EC532
International Economics for Research Students
This information is for the 2022/23 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Thomas Sampson 32L.2.34, Prof Daniel Sturm 32L.2.35, Ms Isabela Manelici 32L.2.29, Dr Catherine Thomas MAR.6.29 and Mr Dmitry Mukhin 32L.1.24
Availability
This course is available on the MRes/PhD in Economics and MRes/PhD in Economics and Management. This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
This course is concerned with the latest developments in international economics. The course builds on techniques introduced in MSc International Economics (EC421) to take students to the research frontier. One term covers international trade and the other term covers international macroeconomics.
The course is based around research papers. Topics covered vary from year as the research frontier expands. A list of representative topics in international trade includes micro-econometric studies of international trade (in developed and developing countries alike), theories of heterogeneous firms and trade, theories of incomplete contracts and trade, and the political economy of trade policy. In addition, the course will also cover topics in economic geography and urban economics. A list of representative topics in international macroeconomics includes international business cycles, determinants of international capital flows, portfolio choice and risk sharing, monetary and fiscal policy in open economies, theoretical and empirical work on the real exchange rate and international financial crises (e.g., currency attacks and sovereign defaults).
Teaching
30 hours of lectures in the MT. 30 hours of lectures in the LT.
This course is delivered through lectures totalling a minimum of 60 hours across Michaelmas Term and Lent Term. Attendance is compulsory.
Indicative reading
Readings will be from journal articles; a list will be supplied at the start of term.
Assessment
Coursework (50%) in the MT.
Coursework (50%) in the LT.
Two take-home assignments, one in MT and one in LT. Each assignment will carry equal weight. Take-home assignments may require students to analyse data, empirically solve a computational exercise, solve theoretical models, or assess recent research.
Key facts
Department: Economics
Total students 2021/22: 24
Average class size 2021/22: 22
Value: One Unit
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
