Teaching

Course: Politics of Developing Nations 

Semester: Spring 2024 (Adjunct Faculty) - Mary Baldwin University; Staunton, VA

In this course, students will embark on a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted dimensions of development in the global context. Beginning with foundational inquiries such as "What Do We Mean by Development?", the course delves into the major theoretical frameworks that have historically shaped our understanding of development. The intricate dynamics between political regimes, such as fragile states, authoritarianism, and democratization, and their relevance for economic development will be a focal point. Through this lens, we'll investigate how governance structures, from the robust institutions of state-building to the grassroots movements of the middle class, as seen in events like the Arab Spring, influence developmental outcomes. Real-world case studies, ranging from the unique developmental challenges of Haiti to the rapid economic ascents of India, Brazil, South Korea, and Taiwan, will provide students with a grounded understanding of the political economy in various contexts. By the culmination of this course, students will possess a nuanced understanding of the politics underpinning development, equipped with the analytical tools to critically assess the developmental challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Course: Political Economy of FinTech

Semester: Spring 2024 (Visiting Professor) - ISM University of Management and Economics; Vilnius, Lithuania

This course explores the intersection of politics, economics, finance, and technology. We delve into the rise and evolution of Financial Technologies (FinTech) and their impact on traditional banking and financial systems. This course is designed to uncover FinTech’s implications for global politics/monetary policy, regulatory frameworks, and economic development. Upon examining the fintech ecosystem, the course delves into several fast-evolving sectors, including Fintech payments and crypto-assets. Furthermore, we investigate the role of FinTech in democratizing access to financial services (i.e., financial inclusion), and explore how stakeholders around the world are responding (e.g., from Central Banks’ digital currencies to BigTech and global payments companies’ investments in FinTech). We also spend time discussing why regulating FinTech is particularly hard and explore examples of innovative regulatory frameworks (e.g., Regulatory Sandbox). Beyond traditional lectures, the course incorporates detailed case studies and collaborative group activities (e.g., simulations) to provide an interactive and rewarding learning experience for students.

Course: Political Research with Quantitative Methods (Statistics)

Semester: Fall 2024 (Grader) - University of Virginia (UVa); Charlottesville, VA

This course includes two semi-autonomous components: statistics and math. The statistics component of this course introduces students to some basic theory and methods for conducting quantitative analyses in political science, with a focus on statistics and data analysis. The mathematics component introduces students to the mathematical background that will be used (to some extent) in this course and that will be assumed in future quantitative methodology courses. The primary goals are to give students tools to begin applying quantitative methods in their own work, to prepare them for further coursework, and to situate statistics within the broader endeavor of data analysis (and that within the broader endeavor of social science research). Thus, in the statistics component, the course begins at the beginning—with basic probability theory—then moves through single-variable statistical analysis, and concludes with regression analysis. The lectures and problem sets include a moderate amount of statistical theory, because familiarity with the underlying theory is believed to be critical to the smart application of statistical techniques, but emphasize the relevance of that theory to data analysis. The later problem sets shift the emphasis toward application and data analysis.

Course: Political Economy of Development 

Semester: Spring 2023 (Teaching Assistant) - UVa; Charlottesville, VA

The course focuses on the political economy of development in the broadest sense. We look not just at ‘poor right now’ countries, but also at once poor but now developed countries, and not just in the 20th century but also in the 19th, in order to illuminate the similarities and differences in how societies modernize and develop. Looking at development in the broadest sense means looking at global flows of people, money and goods, as well as global changes in attitudes, and in particular gender relations. It also means looking at state formation – political development – as this cannot be separated from economic development. In particular we look at the consequences of the six big revolutions: 1) Agricultural revolution – more food for more people but also fewer people growing food, 2) Industrious revolution – more work from more people over more of the year; 3) Industrial revolution – substitution of inorganic energy and machines for human labor; 4) National revolution – rise of national identities as the glue for the modern state; 5) Disciplinary revolution – rise of the idea of individualism, individual rights and obligations, and responsibility to develop one’s ‘self’ (3&4 link to changes in gender roles & religion); 6)-Bourgeois revolution – rise of transferable property rights over land, ideas, labor time. 

Course: Russian Politics

Semester: Spring 2023 (Grader) - UVa; Charlottesville, VA

This course offers an interpretation of Russian politics, in both historical and contemporary perspective. The assignments are analytical essays conducted on an open-book, open-notes basis. Work is evaluated according to the following criteria: degree of command of readings and lectures, incisive and coherent analytical faculty, sound and original judgment, as well as clarity of prose. 

Course: Politics of India and Pakistan 

Semester: Fall 2022 (Teaching Assistant) - UVa; Charlottesville, VA

The course is designed to provide an introduction to politics in India and Pakistan.  These countries are home to more than 1.5 billion people, and they account for almost 20 percent of the world's population.  Seven decades of dynamic change and social turbulence have seen India and Pakistan emerge as nuclear powers. In this class, we compare the similarities and differences between India and Pakistan and explore three crucial issues:  

In investigating these issues, we explore theoretical approaches that political scientists have taken toward social change, democratization, and the development of religious militancy.  

Guest Lecturer - Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P) 

Date & Location: June 14 2023; Rabat Campus, Morocco

I met with seven graduate students enrolled in the QFM (Quantitative Financial Modelling) Masters Program and told them about my current research projects and experiences working with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Given their interest in Sustainable and Corporate Finance, I focused on my experience with Diane Damskey in running the Operating Principles for Impact Management Secretariat (formerly hosted by IFC and currently hosted by the Global Impact Investing Network - the GIIN), and on past research projects (e.g., Quality vs. quantity of ESG disclosures, Sustainability-linked bonds etc.)  

Students' Testimonials 

"Lecturer was simply great, materials and subjects we had were interesting, lots of real examples and case studies, great discussions, valuable data, interesting articles to read." 

"This course was very interesting first step in to world of Fintech, and I really liked it. Lecturer was very open, I liked her teaching style."

"The professor's enthusiasm, energy and thought-provoking discussions [are what I enjoyed most about the course], as it allowed me (personally) to learn more about FinTech itself, and it was always interesting and valuable to go to lectures - trying my best not to miss a single one." 

"I enjoyed the approach to the course and classes - many discussions, everybody having a chance to express their opinions, and not just dry theory." 

"There were numerous times where we had different views on what was discussed in class, however, not once did I feel like my opinion was invalid or considered wrong." 

"Doing kahoots and fun quizzes that do not count towards our grades are helpful to see where we are at and then going over them helps a lot."

"I have never taken a politics class before so I learned a lot of new things I was otherwise unaware of. This class made me more aware of what is going on around me in the world."

"I gained public speaking skills from this course. My professor was very interactive and made sure to engage the class. I'm better at talking to my peers than before." 

"I believe opening the floor for discussion and making it a safe space to share made me and others really comfortable sharing our opinions even if they were different which usually is a hard thing to do in one space but it went gracefully in this class and I believe that is solely due to the teacher !"

"TA was very helpful in breaking down core concepts each week that through readings and lecture alone might have gone over my head." 

"Ghita was an incredible TA who really cared about her students and ensuring we learned the material." 

"Always replied to emails promptly and in depth. Was always willing to help and answer questions. Asked everyone’s opinion and gave us tasks which helped learning. Asked for feedback from students and implemented that in the following sections."

"Ghita would often times ask presenters at the end of their presentations what they thought about the readings that week. Sometimes the presenters would talk about how the readings tied back into their paper and how they disagree with certain things. Ghita encouraged open discussions and welcomed new ideas that sometimes challenged the readings we were assigned. This made the classroom feel like a place of growth and not just an echo chamber which was nice." 

"Ghita is one of my favorite TAs that I have had at UVA! She has an amazing talent for explaining complicated economic concepts in understandable ways without being condescending. She also is extremely passionate about the course which helps. I don't think lectures and readings would have made any sense without her."

"TA had "no comment is a bad comment" attitude and was very welcoming to any perspectives." 

"Ghita frequently prompted us to think contrary to our initial beliefs and would share her own perspectives to make us comfortable with doing so." 

"Ghita always made sure discussion section was a welcoming environment for all students."