Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021

Comparative and International Studies Master Information
Core Seminars
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
857-0004-00LPolitical Economy Restricted registration - show details
Only for MA Comparative and International Studies.
W8 credits3ST. Bernauer, V. Koubi
AbstractThis seminar focuses on the interplay of political and economic factors in shaping policy outcomes at local to global levels. It concentrates on the application of economic logic to political questions and the influence of political processes and institutions on economic activity.
ObjectiveThis seminar focuses on the interplay of political and economic factors in shaping policy outcomes at local to global levels. It concentrates on the application of economic logic to political questions and the influence of political processes and institutions on economic activity.
ContentThis seminar focuses on the interplay of political and economic factors in shaping policy outcomes at local to global levels. It focuses on the application of economic logic to political questions and the influence of political processes and institutions on economic activity. It draws on a broad range of theoretical perspectives from comparative and international politics, positive political theory, public choice, and economics. We first review basic theoretical models from political science and economics and then use them to investigate a number of specific areas of interest. We examine the effects of special interests on government regulation of economic activity, the determinants of the size of government, economic growth and sustainable development, the politics of international trade and investment, and monetary and fiscal policy. We seek to make students familiar not only with the theoretical and methodological approaches used in this area of study, but also with important research issues in comparative and international political economy.
Lecture notessee Link
Prerequisites / NoticeCore course in the MA CIS program. Restricted to students of MA CIS. 8 ECTS credit points upon successful completion. The overall grade will be based on a review essay, a written mid-term exam, and a written end-of-semester exam.
857-0102-00LMethods III: Causal Inference Restricted registration - show details
Only for MA Comparative and International Studies.
O8 credits2U + 2SD. Hangartner, G. Gennaro
AbstractIntroduction to methods for supervised and unsupervised learning for the social sciences.
ObjectiveThe goal of this course is provide students with an introduction to statistical learning methods. Upon completion of the course, students will have an understanding of modern computiational methods for modelling and prediction, the assumptions on which they are based, and be able to use them to address specific research questions in the social sciences.
ContentThis course provides an introduction to statistical methods used for causal inference in the social sciences. Using the potential outcomes framework of causality, we discuss designs and methods for data from randomized experiments and observational studies. In particular, designs and methods covered include randomization, matching, instrumental variables, difference-in-difference, synthetic control, regression discontinuity, and quantile regression. Examples are drawn from the social sciences.
LiteratureAngrist, Joshua D., and Jörn-Steffen Pischke. Mostly harmless econometrics: An empiricist's companion. Princeton university press, 2008.

Rosenbaum, Paul R. Design of Observational Studies. Springer. 2010.
Prerequisites / NoticeMethods III or equivalent
Research Seminars
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
857-0006-00LPolitical Order and Conflict Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 15.
MA Comparative and International Studies are given priority.
Registration required: Link.
W8 credits2SL.‑E. Cederman, G. Schvitz
AbstractThis seminar builds on the MACIS seminar on political violence and covers primarily the quantitative literature on civil and regional wars, especially with respect to the effect of economic and ethnic factors, political institutions and the geographic and international context. The students will develop an original research question to be dealt with in a research paper.
ObjectiveThis seminar covers ethnic violence, political-economy perspectives on war, the role of political institutions, and the international dimensions of civil conflict. The goal of the seminar is to expose the students to these topics by allowing them to discuss them in class and to write a term paper addressing an original research question.
857-0051-00LComparative and EU Politics Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
Number of participants limited to 15.

MA Comparative and International Studies are given priority.
W8 credits2SF. Schimmelfennig
AbstractThis advanced research seminar deals with current issues and research in comparative politics and EU integration and politics.
ObjectiveThis seminar is designed for advanced students of political science with an interest in comparative European politics and EU integration and politics. It introduces students to state-of-the-art theorizing, data, methods, and empirical findings and provides them with opportunities to work with data on their own. After taking this seminar, students should have a good overview of current research and be prepared to write their Master's thesis in this area. Topics include: European integration, EU decision-making, parliaments in the EU and its member states, party groups and parliamentarians. Students may also propose research topics of their interest.
857-0100-00LEnding Violence Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 15.

MA Comparative and International Studies are given priority.
W8 credits2SA. Wenger, A. Duursma
AbstractThis seminar addresses a range of interventions commonly used for conflict management and resolution and intended to reduce levels of violence and end civil wars, including mediation, peacekeeping, humanitarian interventions, Security Sector Reform (SSR), and peacebuilding. Students will become acquainted with key theoretical explanations and incorporate those insights into their own projects.
ObjectiveThe aim of this course is to introduce students to different approaches to manage and resolve violent conflict and civil wars. The focus will be on forms of intervention in diverse conflict settings. Readings focus on empirical and theoretical literature about the transformation, prevention and reduction of violence during and after civil wars. The course will identify and discuss the main actors, strategies and dynamics associated with ending violence. Students will develop their own research design, including a research question, a short literature review, a theoretical framework and planned research methods, to take on the difficult questions of how, where, when and why violence ends with the help of conflict management and resolution practices.
857-0002-00LMethods IV: Statistical Learning Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 15.

MA Comparative and International Studies are given priority.
W8 credits2U + 2SD. Hangartner, A. Ahrens
AbstractThis course provides an introduction to statistical methods used for causal inference in the social sciences, covering both experimental and observational studies.
ObjectiveFamiliarity with the key research designs and statistical methods used for causal inference from randomised and observational data.
ContentTopics include linear regression with interaction and fixed effects, binary logistic regression, classification, resampling methods, shrinkage approaches, tree-based methods, support vector machines, clustering, principal component analysis, factor analysis, and item response theory.
LiteratureJames, Gareth, Daniela Witten, Trevor Hastie, and Robert Tibshirani. An introduction to statistical learning. Springer, 2013. (7th edition).

The PDF of the textbook is made freely and legally available by the authors and Springer press and part of the course package.
Prerequisites / NoticeMethods II
Electives
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
857-0075-01LContemporary European PoliticsW3 credits2SM. Jacob, A. Baysan, S. Hegewald, J. Lipps, N. Olszewska, D. Schraff
AbstractHow have the powers of the European Union expanded until now and what are the problems facing the Union today? This class offers an introduction to theories of European integration. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges of supranational governance in the context of the EU, covering a wide array of policy fields.
ObjectiveSince its start in the fifties, the European Union has evolved into a complex multilevel system, different from the nation state and different from other International Organizations. The course “Contemporary European Politics” introduces students to the institutions of the European Union and the gradual expansion of their competences. Throughout the course, we engage with current debates in EU studies on supranational decision-making in times of crisis. Upon completion, the participants are familiar with the legislative process regulating scientific and every-day life in such diverse policy fields as financial markets, climate policy and data privacy. Based on this knowledge, participants are able to identify chances and challenges of regulation beyond the nation state.
ContentThe sessions cover the following topics:
- EU Institutions
- Decision-making
- Parliamentary Democracy
- Judicial Politics
- European Identity and Public Spheres
- Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy
- Democratic Backsliding
- Political Conflict in the EU
- Implementation of EU law
- Eurozone
- Inequality
- Euroscepticism and Brexit
- The Future of Integration
865-0000-07LClimate Change and Development
Only for MAS/CAS in Development and Cooperation students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation.

ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted.

ETH MA/MSc students apply with a letter of motivation to the NADEL administration office.

Registration only through the NADEL administration office.
W2 credits3GL. B. Nilsen
AbstractClimate change has taken a lead position on the international development agenda. This course equips participants with a better understanding of the interlinkages between climate change and development, and enables them to integrate climate change considerations into the planning and implementation of development projects.
ObjectiveAfter completing the course, participants will be able to:
• discuss the interconnections between climate change and sustainable development
• explain opportunities and challenges that the current climate agreement presents for developing countries
• understand political, technological, and financial challenges of low-carbon development and how they can be addressed
• explain the complementary nature of mitigation and adaptation and the major strategies used in each
• analyse linkages between climate change adaptation and development planning
• understand the basic steps in defining climate adaptation projects, and recognize the opportunities and limitations of climate models for decision-making.
• engage in an informed dialogue about climate finance, and recognize the main sources of financing to support low carbon and climate-resilient development
• recognize the institutional opportunities and challenges of climate mainstreaming in international humanitarian and development organisations
ContentClimate change and sustainable development
Implications of climate change for developing countries
International and national policy responses and challenges of climate change negotiations
Mitigation and adaptation in resource-poor and vulnerable settings
Climate financing
Trade-offs between mitigation, adaptation and development goals
Climate smart development projects
865-0002-00LMigration: A Challenge for Development Cooperation
Only for MAS/CAS in Development and Cooperation students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation.

ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted.

ETH MA/MSc students apply with a letter of motivation to the NADEL administration office.

Registration only through the NADEL administration office.
W1 credit2GK. Schneider, L. Hensgen
AbstractAn estimated 250 million people are currently living outside their countries of origin - voluntarily as migrants or involuntarily as refugees. The course explores the role that international cooperation can play in promoting the positive aspects of migration and in reducing the negative consequences.
ObjectiveCourse participants have improved understanding of the following issues:
- Definition of migration concepts and terms, including migrants, refugees, IDPs
- The geography of migration flows
- The evolving concept of “migration and development”
- International organizations and their strategies and activities in terms of migration
ContentToday's migration movements are initiated in the countries of origin through different causes, whether political, social, economic, or natural. Although the concept of migration is negatively connoted for many people, international migration has a positive impact on both the countries of origin and the recipient countries. In addition to the transfer of goods and capital, it can also be understood as part of the increasing globalization process.
865-0056-00LConflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding – Tools and Approaches
Only for MAS/CAS in Development and Cooperation students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation.

ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted.

ETH MA/MSc students apply with a letter of motivation to the NADEL administration office.

Registration only through the NADEL administration office.
W2 credits3GL. Hensgen
AbstractThe course offers an introduction to the subject and contributes to a better understanding of the current debate and policy practices. Participants get an overview of concepts, methodological approaches as well as operational experiences and challenges of the actors in this complex area.
ObjectiveThe course offers an introduction to the subject and contributes to a better understanding of the current debate and policy practices.
865-0066-04LICT4D – Concepts, Strategies and Good Practices
Does not take place this semester.
Only for MAS/CAS in Development and Cooperation students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation.

ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted.

ETH MA/MSc students apply with a letter of motivation to the NADEL administration office.

Registration only through the NADEL administration office.
W2 credits3G
AbstractInformation and communication technologies (ICTs) represent the deepest technical change experienced in international development. Digital development strategies need to be broader than ICT strategies. This course assesses the role of ICTs in development, discusses the existing evidence on the impact of ICT on development, and introduces key concepts and methods for ICT4D practice and strategy.
ObjectiveInformation and communication technologies (ICTs) represent the fastest and deepest technical change experienced in international development. By now, they affect every development sector – the work of farmers and micro-entrepreneurs, healthcare workers and microfinance institutions, social mobilization and political change. Yet, the ‘digital dividends’ are unevenly distributed and questions of ‘data justice’ in development are largely unexplored. To close the gap, just greater digital adoption will not be enough. Digital development strategies need to be broader than ICT strategies. This course helps to understand the role of ICTs in development, discusses the existing evidence on the impact of ICT on development, and introduces key concepts and methods for ICT4D practice and strategy.
Content• ICTs and development: the conceptual links
• The impact of ICT on development: evidence from research
• Digital revolution and its analog foundations
• Concepts, strategies and components needed for ICT4D to work
• ICT4D and project cycle management
• Good practice in implementing ICT4D
• Emerging technologies and models relevant for ICT-enabled development
860-0001-00LPublic Institutions and Policy-Making Processes Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 25.

Priority for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc.
W3 credits2GE. K. Smith, S. Bechtold, F. Schimmelfennig
AbstractStudents acquire the contextual knowledge for analyzing public policies. They learn why and how public policies and laws are developed, designed, and implemented at national and international levels, and what challenges arise in this regard.
ObjectivePublic policies result from decision-making processes that take place within formal institutions of the state (parliament, government, public administration, courts). That is, policies are shaped by the characteristics of decision-making processes and the characteristics of public institutions and related actors (e.g. interest groups). In this course, students acquire the contextual knowledge for analyzing public policies. They learn why and how public policies and laws are developed, designed, and implemented at national and international levels, and what challenges arise in this regard. The course is organized in three modules. The first module (Stefan Bechtold) examines basic concepts and the role of law, law-making, and law enforcement in modern societies. The second module (Thomas Bernauer) deals with the functioning of legislatures, governments, and interest groups. The third module (Frank Schimmelfennig) focuses on the European Union and international organisations.
ContentPublic policies result from decision-making processes that take place within formal institutions of the state (parliament, government, public administration, courts). That is, policies are shaped by the characteristics of decision-making processes and the characteristics of public institutions and related actors (e.g. interest groups). In this course, students acquire the contextual knowledge for analyzing public policies. They learn why and how public policies and laws are developed, designed, and implemented at national and international levels, and what challenges arise in this regard. The course is organized in three modules. The first module (Stefan Bechtold) examines basic concepts and the role of law, law-making, and law enforcement in modern societies. The second module (Thomas Bernauer) deals with the functioning of legislatures, governments, and interest groups. The third module (Frank Schimmelfennig) focuses on the European Union and international organisations.
Lecture notesReading materials will be distributed electronically to the students when the semester starts.
LiteratureBaylis, John, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens (2014): The Globalization of World Politics. An Introduction to International Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Caramani, Daniele (ed.) (2014): Comparative Politics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Gilardi, Fabrizio (2012): Transnational Diffusion: Norms, Ideas, and Policies, in Carlsnaes, Walter, Thomas Risse and Beth Simmons, Handbook of International Relations, 2nd Edition, London: Sage, pp. 453-477.

Hage, Jaap and Bram Akkermans (eds.) (2nd edition 2017): Introduction to Law, Heidelberg: Springer.

Jolls, Christine (2013): Product Warnings, Debiasing, and Free Speech: The Case of Tobacco Regulation, Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics 169: 53-78.

Lelieveldt, Herman and Sebastiaan Princen (2011): The Politics of European Union. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Lessig, Lawrence (2006): Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace, Version 2.0, New York: Basic Books. Available at Link.

Schimmelfennig, Frank and Ulrich Sedelmeier (2004): Governance by Conditionality: EU Rule Transfer to the Candidate Countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in: Journal of European Public Policy 11(4): 669-687.

Shipan, Charles V. and Craig Volden (2012): Policy Diffusion: Seven Lessons for Scholars and Practitioners. Public Administration Review 72(6): 788-796.

Sunstein, Cass R. (2014): The Limits of Quantification, California Law Review 102: 1369-1422.

Thaler, Richard H. and Cass R. Sunstein (2003): Libertarian Paternalism. American Economic Review: Papers & Proceedings 93: 175-179.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis is a Master level course. The course is capped at 25 students, with ISTP Master students having priority.
860-0032-00LIntroductory Macroeconomics Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants is limited to 30.
Prerequisite: An introductory course in Economics is required to sign up for this course.

Priority for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc.
W3 credits2VR. Pleninger
AbstractThis course examines the behaviour of macroeconomic variables, such as gross domestic product, unemployment and inflation rates. It tries to answer questions like: How can we explain fluctuations of national economic activity? What can economic policy do against unemployment and inflation?
ObjectiveThis lecture will introduce the fundamentals of macroeconomic theory and explain their relevance to every-day economic problems.
ContentThis course helps you understand the world in which you live. There are many questions about the macroeconomy that might spark your curiosity. Why are living standards so meagre in many African countries? Why do some countries have high rates of inflation while others have stable prices? Why have some European countries adopted a common currency? These are just a few of the questions that this course will help you answer. Furthermore, this course will give you a better understanding of the potential and limits of economic policy. As a voter, you help choose the policies that guide the allocation of society's resources. When deciding which policies to support, you may find yourself asking various questions about economics. What are the burdens associated with alternative forms of taxation? What are the effects of free trade with other countries? How does the government budget deficit affect the economy? These and similar questions are always on the minds of policy makers.
860-0033-00LBig Data for Public Policy Information Restricted registration - show details
Only for Master students and PhD students.
W3 credits2GE. Ash, M. Guillot
AbstractThis course provides an introduction to big data methods for public policy analysis. Students will put these techniques to work on a course project using real-world data, to be designed and implemented in consultation with the instructors.
ObjectiveMany policy problems involve prediction. For example, a budget office might want to predict the number of applications for benefits payments next month, based on labor market conditions this month. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the "big data" techniques for making such predictions.
ContentMany policy problems involve prediction. For example, a budget office might want to predict the number of applications for benefits payments next month, based on labor market conditions this month. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the "big data" techniques for making such predictions. These techniques include:

-- procuring big datasets, especially through web scraping or API interfaces, including social media data;
-- pre-processing and dimension reduction of massive datasets for tractable computation;
-- machine learning for predicting outcomes, including how to select and tune the model, evaluate model performance using held-out test data, and report results;
-- interpreting machine learning model predictions to understand what is going on inside the black box;
-- data visualization including interactive web apps.

Students will put these techniques to work on a course project using real-world data, to be designed and implemented in consultation with the instructors.
865-0012-00LGender and Economics
Only for MAS/CAS in Development and Cooperation students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation.

ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted.

ETH MA/MSc students apply with a letter of motivation to the NADEL administration office.

Registration only through the NADEL administration office.
W2 credits3GK. Harttgen
AbstractThis course on gender and economics is intended to provide basic- and intermediate-level training to development practitioners and policy and program staff in international development agencies.
ObjectiveThe overall objective of the course is to strengthen the capacity of technical advisors and program staff on the importance of gender- responsive economic policy. The course conveys basic knowledge about genders aspects in economics. Key elements are:
• Feminist approaches to macroeconomics, microeconomics and international economics
• Critical analysis of global and regional economic trends, including those related to economic crises
• Gender-responsive economic policy for program implementation, policymaking, and advocacy
ContentEconomic inequalities between men and women persist in many countries. For example, in many countries, men earn more money and are more likely to own land and control productive assets than women. This course on gender and economics is intended to provide basic- and intermediate-level training to development practitioners and policy and program staff in international development agencies. The overall objective of the course is to strengthen the capacity of technical advisors and program staff on the importance of gender- responsive economic policy. The course is taught in cooperation with SDC and UN women.
Master's Thesis
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
857-0021-00LMaster's Thesis Restricted registration - show details
Only students who fulfill the following criteria are allowed to begin with their master thesis:
a. successful completion of the bachelor programme;
b. fulfilling of any additional requirements necessary to gain admission to the master programme.
O26 credits56DSupervisors
AbstractThe Master Thesis is an independent piece of research on an issue in comparative and international politics. It combines theory, methods, and empirical work.
ObjectiveThe Thesis should demonstrate the students' ability to conduct independent research on the basis of the theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired during the MA program.
857-0019-00LMaster's Thesis Colloquium Restricted registration - show details
Only for Comparative and International Studies MSc.
Permission to begin master thesis is required to register for the Colloquium.
O4 credits3KM. Ares Abalde
AbstractIn this colloquium, students enrolled in the MACIS program first present and discuss research design and methods issues concerning their prospective MA theses. Towards the end of the semester they present preliminary findings from their MA thesis work.
ObjectiveIt is the goal of the colloquium to help students with the initial steps of writing their master theses. During the colloquium, they will develop a relevant research question and hypotheses and select appropriate methods and data.
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