Units / ECF5921
ECF5921 · International economics
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Department of Economics
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
The unit introduces basic economic principles and concepts and discusses economic interdependence notions and gains from trade and globalisation; the role of institutions in promoting and facilitating these concepts in the international economy; theories of trade, incorporating notions of absolute and comparative advantage; modern trade theory and its extensions; empirical evidence which highlight trade theory strengths and limitations; investigation and analysis of welfare effects of trade, using both theory and evidence to answer contentious concerns: does trade make the poor even poorer; are trade restrictions necessary to protect jobs; do larger trade benefits accrue to developed countries more than developing countries?
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Caulfield | First semester | Activities scheduled as a mix of on-campus and online activities (BLENDED) |
| Caulfield | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 - Quiz / Test | Quiz / Test | 50% | — |
| 2 | 2 - Written | Written | 50% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prohibitions
- ECM5921 — International economics
Learning outcomes
- introduce basic economic principles, concepts and ideas
- identify and understand the theoretical foundations of why economies engage in trade
- critically analyse issues, concerns and developments in the international economy and be able to interpret their impacts on the Australian economy.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Applied sessions | 12 hours |
| Workshops | 24 hours |
| Assessments | 2 hours |
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