International Economics

Faculty

Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences

Version

Version 1 of 24.06.2024.

Module identifier

22B0719

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

English

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

winter- and summerterm

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

Global economic interconnectedness via international goods and factor markets offers opportunities to increase national wealth. However, domestic and external problems may arise as a consequence of such reciprocal dependencies. Companies increasingly operate in this global context.

Teaching and learning outcomes

  1. Free trade vs. autarky
  2. Protectionism, especially tariffs
  3. Integration stages: Free trade area, custom union, common market
  4. Balance of payments
  5. Exchange rates, especially determinants
  6. Exchange rate regimes: Fixed vs. flexible exchange rates, relevance of central banks, Currency unions
  7. Trade policies and monetary policies
  8. European aspects
  9. Multilateral Institutions: IMF and WTO

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Hours of workloadType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
58LecturePresence-
2ExaminationPresence-
Lecturer independent learning
Hours of workloadType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
70Preparation/follow-up for course work-
20Exam preparation-
Graded examination
  • Written examination or
  • Portfolio exam
Remark on the assessment methods

The portfolio exam covers 100 points and consists of two one-hour written examinations (K1). The examinations are weighted by 50 points each.

Exam duration and scope

Written examinations: in accordance with the valid study regulations

The requirements are specified in the respective lectures.

Recommended prior knowledge

Principles of Economics or Microeconomics / Microeconomic Theory and Policy; Macroeconomics would be an additional advantage.

Knowledge Broadening

Students who sudied successfully know the key questions and concepts of international economics (like gains from trade and determinants of exchange rates) as well as international policy instruments.

Knowledge deepening

They are able to identify winners and losers of international trade and monetary interactions and to evaluate consequences of state interventions.

Knowledge Understanding

Students develop an understanding of foreign trade and monetary dependencies of national economies and can evaluate international economic policy proposals.

Application and Transfer

Students are able to apply economic instruments to international economic issues and to develop own approaches to solving a problem.

Academic Innovation

Students will be able to creatively use a selected set of economic tools and develop possible solutions.

Communication and Cooperation

They develop their skills in arguing for or against contentious economic policy measures and, in doing so, learn how to integrate different perspectives.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism

Students will have developed an ability to abstract that allows them to apply economic concepts to current international economic policy issues and make a multidimensional assessment.

Literature

Skala, M. (2021): Economic Models: www.zemit.wi.hs-osnabrueck.de/econmodels2/index.html ******** Krugman, P., Obstfeld, M. (latest ed.), International Economics -- Theory and Policy, Prentice Hall. ******** Other sources are given in the lecture.

Linkage to other modules

International economics is closely related to microeconomics and macroeconomics. In addition, it provides the framework for all international business activities addressed in business administration/management.

Applicability in study programs

  • Business Law (Bachelor)
    • Business Law, LL.B.

  • International Business and Management
    • International Business and Management, B.A.

  • Business Management in the Health Sector
    • Business Management in the Health Sector, B.A.

  • International Management
    • International Management, B.A.

  • International Economics and Sustainability
    • International Economics and Sustainability B.A. (01.09.2024)

  • Business Administration and Management
    • Business Administration and Management, B.A.

    Person responsible for the module
    • Skala, Martin
    Teachers
    • Skala, Martin