Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit outline is subject to change up until two weeks prior to the first day of class. For this reason students should not purchase textbooks or undertake assessments based upon this document until two weeks prior to the semester or until you have confirmed the details with the Unit Coordinator.

Interconnected trade, financialisation and market developments have fostered a globalised world. The returns to firms, industries and nations can be considerable but risks are increasingly evident. Currently the future of world economies is poised at a fascinating juncture. International economics advances student understanding of global markets and positions through theories and analyses of trade, intervention, crises, currencies, current transactions, the international macro-economy, capital positions and obligations in an interdependent world. The prospects and challenges facing firms, organisations, institutions and governments active in the international economy and the wider issues of global progress, crisis and stagnation are central issues in today's world.

Aims

To build critical understanding of theoretical approaches to the international economy along with an appreciation of how nations and others seek to position themselves in various international settings and markets.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)

1.1 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context

Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)

2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue

Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)

3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences

Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)

4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output

Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)

5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding


The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.


Unit Objectives
At the completion of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate critical understanding and appreciation of:
1. the theories, policies and practices of international trade and the global economy;
2. currencies, the balance of payments, and crises;
3. developments in international arrangements and situations;
4. the economic position of Australia in an international setting; and
5. the changing nature of trade , currency arrangements and economic competitiveness.

Content

The unit focuses on these main areas:

• international trade theories and realities


• trade interventions and influences


• trade interventions and influences


• the global economy


• foreign exchange


• international accounts


• payments balances, imbalances and crisis development

current challenges and lines of resolution

Topic details can be found in the Week 1 Unit Information on the unit's Blackboard site.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will foster theoretical and applied understanding of, and critical enquiry into, international trade, the global economy and international competitiveness. Student involvement will advance knowledge and skills in this advanced area of economics. Policy considerations foster social and ethical understanding while working with more conceptual materials helps advance critical analysis and more mature thinking.

In accordance with QUT policy, all units will be subject to Criterion Referenced Assessment (CRA). The Unit Coordinator will provide students with further details regarding CRA during the course of the semester.

Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

• Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation


• Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary


• Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation


• Indirect: to the whole group

Assessment name: Exercises
Description: Student-selected exercises and tasks from the text, workbook, lectures and/or web site.
Length or Duration:Activities undertaken in three main blocks over the semester.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 3 to 12

Assessment name: Mid-Semester Exam
Description: Multiple choice and short answer questions on the first half of the unit.
Length/Duration: 1 hour
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 3, 5 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Final Exam
Description: The examination will be based on topics covered during the semester, particularly later materials. Details of the examination will be provided during the semester via the Blackboard site.
Length/Duration: Two hours writing time, plus 10 minutes perusal time
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), SEU (5.1)
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed Text
Feenstra, R.C. and A.M. Taylor., (2011) International Economics 2nd edition Worth Publishers, N.Y.

Further references and their usage are listed on the EFB336 Blackboard site.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 01-Jun-2012