International Economics

22B0719

Bachelor

English

5.0

winter and summer term

1 semester

Global economic interconnectedness via international goods and factor markets offers opportunities to increase national wealth. However, domestic and external problems may arise as a consequence of such reciprocal dependencies. Companies increasingly operate in this global context.

1. Free trade vs. autarky
2. Protectionism, especially tariffs
3. Integration stages: Free trade area, custom union, common market
4. Balance of payments
5. Exchange rates, especially determinants
6. Exchange rate regimes: Fixed vs. flexible exchange rates, relevance of central banks, Currency unions
7. Trade policies and monetary policies
8. European aspects
9. Multilateral Institutions: IMF and WTO

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Written examination or
• Portfolio exam

The portfolio exam covers 100 points and consists of two one-hour written examinations (K1). The examinations are weighted by 50 points each.

Written examinations: in accordance with the valid study regulations

The requirements are specified in the respective lectures.

Principles of Economics or Microeconomics / Microeconomic Theory and Policy; Macroeconomics would be an additional advantage.

Students who sudied successfully know the key questions and concepts of international economics (like gains from trade and determinants of exchange rates) as well as international policy instruments.

They are able to identify winners and losers of international trade and monetary interactions and to evaluate consequences of state interventions.

Students develop an understanding of foreign trade and monetary dependencies of national economies and can evaluate international economic policy proposals.

Students are able to apply economic instruments to international economic issues and to develop own approaches to solving a problem.

Students will be able to creatively use a selected set of economic tools and develop possible solutions.

They develop their skills in arguing for or against contentious economic policy measures and, in doing so, learn how to integrate different perspectives.

Students will have developed an ability to abstract that allows them to apply economic concepts to current international economic policy issues and make a multidimensional assessment.

• Skala, Martin

• Skala, Martin