The first part focuses on models of international trade theory, dealing with the causes and consequences of trade and trade policy under perfect and imperfect competition. The second part, involving student presentations, deals with selected topics and contemporary issues (e.g., monetary systems, optimal currency areas, the Euro, financial crises, sovereign default).
Based on the topics discussed in class, groups of two (to three, depending on course size) students analyze one scientific paper in detail and replicate (part) of the results. Students prepare a presentation for 25-30 minutes and a short seminar paper. For each presentation there will be assigned discussants and an open discussion. Students can develop their ideas further to a master thesis.