University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

     (Revised November 2002)              

 

Code:   UPEN4F-15-M   Title:    International Trade                      Version:           1

 

Level: M                                   UWE credit rating: 15               ECTS credit rating: 7.5

 

Module type: Standard

 

Owning Faculty: HLSS             Field:   Economics       

 

Valid from:       September 2004                        Discontinued from:

 

Pre-requisites:                        None

 

Co-requisites:                           None

 

Excluded combinations:          None

 

Learning outcomes:    

 

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

 

§         Illustrate a critical understanding traditional trade theory (components A & B)

§         Appraise critically the implications and extensions of traditional trade models (components A & B)

§         Demonstrate clearly an appreciation of the estimation procedures in traditional trade models (components A & B)

§         Critically evaluate the role of technical change from a trade perspective and the implications of technical change on employment and wages prospects (component A)

§         Critically evaluate the influence of differences in human capital in export quantities and export earnings from a theoretical perspective using empirical evidence to support claims (components A & B)

§         Demonstrate a critical understanding of the effects of technology, human capital and comparative advantage on output between countries of different levels of economic development (components A & B)

§         Evaluate critically the constraints affecting human capital formation and the impacts of differences in human capital on output (component A)

§         Analyse critically the effects of trade on income inequality and the effects of income inequality on trade (components A & B)

 

Syllabus outline:

 

·         Trade Theory: Comparative Advantage.

·         Trade and technology: Dynamic Comparative Advantage.

·         Trade under Imperfect Competition.

·         Protectionism.

·         Growth, Trade Liberalisation and technology transfer.

·         Trade and Growth.

·         Export Earnings Instability: Theories and Policies.

·         Trade and income inequality.

 

Teaching and learning methods:

 

A variety of teaching methods will be employed throughout the course. Information will be disseminated in a formal ‘lecture’ section of each session. This will be followed by discussions of relevant recently published journal articles in which students will be encouraged to actively participate. Group reporting on case study material, discussions of case study material, presentations and formal debates will also be employed throughout the course.

 

Indicative sources:      

 

Bardhan, P., 2003, International Trade, Growth and Development, Blackwell, Oxford

Borkakoti, J., 1998, International Trade: Causes and Consequences, Macmillan Press, London

Bowen, H. P., Hollander, A. and Viaene, J-M., 1998, Applied International Trade Analysis,                                       Macmillan, London

Choi, E. K. and Greenaway, D., 2001, Globalisation and Labor Markets, Blackwell, Oxford

Choi, E. K. and Jensen, B. S., 1999, Economic Growth and International Trade, Blackwell,                                      Oxford

Husted, S. and Melvin, M., 2004, International Economics (6th edition), Pearson, London

Ingham, B., 2004, International Economics: A European Focus, Prentice Hall, Harlow, England

Irwin, D. A., 1996, Against the Tide: An Intellectual History of Free Trade, Princeton University                                       Press, New Jersy

Krugman, P.R. and Obstfeld, M., 2000, International Economics. Theory and Policy (5th                                                  edition), Addison-Wesley, Harlow, England

Lawler, K. and Seddighi, H., 2001, International Economics. Theories, Policies and Debates,                                         Prentice Hall

 

Students will be expected to draw upon current journal articles from:

 

American Economic Review

Brookings Papers on Economic Activity

Economic Journal

European Economic Review

Journal of Development Economics

Journal of Economic Perspectives

Journal of Economic Surveys

Journal of International Economics

Journal of International Trade

Review of Economic Studies

Review of International Economics

 

Assessment

 

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only)             A: 50% B: 50%

 

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element                                                                Element weighting     

1.  Unseen exam, 2 hours                                                                                   50%

 

Component B

Description of each element                                                                Element weighting     

1.  Individual coursework assignment of up to 2000 words                          50%

 

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element                                                                Element weighting     

1.  Unseen exam, 2 hours                                                                                   50%

 

Component B

Description of each element                                                                Element weighting     

1.  Individual coursework assignment of up to 2000 words                          50%

 

 

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.

 

Specification confirmed by  ………Module approved at VARSC 13.05.04.

 

Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)