EC580 International Economics
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics and Finance
COURSE SYLLABUS, EC580, International Economics

I. Catalog Description and Credit Hours of Course

Development and maintenance of trade between nations; trade policies, exchange rate determination, financial activities involved. (3)

II. Prerequisite(s)

Minimum grade of "C" in MA134, EC215 and EC225 and Senior Standing

III. Purposes or Objectives of the Course

A. To provide students with an understanding of modern theories of international trade and commercial policy.

B. To provide students with the basic understanding of the monetary and institutional framework involved in the maintenance and regulation of international trade and investment.

IV. Expectations of Students

A. Regular class attendance and participation in class discussion.

B. Satisfactory performance on exams.

C. Satisfactory completion of assignments.

V. Course Outline

A. International Trade Relations

1. Foreign Trade in the American Economy

2. The Commodity Composition of Trade

3. Why Nations Trade

4. Tariff and Non-tariff Trade Barriers

5. World Trade Organization (WTO) and U.S. Commercial Policy

6. Economic Integration

7. Selected Trade Problems of Developing Countries

8. International Mobility of Productive Factors

B. International Financial Relations

1. The Balance of International Payments

2. The International Financial System and How it Functions

3. Foreign Exchange Markets

4. Exchange Rate Adjustment

a. Fixed exchange rates

b. Variable exchange rates

c. Exchange Controls

5. The Bretton Woods System and its Collapse

6. The Current International Monetary System

VI. Textbook(s) and/or Other Required Materials or Equipment

International Economics: A Policy Approach (8th edition) by Mordechai E. Kreinin

VII. Basis of Student Evaluation

Performance on exams, including the regularly scheduled final, quizzes, assignments, reports, or other activities.