SAM26 Past and Future of Globalization

• Topics

  The course is an introduction to globalization covering its past developments, current state and future perspectives. The focus is broad and international: the course discusses different periods from the first wave of globalization to the most recent trends towards de-globalization and protectionism across countries.The course is related to a number of highly relevant policy questions, such as:

  • How will the current geopolitical situation, with war in Europe, conflicts between the West and Russia, political and economic tensions between the US and China, etc., affect international trade and globalisation? 
  • What has the role of digitalisation and new technologies (such as Artifical Intelligence) been in the growth of international trade?
  • What role has China’s integration into the World Economy played in international trade and what are the potential effects of its disintegration?
  • What is the political economy behind the current and future international trade policies in the US, Europe, and other countries?
  • What effects do liberal and protectionist trade policies have on firms, consumers and society as a whole?
  • What is the role of trade policy in the growth of inequality and polarization both within and between countries?

  These are example of the questions the students will be able to analyse using theories and empirical research discussed in class. 

• Learning outcome

  Knowledge

  Upon completion of the course, the students will:

  • Have solid knowledge of how globalization developed in the past and its current state.
  • Have solid knowledge of the theories and empirical research related to international trade and globalization.

  Skills

  Upon completion of the course, the students can:

  • Identify and the factors and processes that have shaped globalization as it is today.
  • Analyse the implications of globalization on specific firms, markets, consumers, governments, and societies as a whole.
  • Use insights from the theories and empirical research to assess the impact of current and future trade policies.

  General competence

  Upon completion of the course, the students can:

  • Discuss the economic and political forces behind international trade and globalization processes.
  • Use the knowledge of international economics in other courses. 

• Teaching

  The course consists of lectures, guest lectures, class discussions, and student presentations. 

• Recommended prerequisites

  Introductory knowledge in mathematics and econometrics is recommended. 

• Required prerequisites

  None.

• Compulsory Activity

  All students are required to take part in:

  • Group or individual presentations.
  • Class discussions on various topics.
  • Guest lectures.

  Students' attendance of group or individual presentations, class discussions, and guest lectures is mandatory and will be checked.

• Assessment

  Individual digital school exam (100%) with a duration of 3 hours.

  The exam must be written in English.

• Grading Scale

  A-F.

• Literature

  Main textbook:

  Robert C. Feenstra and Alan M. Taylor. International Economics, Fifth Edition, 2021.

  Supplementary:

  Various academic papers as discussed during class.

  Paul Krugman, Maurice Obstfeld, Marc Melitz. International Trade: Theory and Policy, Global Edition

• Permitted Support Material

  One bilingual dictionary (Category I)

  All in accordance with Supplementary provisions to the Regulations for Full-time Study Programmes at the Norwegian School of Economics Ch.4 Permitted support materialhttps://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/regulations/https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/regulations/and https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/examinations/examination-support-materials/https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/examinations/examination-support-materials/