UNIVERSIDAD DE ESPECIALIDADES ESPÍRITU SANTO

FACULTAD DE ESTUDIOS INTERNACIONALES

SYLLABUS

ENGLISH VERSION

FOR DAC 11 VER 12 03 09

COURSE:International TradeCODE: UGER402

FACULTY:Troy N SalemCREDITS: 3

# CONTACT HRS:48 H NON CONTACT HOURS: 96 H

YEAR: 2009PERIOD: Fall 1

DAYS: Mon-ThursSCHEDULE: 18:00–19:20

ROOM #:G222 DATE: August, 2009

1. - DESCRIPTION

This course offers an overview of international trade from both a theoretical and a practical perspective; considering relevant political, economic, legal-regulatory, socio-cultural, technological, and environmental factors. Basic concepts of international trade are introduced including mercantilism, absolute advantage, comparative advantage,national competitive advantage, gains from specialization and trade, balance of payments, exchange rates, trade barriers, international capital flows. Also, the logistics of exporting and importing will be discussed.

2. - JUSTIFICATION

This course provides the students with an overview ofinternational trade and explains the far reaching implications of international trade agreements.

3. - OBJECTIVES

3.1GENERAL

Understand the impact of trade within the domestic economy; why nations trade and who gains and who loses from trade.

3.2 SPECIFIC

  1. To develop the ability to analyze and comprehend trade policies and trade agreements, and their affect on economic development.
  2. Give the students the knowledge to analyze and explain trade theory, trade agreements and trade policy.
  3. Develop research and analytical skills.

.

4. - COMPETENCIES

  • To examine different research sources – library and internet
  • Develop abilities of analysis and comprehension – abilities to summarize knowledge.
  • To introduce and interpret macro-economical data of countries.
  • To discuss and argue theories and concepts presented.
  • Identification of key components of current regional and global trade issue.

5.- COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE

DATE / Specific competencies / Content / Homework/projects/
assignments
(Non-Contact Hours) / ASSESSMENT
(performance indicators/
markers)
Session 1
Mon
Aug 31 / The student identifies what isInternational Trade / Introductions, Profiles, Syllabus review, Brief history of international trade. / Group assignments:
  • Mercantilism/neo-Mercantilism
  • Comparative advantage
  • Heckscher-Ohlin
  • Keynesian model
/ Elaborates the significance of international trade taking in consideration the opinions given in class.
Session 2
Tue
Sept 1 / The student assesses international trade policy. / Modern trade and economic policies. Presentation and discussion. / Prepare for group presentations.
Article research, Gilpin. Gilpin, Int’l Trade / Discusses current topics in international trade.
Session 3
Wed
Sept 2 / Modern trade and economic policies. Presentation and discussion. / Prepare for group presentations.
Article research, Gilpin.
Gilpin, Int’l Trade / Discusses mercantilism and neo-mercantilism.
Session 4
Thur
Sept 3 / Modern trade and economic policies. Presentation and discussion. / Prepare for presentations.
Article research.
Salvatore, Int’l Theory / Discusses comparative advantage in a theoretical sense.
Session 5
Mon
Sept 7 / The student critically analyzes and evaluatestrade literature and assesses various international trade policies. / National resource endowment and trade / Prepare for presentations.
Article research. / Demonstrates knowledge of comparative advantage in a practical sense.
Session 6
Tuesday Sept 8 / National resource endowment and trade / Prepare for presentations.
Article research.
Salvatore, Int’l Theory / Demonstrates knowledge of specific policies and impact.
Session 7
Wed
Sept 9 / National resource endowment and trade / Prepare for presentations.
Salvatore, p.44-57
Article research. / Demonstrates knowledge of specific policies and impact..
Session 8 Thurs
Sept 10 / National resource endowment and trade / Prepare for presentations.
Article research. / Recognizes and classifies key fields of knowledge.
Session 9 Mon
Sept 14 / The student critically analyzes and evaluatesregional and global trade agreements / Regionalism in South America / Prepare for presentations.
Article research. / Discusses regionalism as a concept.
Session 10
Tues
Sept 15 / Mercosur, Andean Community (CAN), Community of Nations of South America (CNSA), Union of South America Nations (UNASUR)
Latin America Ecuador:
Political Economic
Assessment / Prepare for presentations.
Article research. / Presents selected material to classmates
Session 11
Wed
Sept 16 / Project
Presentations / Presents selected material to classmates
Session 12
Thurs
Sept 17 / Bolivarian Alternative (ALBA) / Discussion
Article Research / Discusses ramifications and ideology of ALBA.
Session 13
Mon
Sept 21 / The student understands current topics in international trade. / North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) / Discussion / Demonstrates knowledge of specific policies and impact.
Session 14
Tues
Sept 22 / Discussion & Presentations
Article Research / Presents selected material to classmates.
Session 15
Wed
Sept 23 / Midterm Exam / Test of knowledge / Shows the correct application of the acquired knowledge through MCQ’s and open-ended questions
Session 16
Thurs
Sept 24 / North America: Historical Perspective / Discussion
Article Research / Summarizes reading assignments
Session 17 Mon
Sept 28 / The student recognizes what is the WTO and its place in current international trade. / World Trade Organization (WTO) / Discussion
Article Research / Summarizes class analysis
Session 18
Tues
Sept 29 / Discussion
Article Research / Summarizes reading assignments
Session 19
Wed
Sept 30 / Discussion
Article Research / Summarizes reading assignments
Session 20
Thurs
Oct 1 / Discussion
Article Research / Summarizes class analysis
Session 21
Mon
Oct 5 / The student understands key factors the add complexity to international trade. / Balance of Payments/ Trade Deficits / Discussion & Presentations
Article Research / Summarizes class analysis, Presents material to classmates
Session 22
Tues
Oct 6 / Exchange Rates / Financial Markets / Capital Flows / Discussion
Article Research / Summarizes reading assignments
Session 23
Wed
Oct 7 / Trade Barriers / Tariffs / Subsidies / Discussion & Presentations
Article Research / Summarizes class analysis, Presents material to classmates
Session 24
Thurs
Oct 8 / Discussion
Article Research / Summarizes reading assignments
Session 25
Mon
Oct 12 / The student understands key concepts of actualizing trade agreements and the logistics of importing and exporting. / Environmentalism / Labor / Harmonization / Discussion
Article Research / Discussesinternational trade policy and its effect.
Session 26
Tues
Oct 13 / Discussion
Article Research / Summarizes reading assignments
Session 27
Wed
Oct 14 / Logistics / Discussion
Article Research / Discussesinternational trade policy and its effect.
Session 28
Thurs
Oct 15 / The student evaluates collective information to understand course content and its connection to national and international welfare. / Overview of key concepts. / Discussion
Article Research / Discusses international trade policy and its effect.
Session 39
Mon
Oct 19 / Discussion
Article Research / Discusses international trade policy and its effect.
Session 30
Tues
Oct 20 / Knowledge Assessment / FINAL EXAM / Shows the correct application of the acquired knowledge through MCQ’s and open-ended questions

6. - METHODOLOGY

  1. It is your responsibility to know what is in this syllabus, to know what is communicated to the class by email, to know what is in assigned readings whether or not they are discussed in class, and to know what was discussed in all class sessions whether you attended them or not. If you are absent or inattentive, it is your responsibility to ask a classmate what you missed before attending the next class meeting. If you do not understand something, it is your responsibility to ask for clarification.
  2. This course follows the UEES attendance policy; students can have a maximum of 6 absences, but the seventh absence results in failure of the course.. Late attendance will also be considered in your record, 3 times= 1 absence. Partial absences, including late arrivals, early departures, and leaving during class will count toward the six permitted absences.
  3. Late arrivals, early departures, inattentiveness, class disruptions, and all other full or partial absences will decrease points earned for class participation. Please do not talk during class unless it is a constructive contribution to the current discussion.
  4. Students are expected to respect the thoughts, ideas, opinions, and contributions of others and to be actively involved in all classes. Students should express disagreement respectfully.
  5. The use of cell-phones and other electronic devices is prohibited class session. Usage of such devices during class will result in lost class participation points. During examinations, all such electronic devices must be out of view of all students.
  6. Any late work will receive reduced points or a zero depending on the situation. Work not submitted by the end of the last class period will receive a zero.
  7. If an examination or the project presentation must be missed, the student must make arrangements promptly for substitute work. The professor reserves the right not to offer a substitute. A substitute must be arranged by mutual agreement between the professor and the student and must be completed no later than the end of the last class period. Because substitute work detracts from normal class activities and/or creates unnecessary extra work for the professor, substitute work will be more demanding and/or will offer reduced points compared to work completed according to the class schedule. A substitute examination will never be the same as the scheduled examination.
  8. Academic dishonesty is unethical, unfair to others, and robs you of valuable learning opportunities. Discovery of academic dishonesty will result in a zero for the graded activity and can result in your failing the course and being reported to the UEES administration. Examples of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to using or attempting to use another person’s work for assignments, projects, or examinations; permitting another person to use your work as their own; failing to credit quotes or ideas taken from others (Internet, publications, speeches, etc.); seeking help through a cell phone during a class or examination; using all or part of your own homework, paper, etc., for another class in this class without permission and acknowledgement; etc. If you are not sure whether something is academic dishonesty, it is your responsibility to ask the professor.
  9. Food or beverage in the classroom must not bother anyone in the class in any way (noise, smell, etc.) or cause any mess that you do not clean up yourself.
  10. This course is to benefit the students, not the professor. If you are not getting what you need and want from this course, please let the professor know improvements you would like.

7.- EVALUATION

7.1 Assessment Criteria

  • Class discussion
  • Analysis of different modules of learning within the field of international trade.
  • Elaboration of trade concepts.
  • Practical projects covering various areas relative to trade policy analysis.

7.2 Performance Markers

  • Determines the nature of international trade and its implications.
  • Determines to analyze and understand the theories supporting international trade.
  • Understanding of policies of various regional and global trade pacts.
  • Uses acquired knowledge to make presentations on applied theory.
  • Recognizes the complex challenges facing free trade.

7.3 Weighting

  • Individual Projects10%
  • Group Projects15%
  • Homework10%
  • Participation15%
  • Unit Exams50%

8.- BIBLIOGRAPHY

8.1 REQUIRED:

Gilpin, Robert. (2001). Global Political Economy, Understanding the International Economic Order. Princeton: PrincetonUniversity Press.

Articles from various online magazines and periodicals, including: The Economist,New York Times, L. A. Times, Financial Times, The Guardian, BBC News.

8.2 COMPLEMENTARY:

Stiglitz, Joseph E. (2002). Globalization and Its Discontents. New York: W.W. Norton Company.

8.3 HANDOUTS/READINGS:

TBA

8.4 WEBLIOGRAPHY

  • EBSCO at
  • World Bank and IFC web sites at and
  • The World Trade Organization’s web site at
  • United Nations Conference on Trade and Development web site at
  • Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development web site at
  • The European Union web site at
  • The Andean Community web site at
  • The Mercosur web site at
  • The Export and Promotion Corporation of Ecuador:

9. - FACULTY INFORMATION

NAME: Troy N Salem

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS-UNDERGRAD: B.A. Economics,

San Diego State University, California

GRADUATE: M.A. Latin American Studies/ Political Economy,

San Diego State University, California

CELTA: Southern Cross Training Centre

E-mail:

10. - FACULTY SIGNATURE AND OR DEAN/DIRECTOR’S APPROVAL (SIGNATURE)

Prepared by: Troy Salem Date: August, 2009

Reviewed by: Dean Monica ReynosoDate:August, 2009