INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS
Instructional goals
The course analyses the fundamental elements of modern international economic theory and policy. The aim is to understand the behaviour of the main economic variables at the global level, with attention to the aspects of international trade and open-economy macroeconomics. International economic phenomena are studied from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. Issues related to the formulation of international trade and open macroeconomic policies and their consequences are also addressed in an institutional context.
Intended learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
The course provides key theoretical tools for comparing theories of international economics and understanding their strengths and weaknesses. The course provides advanced knowledge to enable students to understand the processes, content, and consequences of different policies across countries and globally.
Applying knowledge and understanding
The students will be able to:
- Apply international trade theories to the current economic situation
- Examine international trade policy by comparing different approaches in Europe, the USA, and Asia
- Consider how politics and institutions shape, constrain, and enable policy-making.
Making judgments
Students will be able to analyse international economic theories, public policies and governance models to demonstrate an in-depth, critical understanding of their scope and challenges. Throughout the course, students will be asked to critically analyse current events that influence the international economy.
Communication Skills
This course will enable students to acquire and understand key terms and concepts in order to communicate their ideas, proposals, analyses and critical reasoning. This will be done through individual contributions in class, class discussions and simulations, and teamwork between students.
Learning skills
This course will help to equip students with the tools to identify the benefits and challenges of particular policies and the impact of current events on the international economy.
Course Contents
Open-economy macroeconomics
The balance of payments, foreign exchange markets, and exchange rates
Short-run output and foreign exchange interventions with fixed exchange rates
Output and exchange rates in the short-run
The International Monetary System
Theory of optimum currency areas and the Euro
International trade theory and policy
The Ricardian model
The Specific-Factor model
The Heckscher-Ohlin model
Movement of labor and capital between countries
International trade theories under monopolistic competition.
International trade policies
International agreements on trade and the environment
Reference Books
Feenstra, R.C., Taylor, A.M. (2021), International Economics, Macmillan, Fifth edition
Additional reading lists will be provided in class
Teaching Methods
Lectures, class discussions, and problem sets.
Assessment Method
- Mid-term exam (written): 35%
- Project work: 35%
- Final exam (written): 30%
Thesis assignment criteria
Interest in the subject and 28/30 final grade
Week 1
National accounting for an open economy; the balance of payments, twin deficits, external wealth.
Week 2
Introduction to exchange rates and the foreign exchange market. Essentials of exchange rates: markets, financial instruments, actors; introduction to arbitrage . Covered Interest Parity, Uncovered Interest Parity .
Week 3
Monetary approach long run: LOP, PPP, Mac index, evidence, monetary approach and hyperinflation. General model, Fisher effect, nominal anchor
Week 4
Introduction to the Mundell-Fleming and macroeconomic policy under flexible exchange rates.
Week 5
Introduction to the Mundell-Fleming and macroeconomic policy under fixed exchange rates. The policy trilemma.
Week 6
Currency Area. Benefits of fixed exch rates; the n-country problem, hystory of international monetary system. Exchange rate crises
Week 7
Introduction to international trade
Technology and comparative advantages: The Ricardian model
Week 8
Gains and losses from trade: The Specific-Factors model
Week 9
Trade and resources: The Heckscher-Ohlin model
Movement of labor and capital between countries
Week 10
New explanations for international trade trade: Increasing returns to scale and monopolistic competition
Week 11
International trade policies: import tariffs and quotas, non-tariff trade barriers, and the political economy of protectionism
Week 12
International agreements on trade and the environment