F1GD 4540 - Economics and Globalization (Lecture)

***UPDATED for 2025/2026***

This course analyzes the nexus among the causes and the effects of the ongoing globalization process from the point of view of international economics, highlighting the main challenges and opportunities faced by workers, firms and governments. It examines both financial globalization (international finance) and real globalization (trade). Its aim is providing a broad perspective interconnecting historical processes with contemporary questions on the future of the world economy. Lectures will develop and liaise several methodological approaches and levels of analysis: present day events; economic theory; empirical investigations. Students will also learn key methodological tools like the balance of payment and the welfare analysis of trade policy. What are the historical roots of globalization? How do we explain global imbalances and the underlying financial flows? What are the gains from trade and why do countries trade among themselves? Why is protectionism a cost and why we have multilateral trading regulations? Who benefits and who loses out from globalization?

Learning Outcomes

• Critical understanding of all the links connecting global economies.
• Understand and assess present time global events
• Acquire key methodological tools/concepts applied in international economics

Professional Skills

Understanding the functioning of global markets; the role and the functioning of multilateral and regional organizations; the importance of general equilibrium evaluations of economic policies

Mid term (30%), Presentations (20%) and Final formal exam (50%) .

• In Class Presence: 4 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Online learning activities: 1 hour a week / 6 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 10 hours a week / 60 hours a semester
• Other: Reading and preparation for individual assessments: 9 hours a week / 60 hours a semester