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 for growth and specialization, but they also raise important economic and political challenges and limit the scope for independent national policymaking. In this course, examine the main forces shaping international trade and the free movement of capital, alongside the role of multinational firms and global value chains. Throughout the course, attention is paid to both the benefits and the potential downsides of globalization, including distributional conflicts associated with trade and the risks of instability associated with international finance. 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 and explain the key advantages and disadvantages of international trade; international production and international finance
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
Give a presentation that applies theoretical insights from the course to a real-world policy in international trade or finance
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: L. Hauser MSc
Required preparation by students: preparing the exercises that are indicated in the course syllabus that will be available on Brightspace.
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
Written exam (75%)
Presentation assignments (in groups) (25%)
Completion of the presentation assignment is mandatory to qualify for the written final exam.
A failing grade for the assignment can be compensated through the exam. However; a failing grade for the exam cannot be compensated by the assignment. In case the grade for the exam is below a 5.5, the final grade for the course can only be a 5 at most. 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 (2026-2027).
Resit
The assignment cannot be retaken. However; the written final exam can be retaken if a failing grade is obtained. The weight distribution (75/25) remains the same in the case of a retake.
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 (2026-2027).
Review & feedback
Exam reviews will take place online.
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: Universitycampus Spui ; Spui 5 The Hague; room 2A.18
Contact information: through the secretariat of the Economics unit.
Telephone number: +31 (0)71 527 7756 / 1571
Institution/division
Institute: Tax Law and Economics
Department: Economics
Roomnumber secretary: Kamerlingh Onnes Building, room B2.07
Telephone number secretary: +31 (0)71 527 7756 / 1571
Email: economie@law.leidenuniv.nl