74570 - Europe in The Global Economy

Learning outcomes

The course offers a series of advanced analytical tools to understand European economic development as well as economic policies related to EU integration and enlargement, their political and economic prerequisites and their impact on member states. At the end of the course, students will be able to use models of political economy, institutional economics and economic analysis in order to critically evaluate the process of economic integration in Europe in the trade, monetary and financial areas.

Course contents

The course offers an overview of Europe’s model of economic integration and explores how this model responds to the challenges of a more competitive global market place. During the course we will explore topical themes such as the post-Brexit trade arrangements and the role of the EU in bilateral trade agreements.

The course focuses on both theory and empirical analysis of Europe’s economic integration so that students can acquire the necessary tools to critically assess recent events and follow the current debate on Europe’s economic future.

Class attendance is strongly recommended.

Readings/Bibliography

The following book will be used for the basic concepts. In addition, a full reading list will be available at the beginning of the course and other material used in class will be made available afterwards.

Richard Baldwin and Charles Wyplosz, The Economics of European Integration (London: McGraw Hill Education, fifth edition, 2015), chapters 1-8. 

Teaching methods

Teaching will be structured around frontal lectures, classroom presentations and home assignment of short papers and/or reading.

Class attendance is strongly recommended.

While it is not compulsory, it is advised that students will have previously taken International Economics Advanced (78980), so to make themselves familiar with the main concepts and analytical tools in the theory and practice of international trade, exchange rates and international capital movements.

They should also consider taking Europe in World Politics (74571) in order to learn about the historical evolution of the EU and its interaction with other regional organizations (Nafta, Mercosur, African Union, ASEAN).

Assessment methods

Exams are held during the main exam periods (June, July, September and February). The written exam is organised three or four open-ended questions.

The written exam is 70% of the final grade, with 20% awarded for coursework and 10% for class participation.

Teaching tools

Presentations and reading material will be made available online.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Subacchi