ECONS304-23A (HAM)

International Economics Issues

15 Points

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Division of Management
School of Accounting, Finance and Economics

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Anna Strutt

Anna Strutt
4958
MSB.2.14
See Moodle
anna.strutt@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Mia Mikic

Mia Mikic
MSB.2.16
See Moodle
mia.mikic@waikato.ac.nz

Administrator(s)

: denise.martin@waikato.ac.nz

Placement/WIL Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: yilan.chen@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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What this paper is about

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This paper takes a broad approach in explaining a selected set of major economic challenges facing the world economy to promote a better understanding of how we can reconcile the sometimes competing objectives of free trade, environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation in pursuit of sustainable development. A particular focus of the paper in 2023 will be the ongoing risk of policy-driven geoeconomic fragmentation and the impacts on trade, capital flows, technology diffusion, migration and the provision of global public goods (such as clean air). It explores the consequences of fragmentation on the international trade and monetary systems and the position of small open economies such as New Zealand.The paper will enable students to develop tools to understand and interpret events in the global economy so that they can adapt to the economic changes that will inevitably arise in the future.

The paper follows a simple theoretical but mostly applied approach to explaining the evolution of international trade patterns in goods and services, the effects of government trade policies on production, trade, growth, income distribution, economic integration and labour mobility, international capital flows and associated policies. Additionally, the paper explores selected developmental impacts of globalisation. This paper is applied to current international economic relations (especially those relevant to New Zealand). Particular attention is given to evidence for trade policy making and trade policy impacts. The paper contains a number of special topics including women and trade, inclusive trade (‘trade for all’), digital trade and climate-smart trade to be covered through the guest lectures, student presentations, directed self-study, and discussions.

We strive to make this paper current, interesting and enjoyable. We urge students to actively participate in class and to consistently keep up with the course materials and assessments. Please do not hesitate to let the convenor know if you have any queries, comments or suggestions about the course.

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How this paper will be taught

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This paper will be taught through interactive lectures, student presentations, readings, use of online resources and discussions. Students are expected to attend lectures (in-person or online), participate actively in classroom discussion, engage in directed self-study, and contribute to a group presentation.

There are two hours of lectures and a one hour workshop each week. There will be no workshop in Week 1. Any other modifications will be advised via Moodle. Please note that online tests and student presentations are scheduled during workshops: students must be available to take the tests at these times and to participate in the workshop during which their presentation is scheduled.

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Required Readings

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REQUIRED READINGS

There is no single required text for this paper. Readings for each topic will be specified in the Reading List, available through Moodle.

Most of the required readings will be assigned from one of the following textbooks (available through the library):

Krugman, P., M Obstfeld & Melitz, M. (2021). International Economics (12th edition). Pearson.

Feenstra, R., & Taylor A. M.(2021). International Trade (International Edition). Worth Publishers, Incorporated.

Students may also use:

Carbaugh, R. (2019) International Economics, South-Western Cengage Learning

RECOMMENDED READINGS

Recommended and optional readings will also be available through the Reading List for this paper.

OTHER RESOURCES

Podcasts*

(*specific episodes will be identified on the reading list):

Trade Talks (Trade Talks Podcast – Chad Bown and Soumaya Keynes)

Dollar&Sense (Dollar and Sense Podcast (brookings.edu) David Dollar

Trade Splaining (Trade Splaining (podbean.com) Ardian Mollabeciri and Robert Skidmore

Trade Winds (PIIE) https://www.piie.com/event-series/trade-winds

Forward Thinking (Forward Thinking | McKinsey Global Institute | McKinsey & Company) Michael Chui and Janet Bush

The Trade Guys (The Trade Guys | CSIS Podcasts) Scott Miller and Bill Reinsch

Trade Experettes (Podcast — TradeExperettes) Kellie Kemock

IMF Podcasts (IMF podcasts) – IMF staff with guests

WTO podcast - Let’s talk trade (WTO Podcast)

Useful links for online resources (additional resources will be provided through Moodle and in lecture notes):

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Analyse the impacts of trade policies on trade flows, production patterns and the economic welfare of households, businesses, community groups (such as women and indigenous peoples) and nations. [LO2]
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Assess the impacts of current events in the global economy on the prospects of mutlilateral and regional cooperation. [LO5]
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Evaluate the contribution of mutlilateral, regional and bilateral trade agreements in furthering economic prosperity and expansion of sustainable trade and investment. [LO3]
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Understand the crucial role of trade in delivering Sustainable Development Goals as well as in responding to crisis such as pandemics. [LO4]
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Understand the dynamic nature of the world economy, the drivers influencing globalisation and the alternative ways in which policy makers may respond to impacts of globalisation. [LO1]
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessments

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How you will be assessed

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Test 1
29 Mar 2023
10:00 AM
25
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Group Presentations
15
  • In Class: In Workshop
3. Test 2
24 May 2023
10:00 AM
25
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Assignment
12 Jun 2023
9:00 AM
25
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
5. Participation and contribution to discussions
10
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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