ECC5690 - Theories in international and development economics - 2018

Evaluation of the neoclassical trade model and its extensions; foreign direct investment, capital flows and technology transfer; alternative explanations of comparative advantage including increasing returns and imperfect competition; geography and trade; new growth models; micro- and macroeconomic reform, structural change and factor mobility; institutions, transaction costs and rent seeking; theories of the state; the political economy of liberalisation and stabilisation.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. gain an understanding of advanced theories in the areas of international and development economics
2. identify the linkages between the two major areas of open economy analysis
3. formulate policies on the basis of sound theoretical foundations and, correspondingly, to evaluate policy proposals
4. acquire the skills necessary to assess critically new theoretical developments in this area.

Within semester assessment: 50% + Examination: 50%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information