Washington Pre-Term | Course Descriptions
Mathematics
Math plays an integral part in building the type of sound understanding of economics you will be expected to develop as a SAIS student. All incoming SAIS M.A. students will receive access to an online course in Blackboard that will provide resources such as video tutorials, lessons, problem sets and quizzes to assist you in this preparation. Teaching assistants will be available throughout Pre-Term to answer questions and provide assistance on math concepts. Math exams will be administered on the first day of Pre-Term classes in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Accelerated Economics.
Microeconomics
Course Number: SA.999.700; Section 1 Syllabus, Section 2 Syllabus
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 with a "B-" or better, or equivalent.
Required Textbook: Pindyck and Rubinfeld, Microeconomics (last three editions i.e 2004, 2008, 2012, but the lastest edition is preferred)
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Accelerated Microeconomics
Course Number: SA.999.699
Accelerated Microeconomics has the same topical coverage as the Microeconomics course at SAIS. Accelerated Microeconomics is distinguished by a more technical/mathematical treatment of the same topical material, and is of similar level to honors courses in undergraduate microeconomics taught at most universities. It is recommended for students with either strong math skills or strong economics backgrounds; a working knowledge of differential calculus and optimization methods will be assumed.
Required Textbook: Hal Varian, Intermediate Microeconomics, 8th edition
Macroeconomics
Course Number: SA.999.701; Section 1 and Section 2 Syllabus
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 with a "B-" or better, 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.
Required Textbook: N Gregory Mankiw, Macroeconomics, 7th edition, Worth Publishers
Suggested Textbook: Paul Krugman and Robin Wells, 2009, Macroeconomics, 2nd edition, Worth Publishers
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English
Course Number: SA.999.400
Focuses on the practical applications of English in academia and the general field of international relations. Teaches effective speaking, listening, reading, and writing using relevant articles, texts and multimedia materials. Also addresses relevant strategies for effective study for graduate work at SAIS. Course work includes giving oral presentations, participating in discussion, preparing for research, and writing short papers. Also focuses on using idiomatic English, enriching vocabulary, and understanding American culture.
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Pre-Term information is subject to change without prior notice.