NIFB14006U International Economics

Volume 2020/2021
Education

BSc Programme in Agricultural Economics
BSc Programme in Natural Resources

Content

This course explores the theoretical foundations of International Trade. The course focuses on why nations trade, what they trade, and how international trade affects peoples welfare. We will also discuss how governments use policies to influence trade flows and the ensuing welfare impacts. The topics covered in the course include:

  • Classical trade theories
  • Theories of trade with imperfect competition
  • Trade policy analysis

 

Learning Outcome

After completing this course a student should be able to:


Knowledge

  • describe actual trade patterns and their development over time
  • identify and distinguish between different international trade models by their assumptions
  • describe and compare the main features and results of the different models


Skills

  • derive comparative statics within the economic models of international trade covered in the course
  • explain the outcome of comparative statics in terms of model mechanics, assumptions and economic logic
  • relate model predictions to observed trade flows


Competences

  • apply relevant economic theories to real-world issues. This involves i) setting up an economic model applicable to the real-world issue; ii) conducting relevant analyses (comparative statics) within the model and iii) interpreting the results in terms of real-world concepts and providing policy conclusions/​recommendations
  • evaluate the applicability of different economic models for analyzing specific real-world issues

 

The course uses an undergraduate textbook in International Economics to be announced on the course website at least two weeks prior to the start of the course. An example of such a textbook is

Robert Feenstra and Alan Taylor, "International Trade", 4th edition, Worth Publishers

It is highly recommended to have passed a basic course in microeconomics and mathematics.
Mix of lectures and theoretical exercises.
The course is a bachelor course for Agricultural Economics. May be taken as a master level course for all other studies
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 48
  • Preparation
  • 130
  • Theory exercises
  • 12
  • Practical exercises
  • 12
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Total
  • 206
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 4 hours under invigilation
...
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Re-exam

If 10 or fewer register for the reexamination the examination form will be oral. Otherwise like the ordinary exam.

Criteria for exam assesment

See the Learning Outcomes