Module: International Economics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	International Economics
Module Code	ECO1013 (ITS: EF310)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module focuses on the basic concepts of international trade where the overarching interest is what determines the flow of goods, services and capital across countries. This module explores the factors that shape trade patterns from both a theoretical and empirical viewpoint. Concepts will be discussed intuitively, graphically and mathematically.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand why countries trade, what countries trade and who gains from trade.
2. Explain how and why governments intervene in trade.
3. Demonstrate and contrast the economic effects of trade policy instruments such as tariffs, quotas and export subsidies.
4. Examine the determinants of foreign direct investment.
5. Understand the dynamics of international trade and the changing geopolitical environment in which policies exist.
6. Identify and critically appraise major recent developments in the world trading system.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	75	No Description
Assignment Completion	26	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20250	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Kate Hynes	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	n/a	30%	n/a
Performance evaluation	n/a	10%	n/a
Formal Examination	n/a	60%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The Ricardian Model

Specific Factors and Income Distribution

The Heckscher-Ohlin Model

The Standard Trade Model

External Economies of Scale

Firms in the Global Economy

The Instruments of Trade Policy

Trade Policy

Nominal and Real Exchange Rates

Output and the Exchange Rate in the Short Run

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Feenstra and Taylor: 0, International Trade,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None