University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2011-2012Last update : 13/02/2012
ECON0842-3  International Trade Economics

Duration :  15h Pr, 30h Th
Number of credits :  
Master in Economical Sciences, in-depth approach, 1st yearFirst semester5
Master in Economical Sciences, didactic approach, 1st yearFirst semester5
Master in Economical Sciences, Professional Focus in Economic Policies and Analysis, 1st yearFirst semester5
Master en sciences économiques,orientation générale, à finalité spécialisée en economics and finance, 1st yearFirst semester5
Master en sciences économiques, orientation générale, à finalité spécialisée en economic analysis and public governance, 1st yearFirst semester5
Master in Economical SciencesFirst semester5
Master in Population and Development studies, Research Focus, 2nd yearFirst semester6
Lecturer :  Joseph Tharakan
Language(s) of instruction :  
English language
Course contents :  
1. Introduction
The aim of this course is to familiarise students with economic reasoning applied to international economic relations. Using economic models, it introduces students to the economic logic behind trade policies and the effect of international business on countries and individuals.

2. Course content
- The role of technology in trade flows
- The Hecksher-Ohlin model
- Equilibrium on world markets
- Trade policy
- Imperfect competition models
- The political economy of trade policy
Learning outcomes of the course :  
Upon completion of the course, students should :
- understand the main reasons for observing trade flows between countries
- be able to explain the impact of globalisation on income distribution and the possible effects on trade policies
- be able to explain what trade policy instruments countries can use and their effects
Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :  
Students should have followed ECON 0205 or equivalent.

This course requires from students that they are interested in understanding the economic logic of international economic relations.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
1. Approach followed
The course consists essentially of lectures. Certain points are illustrated by current news items.

Students are advised to:
- prepare lectures by reading the relevant chapters of the textbook
- attend classes (Powerpoint slides downloadable from Lola before each lecture are deliberately incomplete)
- make sure that they are capable of explaining with precision each element of economic logic developed during classes.

2. Course schedule
The class format is 2 hours each week. The exam is held during the month of January.
Recommended or required readings :  
Powerpoint slides will be available to download before each lecture.

Textbook: Markusen, Melvin, Kaempfer and Maskus, " International Trade: Theory and Evidence", McGraw-Hill.
Assessment methods and criteria :  
1. Evaluation criteria
It will be a closed book open questions exam.

Evaluation will be based on the student's
- capacity of understanding economic reasoning as well as the capacity of explaining it in an accurate and concise way;
- capacity to apply economic concepts and reasoning to international economic relations as well as to comment on current events and debates in the news

2. Evaluation calendar
The exam takes place during the month of January (first session) as well as in August (second session).
Contacts :  
Professor: Joseph Tharakan - e-mail: J.Tharakan@ulg.ac.be
Assistant: Jérôme Schoenmaeckers e-mail: Jérôme.Schoenmaeckers@ulg.ac.be Ph: 04 366 29 65 Office: B. 31 - 1.56


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