6 ECTS credits
153 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4018135FNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
The aim of this course is to familiarize students with the workings of international economics in the practice of everyday business, policy and politics through the guided study of a current topic in international economics. In particular, we are going to focus on the big question why some countries are rich and others are poor. The classes will consist of a mixture of standard lectures on the economic theory, participative debates, and student presentations of recent scientific publications.
The course will deal with the question why some countries are rich and others are poor, what consequences these disparities have for key markets and the world equilibrium, and which policy interventions are effective to address these disparities. In doing so, we will approach the question of economic development both from a macro- and microeconomic perspective and we will look both at historical explanations and at future policy responses.
Moreover, we will engage in a number of burning debate topics, including whether or not colonialism is to blame for underdevelopment in parts of the world; whether capitalism leads to more or less poverty; whether inequality is an inevitable byproduct of development; and whether we should aim for degrowth in order to safe the planet from climate change.
The reader of this course will be published on Canvas. A full schedule is provided on this website too. This course builds on material used in an undergraduate micro- and macroeconomics course, financial economics and the Master course in International trade.
Teaching Methods
This description of the teaching methods is indicative, in order to assess the expected study load.
Lecture: 22 hours
Self: 131 hours
General Competences
By the end of this course, students should develop the skills to
Specific Competences
Students are expected to
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 75% of the final mark.
Other Exam determines 25% of the final mark.
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The final grade is based on a presentation during the lectures that determines 25% of the final mark, and a take-home exam that determines 75% of the final mark. The final exam will be assessed on its originality, contribution to the area, and the depth of study of the chosen topic.
For the retake exam, students can only retake the written exam (accounting for 75% of the grade); they keep the grade for the oral presentation earned previously.
Participation in debates is obligatory as it is an essential part of the learning objectives of this course.
Deadlines for presentations and exams are communicated at the start of the course, and in the course syllabus.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of International Business: Standaard traject