About Course
Welcome to International Business & Global Trade. The staff involved with this module hope that you will enjoy your studies and that you will find them both informative and a welcomed component to your studies.
The module handbook is designed to give you important information about the module and to provide your work program. You will find the electronic version of this on our DingTalk account and/or our website.
Pre-requisites
- A good broad background in both microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Aims and Learning Outcomes
Aims of the module:
- To provide an appreciation of the economic theory relevant to both trade and globalisation.
- To introduce the student to all major strands of the globalisation debate.
- To acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge to evaluate policy issues relating to both trade and globalisation.
- To develop the ability to undertake research in this area.
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:
- Provide a critical outline of the development of trade theory from its beginnings with Ricardo to the present day.
- Compare and contrast the main competing theories of current debate relating to both trade and globalisation.
- Evaluate the respective strengths and weaknesses of such theories.
- Critically analyse their applications in practice, particularly in relation to current policy initiatives.
This module will call for the successful student to demonstrate the ability to:
- Critically explain the dynamic forces that shape international trade.
- Understand and explain present trends towards globalisation and regionalism.
- Coherently justify arguments relating to the major policy debates and their influence upon future trade and globalisation.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
You will have one two-hour lecture per week providing information and guidance — to explain concepts, theories, techniques, and practical applications. You will be expected, where possible, to read the relevant readings prior to the lecture. Do use the module text or equivalent.
Seminars will begin in week 2 and are compulsory, running until the final week of term. Unsatisfactory attendance will be reported to our student monitor. They are intended to provide an informal opportunity for students to clarify the lecture material, ask questions, and apply theory to actual trade and globalisation phenomena. You should ensure that you make use of these opportunities, as students who do not attend seminars without good reason will not be permitted to access the full range of online resources for this course, using the lecturer’s online office hours.
Seminars will be based on a weekly topic (as given below). They are intended to be interactive, and all students should be prepared to present their views on the topic posed. Students will also be assigned groups, which will be asked to present answers to seminar questions and complete essay plans to develop their essay writing skills. The seminar topics are usually more general than exam questions, allowing students to discuss and develop issues they find interesting and relevant to the course.
Assessment
Coursework is essay-based, compulsory, and forms part of the general attendance requirement for the module. Please ensure that you:
- Make a copy of the essay for your own use.
- Receive a receipt when you submit or upload your essay to the designated platform/portal.
The coursework accounts for 60% of the module marks (two pieces of 30% each, 2000 words each). The research assignment should not exceed 3000 words. Students will also sit a written exam worth 40% of the overall marks.
To recap: coursework is worth a total of 60% — two separate coursework assignments each worth 30% of the total for the module (due date to be determined by the relevant lecturer).
Course Content
Introduction to Module & Globalisation
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Introduction to the course
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Lecture Part A: What is Globalisation?
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Readings
Understanding Globalisation
Theories of International Trade
Global Trade Overview & Developing Countries
Instruments of Trade Policy
Barriers and Controversies in Trade
Regional Trade Agreements
Multinational Corporations & Environmental Issues
Exchange Rates & Foreign Exchange Market
Epilogue & Revision
Student Ratings & Reviews
