EC1TTNU-International Trade Theory

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Hussein Hassan

Email: hussein.hassan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides a complete treatment of introductory to intermediate level International Trade Theory. It offers both a theoretical component and a policy-based applied section. The theoretical component covers all the conventional trade models discussed in the literature. This module explains trade theory that starts at an aggregate level and then moves towards a market-oriented, firm-level analysis with theoretical implications at both micro and macro levels.

Aims:

International Trade is an important module at NUIST Reading Academy. This module aims to provide introductory theories of International Trade, such as   the Ricardian Model, the Heckscher - Ohlin Model, Specific Factors and Income Distribution Model. The module also offers a theoretical treatment of firms within the framework of the global economy. The main objective is to provide a sufficient background that allows student to understand the linkages between trade, firm productivity, efficient resource utilization both at micro and macro levels.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the semester, the students should be able to:

• Offer a working knowledge of common trade models, including the Ricardian and the Heckscher-Ohlin at both theoretical and applied levels.


• To understand the concepts of opportunity cost, comparative advantage, and the production possibilities frontier.


• Analyse the impact of labor, capital, and technology differences between international actors on their trade performances.


• Display a functional understanding of the effect of firm-level decisions and sectoral composition on export dynamics

Additional outcomes:

To undertake quantitative problem solving related to the international trade module

Outline content:

A range of topics including: the concept of Opportunity Cost and PPF Model, The Ricardian Model, Specific Factors and Income Distribution Model, Heckscher - Ohlin Model, The Standard Trade Model, External Economies of Scale and The International Location of Production, Firms in the Global Economy

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module offers an introduction to a range of trade theories applicable both at micro and macroeconomic level. Lectures cover the main module material, supported by weekly classes.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		40
Tutorials		6
External visits		2
Guided independent study:		52
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Set exercise	20
Class test administered by School	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour unseen written paper

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There are two set exercises:

• Homework Assignment #1 (7th Week of the semester)


• Homework Assignment #2 (14th week of the semester)

There is one 2-hour in-class mid-term test

Formative assessment methods:

In class exercise and solution of problems

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is by exam only. Coursework will not be included in the reassessment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 23 April 2019