International trade encompasses cross-border trade in goods, services, labour and capital. It provides consumers and business access to new products and markets. In this unit we examine the economics of trade and finance and develop the analytical tools for evaluating the welfare and income distribution consequences of engaging in international trade and the impact of trade barriers. Case study and policy analysis provides a practical application of key concepts and models of international economics. The financial dimensions of international trade are also explored with an examination of the composition of trade, the balance of payments, and exchange rate determination. These analytical tools are applied to analysing international financial crises.

Unit details

Location:
City Flinders
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
BEO2003

Prerequisites

BEO1105 - Economic Principles

Does not apply to students completing; BBCO Bachelor of Commerce (Applied Finance), BBCA Bachelor of Commerce

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Review a range of trade theories to conceptualise present day international trade patterns;  
  2. Assess the efficiency and distributional consequences of barriers to trades;  
  3. Analyse the dynamics of foreign exchange markets in facilitating the flows of goods, services and investment;  
  4. Analyse various exchange rate policies in practice; and  
  5. Appraise the economic rationale for international financial regulation.  

Assessment

Melbourne campuses

Students studying under the VU Block Model.

Assessment type Description Grade
Report Research Plan Proposal 10%
Presentation Group Research Presentation 30%
Test Online Test (60mins) 20%
Test Final In-class Test (120mins) 40%

Other locations

Assessment type Description Grade
Report A country or an industry study 20%
Test Mid-semester Test 20%
Examination Final Examination 60%

Required reading

International Economics (Global ed.).
Gerber, J. (2017).
Harlow, United Kingdom: Pearson.

Where to next?

As part of a course

You can choose to study this unit as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to structure your course to include this unit.

Course Study as part of
Bachelor of Business International Trade - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Business International Trade - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business International Trade - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Business International Trade - Major
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Business International Trade - Major
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business International Trade - Major
Bachelor of Psychological Studies/Bachelor of Business International Trade - Major

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