Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
1. Course
Code
C20AG
2. Course
Title
3. SCQF
Level
5. School
Management and Languages
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem 1.
Sem…….
Sem………..
Sem……..
Sem….
Name…………………….....Sem..…...
Name …………………………………Sem………..
International Trade
6. Course
Co-ordinator
10
4. Credits
15
Dr Shumei Gao
8. Pre-requisites
Introductory Microeconomics or Introductory Macroeconomics or Introductory Economics (Elective)
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
11. Replacement Courses
Code:
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
Date Of Replacement:
13. The course may be
delivered to:
UG only
PG only
UG & PG
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
15. Aims
To provide an analytical basis for modern international trade theories.
16. Syllabus
Outline of the central ideas of influential thinkers in trade theory from the Mercantilists to David Ricardo. Trade in the Ricardian theory.
- A critical analysis of the theoretical and empirical aspects of the Heckscher-Ohlin trade model and its main theorems (the Stolper-Samuelson
theory, the Factor-Price Equalisation theory, & the Rybczynski theory). The Leontief Paradox and possible explanations.
- Modern (post Heckscher-Ohlin) trade theories, especially of intra-industry trade. The effects on international welfare of trade tariffs, quotas &
subsidies. An examination of the main arguments offered in favour of trade protection (in the cases of both large and small economies).
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Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
- An examination of modern customs union theory; the distinction between trade creation & trade diversion.
- An introduction to the study of the development of international economic institutions designed to assist international trade by ensuring the
existence & stability of the necessary policy and legal conditions.
- A study of the objectives of the European Union’s trade policy.
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive
Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
On completion of this course learners will be able to:
-understand modern trade theories and use these theories relevantly in the analysis of empirical problems.
-develop critical judgment to enable evaluation of competing views on the nature and consequences of international trade.
-synthesise material from different sources in the examination of economic and social questions connected with international
trade.
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Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
Personal Abilities
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others
Communication, Numeracy & ICT
The course aims to develop the following valuable personal skills:
- the ability to discern and critically appraise the main issues in economic-related controversies and to assess the internal
coherence and factual accuracy of competing economic arguments.
- the ability to combine appropriately quantitative methods and verbal fluency to generate convincing and cogent arguments
concerning economic, social and moral issues.
- the ability to appreciate the important role of foundational economic concepts including “opportunity cost” and “relative
scarcity” in the understanding of national and international economic circumstances.
-the ability to understand that different scientific theories (including those in economics) may rest upon different philosophical
presuppositions about the fundamental nature of the events under study.
- the ability to work independently (including the ability to set one’s own short-run goals) and collaboratively with others in a
co-operating group.
-the ability to communicate to others the results of scientific research.
-the ability to handle effectively data and the ability to use a wide range of generalist skills, such as word-processing,
spreadsheet manipulation and the use of online informational search mechanisms.
18. Assessment Methods
Method
19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Coursework
Examination
2 hours
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
30%
70%
None
Examination
2 hours
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
Version
Number
3/3
Diet(s)