A Policy Approach
Kirsten
Wandschneider
Assistant Professor of Economics and IPE
Department of Economics
Munroe Hall
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT 05753
(802) 443 3491
Monday 4-5pm, Tuesday 2-4pm and Wednesday 4-5pm
503 Warner
kwandsch(at)middlebury.edu
This course provides an overview of international trade and finance. In the first half of the semester we will look at microeconomic aspects of international economics, discussing why countries trade, and analyzing gains and losses from trade. We will explore commercial policies, arguments for and against tariffs, non-tariff barriers, dumping and subsidies. We will examine the role of the WTO, as well as the pros and cons of regional free trade associations.
In the second half of the semester we will primarily concentrate on international macroeconomics. We will learn about foreign exchange rates, balance of payments, and origins of and solutions to financial crises. We will also discuss the history and the architecture of the international monetary system.
The course will attempt to bridge the gap between economic theory, policy debates and implications, current issues, and popular concerns. Class sessions will therefore alternate between the introduction of economic tools, discussion and analysis of relevant texts, and the discussion of current events and case studies.