance of firms and industries at the micro and macro level. What determines the market structure and how is it measured? How do firms in an industry behave or perform in a given market structure? The course emphasizes production and cost functions; productivity growth; technical change and technical efficiency; corporate investment; dividend policy; and financing behavior. Major topics include the theory of the firm; profit maximizing and growth maximizing models; price and output determination under different market structures; and measures of market structure and market performance.

ECN5261 Public Economics I (3 Credits) Prerequisites: ECN5021

This course examines the role of the public sector in the economy. It analyzes the behavior of the public sector and the incidence of its attempts to fulfill allocation, distribution and stabilization functions. It begins by asking the central questions of whether or not markets work, and if not, what is to be done about it. It discusses the market failures -- externalities, public goods, imperfect competition and asymmetric information -- that arise when competitive markets cannot give a socially desirable outcome. Topics may include the provision of public and private goods; collective decision-making; taxation --tax incidence, equity, efficiency, and optimal taxation; theory of and evidence on government expenditure policy; redistribution and welfare policy; social cost-benefit analysis; fiscal aspects of macroeconomic theories; and local government. This would be a good course for students interested in: 1) generally, the economist’s view of the appropriate roles for government within markets; 2) specifically, in the analysis and institutional background of government programs and initiatives --in both expenditures and taxation.

ECN5296 Labor Economics (3 Credits) Prerequisites: ECN5021

This course develops theoretical models of the labor market, presents related empirical research, and discusses policy applications. Topics include labor supply, labor demand, market equilibrium and compensating wage differences, investment in human capital, and cyclical unemployment. Additional topics may include labor unions, minimum wage laws, compensation policies and productivity, wage indexation, and discrimination and equal-opportunity laws.

ECN5334 Monetary Economics (3 Credits) Prerequisites: ECN5032

This course first covers such basic concepts as the demand for and supply of money. It consists of three parts: Theory of Money, Monetary Macroeconomics, and Monetary Policy.

The first part examines the origin and concept of money and the structure of the money market. The second part is an extension of Macroeconomics related to monetary issues. The third part examines the contemporary theories of monetary policy. The course examines Classical, Keynesian and Rational Expectations theories of money as well as Cagan’s study of hyperinflation. Then it deals with the contemporary theories of monetary policy, including those addressing the choice between rules and discretion and the choice of monetary regime.

ECN 5354 Financial Economics (3 Credits)

Prerequisites: ECN5021, ECN5031, or consent of the instructor

This course surveys foundations of modern financial economics. It applies economic analysis and modern theory of finance to investors and firms. Topics related to investors include portfolio theory, Capital Asset Pricing Model, options and futures contracts, including the Black-Scholes option pricing model and bond analysis. Related topics for

firms include discounted cash-flow techniques in relation to budgeting problem associated with alternative investment projects, capital structure, including new issues of securities, debt and dividend policy based on the value of the firm.

Issues related to mergers and acquisition, financial distress and bankruptcy, and corporate restructure will be discussed. Students will read journal articles to related topic covered.

ECN5801 Research Methods and Methodology/Thesis I (3 Credits) Prerequisites: None

The methods and methodology of academic research are studied, using samples of work by outstanding economists.

Students are urged to develop their own ideas and projects. The course will guide the student through a substantial amount of writing, including a term paper. At the end of the course students should write proposal of future Master dissertation. (For details, please see the CSS Guidelines for Master’s Thesis.)

ECON5829 Quantitative Methods for Economics (3 Credits) Prerequisites: None

This course covers topics necessary for Econometrics, Financial Economics, Actuarial Economics, and intermediate economic courses. Those topics include: probability distribution, statistical inference and linear regression, as well as matrix algebra and techniques of Calculus applied to optimization in economics.

ECN5888 Internship in Economics for MA (3 Credits)

Prerequisites: ECN5021, ECN5031, permission of academic advising faculty member, and permission of the employer.

This independent research project, undertaken in a work environment, provides students with data, people, and experience for studying an economic issue. Related readings, a daily journal, and an analytical paper supervised by a faculty member are required. The student must obtain permission before the start of the semester in which he enrolls.

ECN5890 Special Topics in Economics (3 Credits) Prerequisites: varies depending on the topic

Selected topics in Economics of interest to students and faculty. The course may be repeated for credit if the topics are different.

ECN5990 Thesis II (3 Credits) Prerequisites: ECN5801

(Former Thesis I)

The student will undertake independent research in his major field of study and defend his thesis in an oral examination. (For details, please see the CSS Guidelines for Master’s Thesis.)

ECN5991 Thesis III (3 Credits)

Prerequisites: ECN5990 or concurrent enrollment (Former Thesis II)

The continuation of the thesis. (For details, please see the CSS Guidelines for Master’s Thesis.) JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION AREA

JMC5603 Newswriting (3 Credits) Prerequisites: None

This course emphasizes news writing and reporting for print media. The course covers news values, news story structure, AP style, grammar and usage, and basic news reporting skills. Students will learn how to write news stories on a variety of subjects and issues. The course also examines ethical and legal issues related to the practice of journalism.

JMC5604 Ethics in Journalism, PR and Advertising (3 Credits) Prerequisites: None

The course addresses the issues of lies, manipulation, temptation, bias, fairness, power and value systems in the context of social and business environments. The course will help students to improve their personal values and emphasize the importance of truth, fairness and respect.

JMC5607 Journalism of Kazakhstan and CIS (3 Сredits) Prerequisites: None

The purpose of this course is to describe print and broadcast media in Kazakhstan and other CIS countries, including regional problems that relate to journalism. The course surveys different media outlets in Kazakhstan, examines their specifics and introduces their types.

JMC5608 Introduction to Public Relations (3 Сredits) Prerequisites: None

This course is designed to provide students with introductory theoretical knowledge of public relations and beginning practical experience. It surveys the basics of the PR process and PR-related communication theories. It also introduces students to PR strategies and tactics and discusses public relations professional ethics. The course offers students an opportunity to use some of the strategies and tactics used to create real public relations campaigns for real-world clients.

JMC5621.01 Internship (3 Credits) Prerequisites: None

Students complete internships at print, broadcast outlets or public relations firms. The course is designed to provide hands-on knowledge of the field and the opportunity to network. Course may be retaken for credit with departmental permission.

JMC5621.02 Internship (3 Credits) Prerequisites: None

Students complete internships at print, broadcast outlets or public relations firms. The course is designed to provide hands-on knowledge of the field and the opportunity to network. Course may be retaken for credit with departmental permission.

JMC5622 Advertising Writing, Layout and Strategies (3 Credits) Prerequisites: None

Advertising is the financial backbone of the mass communications industry. Media executives must be able to implement successful sales, presentation and production strategies. And those involved within the advertising department must understand and be able to employ successful copy writing, layout, and graphic or multimedia production. The Advertising Writing, Layout and Strategies course is designed to provide that foundation of knowledge and skills to be successful on the business side of the mass communications industry.

JMC5623 Writing for Russian Language Media (3 Credits) Prerequisites: None

This course takes a skills oriented approach to train students in the basics of reporting and news writing in Russian language according to western professional standards. The main objective is to help develop a clear, concise writing style and a passion for thorough, accurate reporting. Students will report on local issues in Russian. The course also includes analysis of local media.

JMC5624 Broadcasting in Russian (3 Credits) Prerequisites: None

Broadcasting in Russian is ideally taken after Broadcast Journalism (1) to continue building basic video technical skills and broadcast journalism skills initiated in the previous course, and (2) to better prepare students for potential employment especially within the dominant Russian-speaking broadcast/video industry. Students will continue developing on-camera and behind-camera skills, including news/script writing, video editing, and directing skills.

They will employ their video/broadcast skills in real and/or realistic settings, producing news and informational programming.

JMC5628 Special Topics in Journalism and Communication (3 Credits) Prerequisites: None

This course will be offered whenever the department chair decides that a worthwhile topic in international journalism has been proposed by a faculty member. The course will generally be taught in a seminar format; it will focus on important issues that are not formal portions of the department’s curriculum.

JMC 5661. Thesis I: Research Methods in Mass Communication.

Prerequisite: none

This course prepares students to conceive and design research into Mass Communication. MAIJ students can choose either a professional or academic thesis, depending on their goals and interests. For example, a Professional Thesis includes a section of academic analysis and a

project, such as PR Campaign design or video. After introducing research approaches and major theories in the field, this course shows how to conduct a literature review, introduces principles of quantitative and qualitative research design, provides examples, and explains a range of methodological options. By the end of the semester, students need to select a Thesis Supervisor and submit a completed research proposal.

JMC 5662. Thesis II: Research Proposal and Literature Review.

Prerequisite: JMC 5661, Thesis I.

This course helps students fully develop the research/project design from Thesis I. Led by an experienced instructor, each student individually begins to produce their study, for example writing interview questions, designing an analytical matrix, and preparing a professional production (if any). Students learn how to acquire necessary skills of methods and data collection, understand procedures of planning and organizing their time and materials. The instructor complements the guidance of each student's Supervisor. By the end of the semester, students typically finish the introduction, complete the theoretical framework and the methodology (completing the literature review) and gather a substantial amount of data. As the culmination of this semester, students must complete a Thesis Proposal Defense. (For details, please see the CSS Guidelines for Master’s Thesis.)

JMC 5663. Thesis III: Thesis Writing and Defense.

Prerequisite: JMC 5662, Thesis II.

During this course, the student works solely with their Supervisor to complete data collection, writing, and any professional component of the Thesis. The main goal of this semester is completing the analysis, polishing the writing, ensuring correct format, and preparing for the Defense- the final step, during which each student explains to the Thesis Committee their work, its background, conclusions, significance, etc.