The module focuses on theories and empirical evidence of international trade. It covers the Ricardian and Heckscher-Ohlin models in detail, and also examines more recent research on patterns of trade and "strategic" trade policies in the presence of imperfectly competitive markets. Attention will also be devoted to the political economy of trade policy.
The objective of the module is to familiarise students with the tools and basic concepts required to understand the forces that shape international trade and help determine trade policies. At the end of the module, the students should be able to make sense of discussions of international trade in the business press and to express their own opinion. The module also helps the student understand that economic policy must consider the significant interaction between different sectors of the economy. A final objective of the module is to further the student understands of the role of economic modelling. In particular, trade theory is a good illustration of how different models can (and must) be used to analyse a given economic issue.
In terms of employability skills, the module mainly offers a variety of academic skills and promotes external awareness. With regard to academic skills, the module encourages analytical reasoning, critical evaluation, and the ability to use and interpret mathematical relations. By doing so, it provides students with the economic background to debate world trade related issues. Indeed, discussions of real world applications promote external awareness among the students. Students are also encouraged to write the term paper to extend their knowledge, improve their research techniques and essay-writing skills.
The objective of the module is to familiarise students with the tools and basic concepts required to understand the forces that shape international trade and help determine trade policies. At the end of the module, the students should be able to make sense of discussions of international trade in the business press and to express their own opinion. The module also helps the student understand that economic policy must consider the significant interaction between different sectors of the economy. A final objective of the module is to further the student understands of the role of economic modelling. In particular, trade theory is a good illustration of how different models can (and must) be used to analyse a given economic issue.
In terms of employability skills, the module mainly offers a variety of academic skills and promotes external awareness. With regard to academic skills, the module encourages analytical reasoning, critical evaluation, and the ability to use and interpret mathematical relations. By doing so, it provides students with the economic background to debate world trade related issues. Indeed, discussions of real world applications promote external awareness among the students. Students are also encouraged to write the term paper to extend their knowledge, improve their research techniques and essay-writing skills.