The course provides a general overview of international economics, intended for both non-majors in economics and majors who want a broad introduction to the issues of international economics, including its institutions and policies.

Topics covered include: the reasons for and the effects of international trade; trade policies such as tariffs, quotas, and voluntary export restraints; trade arrangements and institutions such as the NAFTA and WTO; determination of exchange rates; the role of the international economy in influencing national income, unemployment, and inflation; and international constraints on macroeconomic policy. Emphasis is on concepts, ideas and institutions, rather than on rigorous analysis.

Course Requirements:

Students are expected to stay abreast of international economic news by reading available news sources.

Intended Audience:

Intended for both non-majors in economics and majors who want a broad introduction to the issues of international economics, including its institutions and policies.

Class Format:

The course format is primarily lecture, but it also includes brief weekly class discussions of current international economic news. Course grade is based on two midterm exams and a final exam only.