Meets the following requirements: HS   

This course examines theoretical and empirical aspects of the growth,  interrelationships, and economic impacts of global trade and capital flows.  Emphasis is divided equally between establishing a sound theoretical  foundation for explaining international trade and finance phenomena, and assessing their welfare implications as they relate to issues such as national sovereignty, the roles of multinational corporations and international organizations (e.g. the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization), labor movements, consumers, and the environment. Topics will include comparative advantage, the role of economies of scale and imperfect competition, protection (tariff and non-tariff barriers), trade and economic development, economic integration (e.g. the European Union and NAFTA), the political economy of trade, foreign exchange markets, international factor movements (labor and capital flows and controls), the  international monetary system, direct foreign investment, alternative exchange rate regimes, balance of payments, financial crises and contagion, and international debt. The roles of international organizations will be examined. Evaluation will be based on participation in classroom discussions, occasional reading questions, and a series of short, essay-based exams.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced. Prerequisite: One course in introductory economics, or signature of
instructor.  Class limit: 12.  Lab fee: $30   *HS*