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Economics (ECON) 475
International Trade (Revision 3)

Revision 3 closed, May 30, 2008, replaced by current version.

View previous syllabus.

Delivery mode: Individualized study online or
grouped study**

Credits: 3 - Social Science

Prerequisite: ECON 247 or an equivalent introductory economics course.

Centre: School of Business

ECON 475 has a Challenge for Credit option.

**Note: Students registering in grouped study, or grouped study international mode are advised that there may be some differences in the evaluation and course materials information indicated below. To obtain the most up-to-date information, contact the School of Business Call Centre at 1-800-468-6531.

Overview

Economics 475 is a three-credit, senior-level course in economics at Athabasca University. The course can be taken as elective for those students in business, political science, international studies, and history who have some economics courses in their background. It provides students with a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of international trade. It asks questions such as: What determines the basis of trade? What are the effects of trade? What determines the value and the volume of trade? What factors impede the flow of trade? What is the impact of public policy that attempts to alter the pattern of trade?

Outline

The course material is divided into ten study units. These units are as follows:

Unit 1: Canada in a Global Economy

Unit 2: The Classical Theory of Trade

Unit 3: Basic Microeconomic Concepts

Unit 4: Neoclassical Trade Theory

Unit 5: Offer Curves and the Terms of Trade

Unit 6: The Basis for Trade

Unit 7: Post-Heckscher-Ohlin Theories of Trade and Intra-Industry Trade

Unit 8: The Instruments of Trade Policy

Unit 9: The Impact of Trade Policies

Unit 10: Traditional Arguments for Protection

Evaluation

Your final grade for ECON 475 is based on your performance on two quizzes, two assignments, and a final examination. To receive credit for this course, you must achieve a minimum grade of “D” (50%) on the final examination, and a minimum overall course grade of “D” (50 percent). The following chart describes the credit weight associated with each course requirement.

Two Quizzes
(10% each)
Two Assignments
(15% each)
Final Exam Total
20% 30% 50% 100%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbook

Appleyard, D. R., Field, A. J. Jr., & Cobb, S. L. (2006). International economics (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. (ISBN 9780072877373)

Other Materials

Students will access all other course materials online.