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ECON30160

Academic Year 2026/2027

International Trade Economics (ECON30160)

Subject:
Economics
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Economics
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Stefanie Haller
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In this course, you will explore the core concepts of international trade, focusing on what determines the flow of goods, services, and capital across countries. Specifically, we investigate the primary factors shaping global trade patterns from a theoretical and an empirical perspective. We will study the theoretical models that capture the most important determinants of international trade; and critically evaluate their relevance within today's changing geopolitical environment. You will also directly analyze trade data to evaluate real-world economic impacts.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completing this module students will be able to
• Compare at the level of formal analysis, the major models of international trade and be able to distinguish between them in terms of their assumptions and economic implications.
• Employ the principle of comparative advantage and its formal expression and interpretation within different theoretical models.
• Demonstrate and contrast the economic effects of trade policy instruments such as tariffs, quotas, export subsidies as well as those of the creation of preferential trading arrangements such as free trade areas, customs unions and common markets.
• Link data on trade to theory and policy.
• Collaborate in a group in the preparation of a scientific report.



Indicative Module Content:

The main textbook for this module is:
International Trade, R. Feenstra and A. Taylor, 5th edition, Macmillan Education 2021. (FT) Earlier editions of this textbook are fine.
Please note, this is equivalent to Parts 1-4 (chapters 1-11) of:
International Economics, R. Feenstra and A. Taylor, 5th edition, Macmillan Education 2021.
This is available from the UCD library both in print and as an ebook.

For two topics this will be complemented by:
International Economics: Theory and Policy, P.R. Krugman, M.Obstfeld and M.J. Melitz, 12th Edition. Pearson 2022 (KOM).
This is available from the UCD library as an ebook.

Topics
- Trade in the global economy (FT ch.1)
- Gravity (KOM ch. 2)
- Trade and technology: The Ricardian model (FT ch. 2)
- Trade and resources: The Heckscher-Ohlin model (FT ch. 4)
- Firms in the global economy (KOM ch. 8)
- Import tariffs and quotas under perfect competition (FT ch. 8)
- The political economy of trade policy (KOM ch. 10)
- International trade agreements: trade, labour and the environment (FT ch. 10)
- Time permitting further topics may be covered.

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Competent

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Competent

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Advanced Beginner

Strategic

 The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Advanced Beginner

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Competent

Self-awareness

 The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Competent

Normative

 The ability to understand and reflect on the norms and values that underlie one’s actions; and to negotiate values, principles, goals, and targets, in a context of conflicts of interest and trade-offs, uncertain knowledge and contradictions. Advanced Beginner

Anticipatory

 The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Advanced Beginner

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Competent

AI Literacy & Agency

 The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Advanced Beginner

Wellbeing

 Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Novice

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

5
Small Group

20
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Online Learning

25
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The material for this module is presented in blended format - party in session, partly via recorded material. Students acquaint themselves with the material through personal study, working through the exercises associated with the online lectures. A group assignment on trade policy allows students to apply the material to a real world situation.

AI use: Students my use AI tools to support their learning process and deepen their understanding. For the purpose of the group project, the use of AI is permitted solely for spell and grammar checking. All quizzes and exams with be closed book without access to AI.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

ECON20010 - Intermediate Micro I
ECON20200 - Int Microeconomics (ECON&FIN)
ECON10720 - Microeconomics for Business


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ECON3017J - International Trade Economics


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Five short in-class pop quizzes on the material from the online lectures. Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 10, Week 11 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No
Exam (Online): 1hour online exam, in person in UCD Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Group Work Assignment: Video documenting learning from Trade Policy Game Week 7, Week 9 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
15
 No
Group Work Assignment: Policy report on trade policy developed in groups throughout the trimester, includes a peer review component. Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
45
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

International Economics, R. Feenstra and A. Taylor, Macmillan Education. - The 2021 edition is available as an ebook from the UCD library.
International Economics – Theory and Policy, P.R. Krugman, M. Obstfeld, M.J. Melitz, Pearson. - The 2023 edition is available as an ebook from the UCD library.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 Mon 16:00 - 17:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 9 Mon 16:00 - 19:50
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