This course develops an analytical framework for the theory and policy of international trade, with applications to contemporary global economic issues. It examines why countries trade, what determines patterns of trade, and how the gains from trade are distributed across consumers, workers, firms, industries, and countries. The course evaluates the welfare and distributional implications of trade policy—including tariffs, trade agreements, and trade disputes—using formal economic reasoning and empirical evidence. It also examines how globalisation can generate vulnerabilities for particular workers, firms, industries, and countries. The course typically also examines firm heterogeneity and export decisions. The course further examines selected open-economy macroeconomic topics, including exchange rate determination and the role of monetary and fiscal policy in an open economy, with an emphasis on interpreting evidence and assessing policy trade-offs.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the main economic theories and models of international trade.
- Apply core international trade models to explain patterns of trade and evaluate the welfare and distributional effects of trade liberalisation.
- Critically evaluate trade policy arguments and evidence by assessing underlying assumptions and identifying policy trade-offs.
- Formulate and analyse complex, real-world (often transdisciplinary) problems using appropriate international economics tools and relevant institutional context.
- Use open-economy macroeconomic frameworks (exchange rates and balance of payments) to critically analyse policy in an open economy.
Indicative Assessment
- Typical assessments may include but is not restricted to in-class exercises, written and oral assignments, quizzes, examinations, group project tasks, oral presentation, communication, and other assessment deemed appropriate to show attainment of the learning outcomes set for the course. Further details will be made available via the Class Summary. (100) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours in total over the semester consisting of lectures, tutorials and private study time.
Inherent Requirements
There are no inherent requirements.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
See Class Summary.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.