Syllabus

Objectives

1. Explain why it is important to understand today's international economy.


2. Demonstrate an understanding of the international economy through knowledge of:

• The political and economic forces which shape globalization.
• Alternative models of international trade.
• Arguments for and against international trade and the consequences of protectionist trade policy.
• The international balance of payments system and the causes and consequences of payment imbalances.
• The history, determination, advantages, and disadvantages of alternative exchange rate systems.
• The relationships between globalization and economic development.
• The European Union, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and other forms of regional international economic integration.
• The World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and other international economic institutions that govern the global economy.

Required Text and Media

1. The Choice: A Fable of Free Trade and Protectionism, 3rd by Russell Roberts, Prentice Hall, 2006. ISBN-10: 0131433547
   
   
2. Free Trade Under Fire, 3rd by Douglas Irwin, Princeton University Press, 2009. ISBN-10: 0691143153
   
   
3. Globalization and its Discontents by Joseph Stiglitz, Norton Press, 2002. ISBN-10: 0393324397  
   
   
4. Commanding Heights: The Battle for the Global Economy by PBS Video Productions (VHS or DVD). Order directly from the PBS Bookstore. Or, watch webcasts of the program for free via the PBS Commanding Heights website.
   (WARNING: you will be downloading roughly 6 hours of video clips via the PBS Commanding Heights website.)

Optional Text and Media

1. The Economist Magazine



2. Understanding the European Union: A Concise Introduction, 2nd ed. by John McCormick, Palgrave, 2002. Though I send you to websites with extensive information and reading on everything you need to know for the EU section, this is a great little book and it's really inexpensive. It's not necessary—but it's added info if it's a topic you're particularly interested in. The 3rd edition is supposed to be out by fall, but I've yet to see a copy.

Web Resources

You will visit websites and UNCG e-reserves for additional reading and multimedia content as you work through the course units and complete your assignments. Links to these materials are provided within, and again at the end, of each unit. You are also encouraged to find additional Web resources as you work on the course.

General Description of Course Activities

The course has eight “units,” which will be covered in sequence. Roughly two weeks will be spent on each unit. Each unit has a number of assignments, which may include: readings, videos, discussion forums, short papers, quizzes, etc. Details of the assignments are included within each unit. To begin your course work, click on the “Unit 1” navigation bar after you have finished reading this home page and attained the required materials. This will take you to the first unit. Feel free to e-mail your instructor any time with questions, comments, or problems.

Readings

For each unit students will be expected to read the unit text, read/browse/watch the web and/or e-reserve materials that are presented in the unit text, and read the required text chapters assigned for that unit.

Assignments

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You will have at least one assignment to complete each unit. Some of these will be online discussions, and others will be short papers for you to email to the professor. There will also be some internet exercises and quizzes for you to complete.

Grades

All papers and discussions will be graded on the basis of the following criteria:

1. Level of analysis/argumentation. You must present a thoughtful argument and interpretation, not a mere summary of facts. (Note: it does not matter which side of an issue you argue, only how well or how poorly you make the argument.)


2. Use of evidence. The material you select to support your thesis must be relevant and must clearly back up your argument.


3. Clarity of communication. You must present the evidence and express your argument in a clear, comprehensible manner.

Assignment grades will be given the following weight:

Each assignment will be given a grade out of 10 points. At the end of the semester, points for the assignments will be weighted according to the above percentages.

Course grades will be based on the following total percentages:

A 93% and above
A- 90% to 93%
B+ 86% to 90%
B 83% to 86%
B- 80% to 83%
C+ 76% to 80%
C 73% to 76%
C- 70% to 73%
D+ 66% to 70%
D 63% to 66%
D- 60% to 63%
F below 60%