Help

This course has an assignment that is due by 11:55 pm Central Standard Time on Tuessday night of the first week of class. Failure to complete this assignment will result in your removal from the course for non-participation.

Textbooks

The following is required: 

The course is based on Robert J. Carbaugh’s  International Economics, 15th Edition. Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning. 2015. ISBN: 978-1-285-85941-5 This is the ISBN for Aplia access and an ebook version of the textbook.

Students will be using Aplia for this course. Aplia is an online website that provides an e-textbook as well as online homework assignments. NOTE: Aplia is NOT “optional:” the Aplia exercises make up 25% of the total course grade.  "Getting Started with Aplia," which can be found under Handouts on the Resources and Materials page of the course, explains how to get immediate access to the course on Aplia. If students want a print copy of the textbook, one can be purchased from Aplia at additional cost. 

The following is recommended:

A subscription to The Wall Street Journal.

The following is optional:

Hard copy of the textbook:
Carbaugh, Robert J. International Economics, 15th ed. Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning. 2015. ISBN: 978-1-285-85435-9

Hard copy of textbook with Aplia access:
Carbaugh, Robert J. International Economics, 15th ed. Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning. 2015. ISBN: 978-1-305-61842-8

Course Description

Examination of the economic interdependence among the nations of the world. The first half of the semester covers the theory of international trade and explores such issues as why nations trade with one another, the results of such trade, and the consequences of interfering with free trade with tariffs and quotas. The second half covers international finance and focuses on the determination of exchange rates, the balance of payments, and the international transmission of business cycles.  Prerequisites: EC201 and EC202.

Course Objectives

Students who complete International Economics will:

  1. understand the concept of comparative advantage and the different explanations offered for the source of comparative advantage;
  2. be familiar with the facts regarding the globalization process as well as with the benefits and costs of globalization;
  3. be familiar with the arguments for and against free trade;
  4. understand the workings of the spot and forward foreign exchange markets and the balance of payments;
  5. understand how nations may adjust to a disequilibrium in the balance of payments;
  6. exercise and improve their analytical and writing skills.