Mathematics
Mathematics is crucial for success in Pre-Term. All incoming SAIS M.A. students will receive DVD courses in pre-calculus and basic calculus for economists in the mail. Pre-Term students are expected to work through the pre-calculus material in particular prior to the start of the program, although they are also strongly encouraged to review the caculus course. Teaching assistants will be available throughout Pre-Term to answer questions and provide assistance on math concepts. For additional resources, students are referred to the SAIS Math Companion, which will be available on Electronic Reserves at the SAIS Library. All students should receive a sample math exam in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics from the International Economics Program. Math exams will be administered on the first day of Pre-Term classes. Microeconomics
Course Number: 999.700
Provides an intermediate-level course that focuses on the theory of decision-making under conditions of scarcity and uncertainty. Analyzes choice and demand, production, cost, the firm and market structure, and market failure. Emphasizes economic efficiency and application of theory to decisions and policy problems. Introduces game theory. Together with Macroeconomics, constitutes the foundation for all other economics courses at SAIS. Prior knowledge of differential calculus is helpful but not required. Some differential calculus is taught in class. Prerequisite: Principles of Microeconomics or equivalent. Textbook: Pindyck, Robert S. and Daniel L. Rubinfeld, Microeconomics, 6th or 7th edition, Prentice Hall Publishers, 2005 or 2008. ISBN 0130084611 or 0132080230.
Accelerated Microeconomics
Course Number: 999.699
Preliminary Course Syllabus
(Syllabi and textbook information are subject to change for Pre-Term 2008. Updated information will be posted here soon.)
Provides an intermediate-level course that focuses on the theory of decision-making under conditions of scarcity and uncertainty. Analyzes choice and demand, production, cost, the firm and market structure, and market failure. Emphasizes economic efficiency and application of theory to decisions and policy problems. Introduces game theory. Together with Macroeconomics, constitutes the foundation for all other economics courses at SAIS. Prerequisites: Principles of Microeconomics or equivalent; and a minimum of one semester of college-level calculus or two semesters of high school calculus. Completion of a Principles of Microeconomics course with a "B" or better is recommended. Note: calculus is not taught in class. Textbook: Varian, Hal R., Intermediate Microeconomics, A Modern Approach, 6th or 7th edition, W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2002 or 2006. ISBN 0393978303 or 0393927024. Macroeconomics
Course Number: 999.701
Provides an intermediate-level course that develops analytic tools used to understand how the economy functions in the aggregate. Focuses on the primary purpose of these tools to explain national levels of output, employment, prices and the rate of interest, as well as changes in these variables over time. Assesses the role of government policy in determining these outcomes. Devotes attention to both short-run economic fluctuations and long-run economic phenomena, including growth. Together with Microeconomics constitutes the foundation for all other economics courses at SAIS. Prerequisite: Principles of Macroeconomics or equivalent. May be taken concurrently with Microeconomics in Pre-Term if eligible. Note: Microeconomics is considered the first course in the economics sequence at SAIS. Textbook: Mankiw, Gregory, Macroeconomics, 6th edition, Worth Publishers, 2006. ISBN 0716762137. English as a Second Language (ESL)
Course Number: 999.400
Preliminary Syllabus and Calendar for Afternoon Sessions
Focuses on the practical applications of English in academia and the general field of international relations. Teaches effective speaking, listening and writing using relevant articles, texts and multimediate materials, including videos and audio sources. Also addresses relevant study skills for graduate work at SAIS. Course work includes giving oral presentations, participating in debates, preapring research papers and writing business letters. Also focuses on using idiomatic English, enriching vocabulary and understanding television and radio broadcasts. Includes instruction in test-taking strategies seminar presentations. Textbooks:
Schmitt, Diane and Norbert Schmitt, Focus on Vocabulary: Mastering the Academic Word List, Pearson ESL, 2005. ISBN 0131833081.
Frazier, Laurie and Leeming, Shalle, Lecture Ready 3: Strategies for Academic Listening, Note-Taking and Discussion, Oxford University Press, 2006. ISBN 019430972X.
Hacker, Diane, A Writer's Reference with Integrated Exercises, 6th edition, Bedford/St. Martin's, 2006. ISBN 0312450257.
| | Textbooks will be available on campus on the first day of Pre-Term or online in advance through Reiter's Scientific and Professional Books at www.jhutextbooks.com. (Search under JHU Course Books, DC Campus.) Please note textbook information is subject to change. |
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