Economics, Globalisation, Second Cycle, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

Course objectives

Knowledge and understanding

After a successful completion of the course, students are expected to

• have a deeper knowledge in microeconomic theory applied to the field of international trade and globalization
• understand and be able to analyze the determinants of globalization processes and the relationship between globalization and, e.g., income distribution.

Ability

After a successful completion of the course, students are expected to be able to

• apply microeconomic theory to the topic of globalization
• discuss various types of economic policy tools, price competition, growth, foreign direct investments etc. in the context of globalization
• use numerical models and economic data to analyze effects of globalization.

Judgement

After a successful completion of the course, students are expected to be able to

• apply economic theories in practical work
• actively and critically follow ongoing research on globalization.

Main content of the course

The course covers the following topics:
1. Theories on the driving forces behind international trade and specialization
2. Effects of international trade and international competition on prices, industrial structure and income distribution
3. The relationship between internationalization and economic growth
4. Impacts of trade and economic policy
5. International factor movements in terms of migration and foreign direct investments
6. Effects of economic integration

The course deals with international economics and globalization in a theoretical as well as empirical perspective. The students will be introduced to analytical tools that will give them a basis for conducting independent work on problems within the field.

Teaching methods

Teaching is in the form of lectures, exercises and seminars.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Written Examination, 4.5 credits (Code: A001)
Individual written examination.

Assignment, 3 credits (Code: A002)
Individual written report that is reported and defended in an oral presentation, as well as opposition on another students report.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Written Examination
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Assignment
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for all components on the course. To arrive at a course grade, the grades awarded for each examination assignment, grades A-E, are first converted to the numerical values 5-1. An average value is then calculated, also taking into account the number of credits for each examination assignment in relation to the total number of credits for the course. The course grade is thus awarded by means of a weighted average of the examination assignments included on the course.

Specific entry requirements

First-cycle courses of 75 credits in Economics including an independent project of 15 credits. In addition, successful completion of the course "English B/English 6" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School or equivalent is required.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

Make-up assignments should be completed according to the teachers instruction.

Reexam
The spring semester reexamination will take place in August and thus replaces the additional reexam.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

A reference list with selected research papers that will be covered or referred to will be updated and provided during the course.