Topics in International Econ

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Topics in International Economics is a seminar that meets once a week to cover issues that are key to economists and policy makers. The course is split into two parts. The first part of the course covers topics in International Trade and the second part of the course covers topics in International Finance. As you can see from the reading list, most of the topics we deal with in the course from trade (roughly 80%). We start the course by analyzing the outcome of trade policies such as import tariffs, quota, and voluntary export restraints. Then, we examine how trade affects growth, income inequality, the environment, and quality of output. Finally, we show how trade can explain why developed countries are more productive, and why prices in rich countries are higher than prices in poor countries. Next, we move on to International Finance. We study the linkages between globalization and inequality and also discuss whether China should revalue the Renminbi" and analyze global imbalances. Most of the material for the course comes from academic articles and case?studies.