Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - ECON 342 D100

International Trade (3)

Class Number: 4483

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 16, 2024
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 105 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 115 with a minimum grade of A-; 60 units or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Topics discussed in this course are: gains from trade in a classical world; the modern theory of international trade; factor price equalization; empirical tests and extensions of the pure theory model; economic growth and international trade; the nature and effects of protection; motives and welfare effects of factor movements; multinational enterprises; the brain drain; customs union theory; pollution control and international trade. Students with credit for ECON 442 cannot take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Description: 

This course introduces theoretical models of international trade and uses these models to explain the main reasons why countries engage in international trade, sign free trade agreements or engage in protectionist policies. Recent real-world proposals for tariffs and other trade policies are modeled theoretically to assess who are the likely winners and losers. The goal is to develop intuition for the underlying drivers of trade and an ability to assess the winners and losers of trade policy using economic models.

Topics:

Introduction to International Trade and Economic Welfare

Comparative Advantage

Theoretical Models of International Trade:

Pure Exchange Model

Specific Factor Model

Hecksher-Ohlin Model

Standard Trade Model

Economies of Scale

Monopolistic Competition

Trade Policy

Protectionism and Welfare Effects

Political Economy of Trade

Grading

  • Online Quizzes and Classroom activities 15%
  • Mid-term examination 25%
  • Written Assignments 15%
  • Final Exam 45%

NOTES:

The above weights are subject to changes and will be finalized with the COMM342 syllabus during the first week of classes. More details will also be provided during the first lecture concerning the textbook, and the assignments/quiz/participation mark.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required choice from multiple titles.

I will follow the notation and topic order of 1a) Krugman, Obstfeld, and Melitz (2022). All of the titles 1a) to 1d) by these authors cover the required material.

The free option 2) by Steve Suranovic (2010) covers the required material, but the examples are dated, the notation and order of topics may not match the lectures.

Krugman, Obstfeld, and Melitz

1a) International Economics: Theory and Policy, 12th ed (2022)

1b) International Economics: Theory and Policy, Global Edition, 12th ed (2022)

1c) International Trade: Theory and Policy, 11th ed (2018)

1d) International Economics: Theory and Policy, 11th ed (2018)

Steve Suranovic

2) International Trade: Theory and Policy (2010)


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.