Document Type

Graduate Syllabus

Date

Fall 2015

School

Diplomacy

Course Number

DIPL 6155

Course Description

One goal of graduate level work in international economics is to provide students

with a framework in which to analyze concepts and issues that may have previously

been assumed to be obvious or extremely complicated. In pursuing this objective

you are likely to discover that many of the ideas and perceptions you have about

international economics are incomplete or wrong.

During the course we will focus attention on hot button issues in the subject of

international trade. Among the items we will look at are outsourcing, is China

outcompeting us, the large U.S. external debt and the implications of the move

toward regional or preferential trade agreements.

We will start by examining the size of the global economy and various models of

trade beginning with Riccardian model. Among the topics that will be covered are

the effect of trade on relative wages and income distribution and the potential role of

immigration. From the beginning, students will read articles that raise questions

about the relevance of historical theories and issues that are very germane to the

modern world. Following this, the course will consider government interference in the

market system through various trade policies such as tariffs, quotas and the

manipulation of exchange rates. Throughout the course emphasis will be placed on

real world analyses and developments. Frequently, both sides of controversial issues

will be explored.

The format of the course will emphasize interactive discourse among students

and between the students and the instructor. Students are expected to have

read the material assigned for each class and to be prepared for a spirited

discussion.

Students will be expected to be aware of current international economic

developments and to be prepared to discuss them at each class. Each class will

start with a short student presentation of a current interest topic and class discussion

of the issue.

As preparation for this part of the course students should read regularly The

Economist and a good daily newspaper such as the Financial Times or The Wall

Street Journal.

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