Economics 342: Economics of International Trade

Block 4 --  Nov. 26 - Dec 19, 2001

Block 4 -- Nov. 27 - Dec. 20, 2000

Block 4 -- Nov. 29 - Dec. 22, 1999

Block 4 -- Nov. 23 - Dec. 18, 1998

Block 4 -- Nov. 24 - Dec. 19, 1997

International economics is considered a separate field within economics.  This arises because of tradition, difficulties which international boundaries and separate national entities introduce into economics, and the analytical tools and theories which have evolved.  But there are many similarities between the type of economics applied within a nation or region and that applied to relations between nations or regions.  Many of the problems to be solved within such economies are similar as are the tools of analysis.  Thus, international economics is an extension of what you have already learned about economics.

 This course is concerned with international trade; a separate course deals with international finance.  One objective in this course is to develop theories of international trade and apply them to the complex relations which exist between nations. The purpose is to seek explanations of and predictors for trade patterns, understand the impacts which trade has on domestic economic conditions, and evaluate the static and dynamic changes which occur in economies with trading relations.

 A related objective in the current environment of very real threats to the continuation of free trading relations between nations is to understand protectionism.  A variety of interferences to "free" trade patterns exist today, as in the past.  And yet, the threats to free trade are greater than at anytime since the Depression of the 1930s.  Thus it is imperative in understanding international trade to consider the arguments for and against protectionism.

 1 unit - Hecox
  Prerequisites

Course Information
Requirements
Resources
Students 

  Walt Hecox E-Mail: whecox@ColoradoCollege.edu

Economics Dept. Home Page: Department of Economics

Walt Hecox Home Page: http://www.ColoradoCollege.edu/Dept/EC/Faculty/Hecox/

updated : 13 November, 2001