Learning outcomes

The course aims to introduce students to trade policy and the institutions governing the World Trade System. We analyze the role of governments in international trade, the political economy of trade policy, the WTO, and the regional trade agreements, and some of the key issues in the current debate of trade policy in academia and among policy-makers. 

Goals

This course will allow the students to assess a country's trade policy and propose their own perspective on future developments in trade policy and international trade relations.

Content

  1. The Instruments of Trade Policy
  2. The Political Economy of Trade Policy
  3. The Economics of Sanctions
  4. Trade Policy in Developing Country
  5. Controversies in Trade Policy
  6. Industrial Policy in Developing Countries
  7. Trade Shocks and Labor Market Outcomes: Trade and Inequality in Developing Countries

Teaching methods

The course will adopt frontal lectures and flipped classrooms in which students will present a research paper in a seminar format.

Assessment method

The exam will be organized as follows: 

  1. Group Presentation (10% of the grade): Students will deliver a group presentation during one of the first two seminar sessions.

  2. Country Report (40% of the grade): A team of students will prepare a country report in a format similar to a policy briefing.

  3. Written Exam (50% of the grade): The written exam will include questions based on the class material, including content covered in the seminars.

Retake Exam: This course emphasizes continuous learning. Therefore, in the event of a retake, students will only be required to retake the written exam during the second session, which will account for 50% of the final grade.

Sources, references and any support material

Paul Krugman, Maurice Obstfeld, and Marc Melitz (2018), “International Trade: Theory and Policy”. Person, 11th Edition.

Language of instruction

English