EC338 Half Unit
International Trade
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Isabela Manelici
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc in Economics, BSc in Economics and Economic History, BSc in Environment and Sustainable Development with Economics, BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics, BSc in Geography with Economics, BSc in International Social and Public Policy with Economics, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Economics, BSc in Philosophy and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BSc in Politics and Economics, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
Requisites
Pre-requisites:
Before taking this course, students must have completed: (EC1A3 and EC2A3) or EC2A1
Course content
This course offers an introduction to international trade theory and develops the main tools for trade policy analysis. We start by studying the patterns of trade distinguishing between inter-industry and intra-industry trade flows. We then proceed to an in-depth analysis of the causes and the effects of those flows based on the concepts of absolute and comparative advantage, relative factor abundance and relative factor intensity, increasing returns to scale and imperfect competition. Finally, we discuss the gains and losses from trade, their distribution among people and firms, and their implications for the debate on trade liberalization versus protectionism.
Teaching
15 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the Autumn Term.
Formative assessment
Students are expected to complete a problem set weekly, two of which will be marked, and feedback provided.
Indicative reading
Students can consult the textbooks:
Robert C. Feenstra and Alan M. Taylor (2011-2017), International Trade, Worth Publishers. Second, third or fourth edition. Chapters 1-10
Paul Krugman, Marc Melitz and Maurice Obstfeld.; International Economics: Theory and Policy, 12th edition, Pearson. (Earlier editions are also relevant). Chapters 1-12.
Menzie D. Chinn and Douglas A. Irwin. International Economics. Cambridge Press. 2025. Chapters 1-10.
Assessment
Exam (100%), duration: 120 Minutes, reading time: 15 minutes in the Spring exam period
Key facts
Department: Economics
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 6
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 189
Average class size 2024/25: 21
Capped 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of numeracy skills