Advanced International Trade

Course content

This course primarily covers the following topics. First, models seeking to explain the causes, patterns and consequences of international trade are presented. These include the Ricardian model, the HO model, the Specific Factors model and several new trade models featuring increasing returns and imperfect competition. Second, the theory of international trade policy, mainly the analysis of trade policy instruments under perfect and imperfect competitions, is introduced. Third, the institutions (such as the WTO and its various trade agreements) and the theory of international trade policy coordination are discussed. Last, we turn to topics specific to agricultural trade, agricultural trade policy, and coordinated reforms in agricultural trade policy at the regional, plural and multilateral levels.

Education

MSc Programme in Agricultural Economics
MSc Programme in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Learning outcome

This course provides rigorous theoretical analysis of international trade, trade policy, and trade agreements. Theoretical knowledge and analytical tools developed in the course are then used to analyze real life policy issues, especially in the areas of agricultural trade, trade policy reforms, and the WTO.

After completing the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge:

Describe the causes, patterns, and consequences of international trade according to various classical and new trade models

Identify and reflect on the differences and similarities among the assumptions and theoretical predictions of major trade models

Develop thorough and in-depth understanding of important trade policy instruments (such as tariffs, quotas and subsidies) as well as the theoretical framework underpinning the analysis of these instruments

Summarize the main theoretical literature in the political economy of international trade policy

Show overview of the institutions of international trade policy coordination and the theory behind it

Describe the main policy issues arising from multilateral agricultural trade negotiations


Skills:

Compare and contrast different theoretical models of international trade and assess the suitability of these models in explaining observed international trade patterns and other related phenomena

Demonstrate the ability to conduct diagrammatically and algebraically simple partial and general equilibrium analyses of prevalent trade policy instruments

Integrate the insights from theoretical trade models, trade policy analysis and political economy arguments of trade policy, for the purposes of explaining the landscape of protectionism across different countries and industries


Competencies:

Develop coherent, structured and balanced opinions on ongoing debates in international trade, international cooperation, and globalization and be able to communicate these opinions both orally and in writing forms

Apply the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills acquired from the course to analyze relevant policy issues, esp. in the areas of agriculture trade, the WTO trade negotiations, and issues concerning developing countries and economic development

Students are expected to take part in a whole range of classroom activities, including lectures, presentations, discussions, and exercises. They are also required to work on homework assignements outside regular classroom meetings.

Textbook: Advanced International Trade: theory and evidence, 2nd edition by Robert Feenstra, Princeton University Press 2016 (most chapters).

Reference books and other reading materials from academic journals, books, and other sources are to be announced at the beginning of the teaching period.

Optional Prerequisites include Microeconomics, International Economics, Welfare Economics and Policy Analysis, and knowledge of basic calculus and matrix algebra. Intereseted students who do not have the above background are advised to consult the course coordinator.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.

Students interested in contemporary topics in applied international trade, especially international agricultural trade and applied trade policy analysis are strongly encouraged to also take the course entitled "Computational Methods for Policy Analysis in Agrifood Markets", to be taught in block 2.

Oral
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
On-site written exam, 3 hours under invigilation
Type of assessment details
Description of examination: The written exam will be based on the entire course curriculum and will last three hours.

The on-site written exam is an ITX exam.
See important information about ITX-exams at Study Information, menu point: Exams -> Exam types and rules -> Written on-site exams (ITX)
Exam registration requirements

Submission of two homework sets, with all questions in the homework sets answered; and making one oral presentation, based on the literature (typically a journal article, or a working paper, or a book chapter) assigned by the teacher.

Aid
All aids allowed

The University will make computers available to students at the ITX-exam.

Students are not permitted to bring digital aids like computers, tablets, calculators, mobile phones etc.

Books, notes, and similar materials can be brought in paper form or uploaded before the exam and accessed digitally from the ITX computer. Read more about this at Study Information.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
one internal examiner
Re-exam

As ordinary exam.

If 10 or fewer register for the reexamination the examination form will be oral. Duration: 20 – 25 minutes. No time for preparation. No aids allowed.


If a student fails to meet the requirements for going to the exam, he/she can register for the re-examination, provided that: answers to the two homework sets and a paper copy of the power point presentation based on the assigned literature are handed in three weeks prior to the re-exam.

Criteria for exam assessment

The assessment will be conducted according to the learning outcomes specified in the section Learning outcome.

 

Single subject courses (day)

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 56
  • Preparation
  • 102
  • Practical exercises
  • 45
  • Exam
  • 3
  • English
  • 206

Kursusinformation

Language
English
Course number
NIFK14023U
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Programme level
Full Degree Master
Duration

1 block

Placement
Block 1
Schedulegroup
C
Capacity
No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
Studyboard
Study Board of Natural Resources, Environment and Animal Science
Contracting department
  • Department of Food and Resource Economics
Contracting faculty
  • Faculty of Science
Course Coordinator
  • Wusheng Yu   (7-7977756a677069426b687471306d7730666d)
Saved on the 05-07-2024

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