Steven Liao
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University of California, Riverside

Graduate Courses

Political Economy of International Trade
POSC 214 (Fall 2016, Winter 2018, Winter 2020)
This course is a PhD-level introduction to the International Political Economy (IPE) of trade. The primary objective of the course is to teach students to conduct original research on IPE-related topics. To that end, the course covers basic theories and reviews cutting-edge research. The course is organized by substantive topic area. The first half of the course covers sources of trade policy preferences, preference aggregation by domestic institutions, and interstate cooperation in trade. The remainder of the course covers multinational corporations, foreign direct investment, and trade in services. Overall, the course covers the most prominent areas of IPE research in trade, leaving other, equally interesting topics, for students to pursue in other courses and independently in their research projects. ​
Political Economy of International Migration
POSC 264/218 (Fall 2018, Spring 2021)
This course is a PhD-level introduction to the International Political Economy (IPE) of migration. The primary objective of the course is to teach students to conduct original research on IPE-related topics. To that end, the course covers basic theories and reviews cutting-edge research. The course is organized by substantive topic area. The first half of the course covers the politics of immigration in the receiving country. The second half examines the effects and politics of emigration for sending countries. We will also cover topics about the human rights aspects of migration—refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented immigrants. Overall, the course covers the most prominent areas of IPE research in migration, leaving other, equally interesting topics, for students to pursue in other courses and independently in their research projects. 

Undergraduate Courses

Political Economy of International Migration
POSC 136S (Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2021)
This upper-level undergraduate course examines the political and economic causes and consequences of international migration. The first half of the course covers the politics of immigration in receiving countries. We will examine the formation of public opinion on immigration, models of interest group politics, and the formation of immigration policy. The second half of the course covers the effects and politics of emigration for sending countries. We will examine issues regarding brain drain, remittances, and diaspora engagement policies. We will also address the human rights aspects of migration, including policies towards refugees and asylum seekers. Course readings and lectures draw on major research in political science, economics, and sociology. The goal is to provide students both the theoretical tools and substantive information necessary to understand and analyze policy issues that now confront immigrant-receiving and migrant-sending states. 
Globalization and Underdevelopment
POSC 160S (Winter 2017, Winter 2018, Winter 2020)
The globalization of trade, finance, and migration has significant implications on countries’ prospects for economic development. This course explores the relationship between globalization and development in historical and contemporary context through key perspectives on global inequality, development strategies, governance, institutions, and technology. The goal of this course is to equip students with the ability to intelligently discuss and critically assess the complex relationship between economic globalization and development in different regions. Students considering a career in policy making, academic research, development work, management, consulting, or activism, as well as those simply seeking to enhance their knowledge and sharpen their analytical skills, would do well to grasp the fundamentals of economic globalization and development today. 
Politics and Economic Policy
POSC 182 (Winter 2017, Winter 2018, Winter 2020)
This course provides an introduction to the political and economic determinants and consequences of international economic policies. It examines how and why countries regulate core economic activities: trade, portfolio capital flows, foreign direct investment (FDI), and migration. The course also addresses several consequences of international economic integration including economic crises and international economic cooperation. The course utilizes two main analytical tools: basic economic principles to explain how economic policies influence the distribution of income and political economy theories that explain how politicians set policies. Students will also develop analytical and writing skills through class/section exercises, assignments, and exams. 
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