Admission requirements
There are no admissions requirements.
Description
Globalization is a process in which economic activities increasingly transcend national borders, enhancing the interdependence of firms, individuals, and governments worldwide. These developments provide opportunities but also challenge the ability of governments and international economic organizations to conduct independent economic policies. In this course, we will explore the origins and benefits of international trade and the free movement of capital. We will also examine which groups in society are harmed by globalization, as well as analyze the growing risk of financial crises in a globalizing world. By the end of this course, students will have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of international trade, international finance, and international production. Additionally, they will possess the knowledge to make economic inferences about international economic issues.
Course objectives
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
Define the key advantages and disadvantages of international trade, international production and international finance, and explain these in writing;
Understand and interpret the fundamental principles of economic cooperation, particularly within the EU, WTO and IMF;
Recognize how international trade and international finance are related, in particular through the balance of payments and the exchange rate
Analyze the vulnerabilities in the international financial system and explain how these can lead to financial crises;
Critically reflect on economic theories used in the fields of international trade and finance, and identify their limitations
Timetable
Zie MyTimetable.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Number of (2 hour) lectures: 7
Names of lecturers: dr. R.E.M. Diris
Required preparation by students: reading the prescribed material
Seminars
Number of (2 hour) seminars: 7
Names of lecturers: dr R.E.M. Diris
Required preparation by students: preparing the exercises that are indicated in the course syllabus that will be available on Brightspace.
Other
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
Written exam (70%)
Assignments (30%)
In a number of specified weeks, students will hand in a written (group) assignment that is graded. The grades for the written assignments will jointly account for 25% of the final grade. Completion of all written assignments is mandatory to qualify for the written final exam.
The assignments cannot be retaken. However, the written final exam can be retaken if a failing grade is obtained. The weight distribution (70/30) remains the same in the case of a retake.
A failing grade for the assignments can be compensated through the exam. However, a failing grade for the exam cannot be compensated by the assignments. A minimum grade of 5.5 is required to successfully complete the course. If the course is completed with a grade of 5.5 or higher, the right to a retake expires. If the course is not completed with a 5.5 or higher within the academic year, the grades for the assignments will expire. These grades are therefore valid only for the current academic year (2025-2026).
Reading list
Obligatory course materials
Literature:
Kenneth Reinert, An Introduction to International Economics, second edition, Cambridge University Press, 2021 (ISBN: 9781108455169)
A set of scientific articles that will be made available through Brightspace.
Registration
Registration for courses and exams takes place via MyStudymap. If you do not have access to MyStudymap (guest students), look here (under the Law-tab) for more information on the registration procedure in your situation.
Contact
Coordinator: Dr. R.E.M. Diris
Work address: Wijnhaven, room 3.29
Contact information: through the secretariat of the Economics unit.
Telephone number: +31 (0)71 527 7756
Email: r.e.m.diris@law.leidenuniv.nl
Institution/division
Institute: Tax Law and Economics
Department: Economics
Room number secretary: Kamerlingh Onnes Building, room B2.07
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 – 12.00
Telephone number secretary: +31 (0)71 527 7756
Email: mailto:economie@law.leidenuniv.nl