Module Directory

This module discusses topics of economic geography. Special attention will be devoted to building bridges with topics in labour economics, and productivity and technology. Topics of focus include (a) foreign direct investment, agglomeration and knowledge diffusion, (b) the effect of technological change and globalization on local labour markets, (c) the gravity equation and labour mobility. Attention will also be devoted to empirical methods.

In terms of employability skills, the module mainly offers a variety of academic skills and promotes external awareness. With regard to academic skills, the module encourages analytical reasoning, critical evaluation, and the ability to use and interpret mathematical relations. By doing so, it provides students with the economic background to debate world trade related issues. Indeed, discussions of real world applications promote external awareness among the students. Students are also encouraged to write the term paper to extend their knowledge, improve their research techniques and essay-writing skills.

The aim of this module is:

• To familiarise students with the tools and basic concepts required to understand the forces that shape international trade and help determine trade policies.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Make sense of discussions of international trade in the business press and to express their own opinion.


2. Understand that economic policy must consider the significant interaction between different sectors of the economy.


3. Further their understanding of the role of economic modelling. In particular, trade theory is a good illustration of how different models can (and must) be used to analyse a given economic issue.

The module will be delivered via:

• One lecture per week
• One class per week

in one term.

Feedback for this module will occur through class meetings where we will go over the answers to problem sets and where you will be able to ask questions about your own method of solution; answers that will be posted on the website for the module that will give you written guidance on the appropriate method to approach the problems, assignments, and tests; and office hours where any additional questions can be addressed. You should be sure that you use these methods to understand how to improve your own performance. For modules including a term paper, the term paper will be returned with individualised feedback that addresses what the marking criteria are and how you could improve your own work.