EC239 course outline 2013 - Wilfrid Laurier University

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Economics 239 – International Trade Syllabus – Winter 2013 Instructor:

Wendy Wu

Office:

P3130

Telephone:

8840710, ext. 2925

Office hours:

Wednesdays 10:00-11:00, Thursdays 1:30-2:30 or by appointment

Website:

https://mylearningspace.wlu.ca Contains lecture notes, announcements, readings, course related information, and grades.

Email:

[email protected] You must include EC239 in the subject line if you expect to receive a response. I will check emails regularly during the day. You should not expect to hear from me evenings or weekends. Note that I will not check emails sent to MyLearningSpace email address.

Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the theories and policies that have become central to the study of international trade. By the end of this term, you should have a solid understanding of why countries trade, what they trade, the benefits and costs of trade, and the motivations for and the effects of government trade policies. First, we will consider the determinants of trade. Why do countries trade? What decides the pattern of trade between nations? Second, we will examine how trade affects the distribution of real income in the economy. Who gains and who loses from trade? Thirdly, we will analyze policies that countries use to restrict or encourage trade, such as tariffs, subsidies and quotas. Finally, with a change of perspective, we will examine the political reasons motivating trade policy in practice. Course Readings: Required Textbook: International Economics: Theory and Policy, Volume 1, Custom Edition for Wilfrid Laurier University, by Krugman, Paul, Maurice Obstfeld and Marc Melitz  

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  Note: The required textbook is the first half of International Economics: Theory and Policy, 9th edition, Krugman, Paul, Maurice Obstfeld and Marc Melitz, Older editions (8th, 7th) can be used with caution. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are not missing any important information or material. Study Guide: MyEconLab http://www.myeconlab.com MyEconLab is an electric study guide that contains practice questions, study plans and additional related readings. They do not count for marks but help prepare students for the tests. Your access kit for MyEconLab is included with your textbook. Older editions or used book will not allow students to gain access to MyEconLab. Course Evaluation: Midterm examination (Friday, February 15, 2:30-3:40PM)

30%

Final examination (During Formal Examination Period)

55%

Presentation (March 11 to March 20, tentative)

15%

Policy on Missed Midterm The midterm is a 70-minute test. Students will receive a mark of zero on a missed test without the appropriate medical certificate. For students with the relevant medical certificate the weight of the missed test will be shifted to the final examination. The final exam is cumulative and covers material from the entire course. Presentation The class presentations will take place in classes from March 11 to March 20. Students will form groups of three members. Each group will present an article from the Economist. The group sign up will be available in MyLearningSpace. These groups must be formed by February 1 and have an article chosen by February 8. Students without a group will be randomly assigned into groups of three after February 1. The article can either be chosen from the recommended list on the course website or from more recent issues of the Economist. Each article from the recommended list can only be chosen by one group on a first-come first-served basis. The groups that choose articles outside the list should send me the title and relevant information for my approval. Detailed instructions will be provided under the presentation section on MyLearningSpace. Re-evaluation of Midterm: Requests for re-evaluation should be made within two weeks following the return of the test. A request for re-evaluation should be accompanied by supporting written arguments. Such arguments must be based on the student’s understanding of the relevant portion of the readings and/or lecture notes. Requests based on the student’s need to obtain a minimum grade will not be considered.  

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Course Outline: 1. Introduction: Chapter 1 2. Theories of International Trade: •

Chapter 2: An Overview of World Trade



Chapter 3: Labor Productivity and Comparative Advantage (Omit Comparative Advantage with Many Goods pp 40-44)



Chapter 5: Resources, Comparative Advantage, and Income Distribution



Chapter 6: The Standard Trade Model



Chapter 7: External Economies of Scale and the International Location of Production

3. Trade Policy •

Chapter 9: The instruments of Trade Policy



Chapter 10: The Political Economy of Trade Policy



Chapter 11: Trade Policy in Developing countries



Chapter 12: Controversies in Trade Policy

Academic Ethics and Other Rules: Wilfrid Laurier University uses software that can check for plagiarism. Students may be required to submit their written work in electronic form and have it checked for plagiarism. You are reminded that the University will levy sanctions on students who are found to have committed, or have attempted to commit, acts of academic or research misconduct. You are expected to know what constitutes an academic offense, to avoid committing such offenses, and to take responsibility for your academic actions. For information on categories of offenses and types of penalty, please consult the relevant section of the Undergraduate Academic Calendar. If you need clarification of aspects of University policy on Academic and Research Misconduct, please consult your instructor. Accessible Learning Statement: Students with disabilities or special needs are advised to contact Laurier’s Accessible Learning Centre for information regarding its services and resources. Students are encouraged to review the Calendar for information regarding all services available on campus.

 

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