Master of Global Policy Studies Curriculum
MGPS Core Courses
P A 190G - Writing and Communication for Global Policy
3 credit hours
The MGPS requires each student to demonstrate advanced individual writing skills suitable for a professional career. This requirement is typically satisfied by enrollment in a one-credit course in three different semesters. Students in the writing course will complete a set of professional writing tasks and work with the faculty member leading the course on the style and composition used in policy writing such as memoranda, advocacy papers, reports, and opinion columns. Several assignments will be tied to attendance at various colloquia affiliated with the MGPS program and / or to use of resources available in the LBJ Presidential Library's archives of actual policy writing from the Johnson Administration. Some students may choose to write a Professional Report as an alternative to taking the three hours of PA 190G; many students who choose to write Professional Reports do so in addition to taking the PA 190G sequence rather than as a substitute for it. The Professional Report provides students an opportunity to work with two faculty member readers on an in-depth individual research project on a global policy issue.
P A 195G - Crisis Management
1 credit hour
In their final semester, all MGPS students take an intensive course that will involve them in role-playing exercises addressing global issues. The course integrates the various skills and substantive knowledge learned throughout the MGPS program in an applied environment. Students work closely with faculty mentors to develop leadership, staff, and decision-making skills. The course will normally include one simulation of the U.S. government's decision-making process, with students role-playing both governmental and non-governmental actors, and one simulation of an international crisis, with students role-playing leaders from various countries, international organizations, and civil society groups.
P A 383G - Policy Making in a Global Age
3 credit hours
Policy Making in a Global Age addresses the history, politics and organization of how the U.S. government makes and implements global policy decisions. The course will address both theory and practice.
P A 387G - The Nature of the International System
3 credit hours
The Nature of the International System introduces the systematic analysis of international affairs, factors that motivate foreign policies and private decisions, and instruments used in the conduct of international relations from a perspective of both theory and practice.
P A 393G - Microeconomics
3 credit hours
The microeconomics course discusses principles of markets and market failure relevant to global policy studies. The course introduces the basic tools of economic analysis as it engages contemporary examples of economic problems and policies.
P A 393H - International Economics
3 credit hours
International Economics teaches frameworks for understanding the contemporary global economy, from the exchange of basic commodities to high-tech goods and services. It also includes discussion and analysis of the trade balance, how trade affects workers and particular industries, the diffusion of technology, exchange rates, and other key issues.
P A 397G - Analytical Methods for Global Policy Studies
3 credit hours
Analytical Methods for Global Policy Studies explains the core techniques of research design and analysis widely used by professionals in the global policy environment, including quantitative methods like multivariate regression and qualitative methods like case study process tracing.
P A 682GA - Policy Research Project on Global Policy Issues
6 credit hours
Each student will be required to take this two-semester course in his or her second year. Topics will vary. In each course, a research team of ten to twenty students lead by one or two professors will study a contemporary policy problem of interest to a specific client. Policy research projects are both client- and product-oriented and serve as instruments for both learning and public service.
P A 682GB - Policy Research Project
3 credit hours
