US Trade Policy 2104-M-D3POHA-MPH
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted nature of United States trade policy, offering students both conceptual foundations and applied understanding of its strategic development and current dynamics.
The curriculum is organized into three comprehensive modules, each addressing specific thematic areas:
1. Fundamentals of U.S. Trade Policy
Students will be introduced to essential definitions, key economic instruments, and core concepts such as free trade and protectionism. The module also examines the institutional decision-making framework, focusing on principal actors, interagency interactions, and policymaking mechanisms.
2. Historical Evolution of U.S. Trade Policy
This module traces the transformation of U.S. trade policy across major historical periods, including:
o The formative years (1789–1930)
o Early post–World War II developments
o Policy shifts during the 1960s and the economic crises of the 1970s
o Trade initiatives under Reaganomics
o Post–Cold War adjustments and trade liberalization
3. Contemporary Issues in U.S. Trade Policy
The final module addresses current challenges and strategic priorities at various levels:
o Multilateral: The role of the U.S. within the global trade system, particularly the GATT/WTO framework
o Regional and Bilateral: Analysis of U.S. free trade agreements and regional partnerships, including transatlantic economic relations
o Country-Specific: Examination of U.S. trade relations with selected nations, highlighting unique economic and geopolitical dimensions
The course concludes with a summary and evaluation of US trade policy, as well as an outlook on future prospects.
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Term 2024Z:
The course is designed to acquaint students with different aspects of the U.S. Trade Policy. The program consists of three main modules divided into specific topics. In the first module students will gain general knowledge of the U.S. Trade Policy (basic definitions and economic tools; free trade and interventionism) and decision-making process (main actors and interactions). The second module will concentrate on the evolution of the U.S. Trade Policy from historical perspective (US Trade Policy between 1789-1930; early post-war period; 60s; economic crises of the 70s; Reaganomics; post-cold war period). The third module will deal with current problems in U.S. Trade Policy (multilateral level - World Trade System (GATT/WTO) and the U.S. Trade Policy; regional and bilateral free trade agreements of the US; U.S. Trade Policy at the regional level – transatlantic economic relations; U.S. Trade Policy at the bilateral level – U.S. trade relations with selected countries). |
Term 2025Z:
The course is designed to acquaint students with different aspects of the U.S. Trade Policy. The program consists of three main modules divided into specific topics. In the first module students will gain general knowledge of the U.S. Trade Policy (basic definitions and economic tools; free trade and interventionism) and decision-making process (main actors and interactions). The second module will concentrate on the evolution of the U.S. Trade Policy from historical perspective (US Trade Policy between 1789-1930; early post-war period; 60s; economic crises of the 70s; Reaganomics; post-cold war period). The third module will deal with current problems in U.S. Trade Policy (multilateral level - World Trade System (GATT/WTO) and the U.S. Trade Policy; regional and bilateral free trade agreements of the US; U.S. Trade Policy at the regional level – transatlantic economic relations; U.S. Trade Policy at the bilateral level – U.S. trade relations with selected countries). |
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, students should be able to:
understand the main theoretical viewpoints, problems, and issues in the United States Trade Policy area, as well as day-to-day events reported in the media;
have a background knowledge in various areas of the United States Trade Policy; become familiar with a variety of sources on the United States Trade Policy available in selected literature and through the Internet; develop the capacity for analytical and critical thinking; and
develop writing skills (students should be able to properly use available resources, synthesize ideas from various sources in formulating valid thesis statements, and know how to incorporate texts into writing, including citing sources and creating bibliographies)
S3_W01, S3_W02, S3_W03, S3_W4, S3_W05, S3_U01, S3_U02, S3_U04, S3_U05, S3_U06, S3_K01, S3_K02
Assessment criteria
Evaluation criteria:
1. Attendance (a maximum of two absences are allowed during the semester).
2. Knowledge of the readings and in-class activity
3. Students' project (research on a selected topic, written report, presentation, or other type of activity during class); (research topic should be agreed upon with the instructor by the end of October, and the paper should be submitted during the last week before the holiday break - a potential delay results in a deduction of one point for each week)
4. Test (optional)
AI usage:
AI is used to complete certain elements of the task, with students providing discussion or commentary on the AI-generated content. This level requires critical engagement with Al generated content and evaluating its output.
You will use Al to complete specified tasks in your assessment. Any Al created content must be cited.
Practical placement
none
Bibliography
Books and basic articles:
US Constitution
• U.S. Trade Policy: Background and Current Issues.
• USTR Trade Policy Agenda.
• A new horizon in US trade policy, CAP.
• U.S. Trade Policy Primer: Frequently Asked Questions.
• U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, BEA.
• D. A. Irvin, Clashing over Commerce: A History of US Trade Policy (Markets and Governments in Economic History).
• Douglas A. Irwin, Historical Aspects of U.S. Trade Policy.
• USTR, Trade Policy Agenda and Annual Reports.
• Congressional Research Service Reports https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/index.html
• US Trade Department - Trade Policy and Negotiations : https://www.state.gov/e/eb/tpn/
• US Trade Agreements - https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements
• International Trade Administration: https://www.trade.gov/
• P. Bożyk, J. Misala, M. Popławski, Międzynarodowe stosunki ekonomiczne, PWE, Warszawa (or other books related to Global Economy)
• R. R. Ludwikowski, Handel Międzynarodowy, C. H. Beck, Warszawa 2012
Additional readings:
Online sources – documents, websites of American and international institutions and organizations.
Other sources – books, articles, and other materials related to the subject matter (CRS reports highly recommended).
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Term 2024Z:
Books and basic articles: • P. Bożyk, J. Misala, M. Popławski, Międzynarodowe stosunki ekonomiczne, PWE, Warszawa 2004. |
Term 2025Z:
Books and basic articles: • P. Bożyk, J. Misala, M. Popławski, Międzynarodowe stosunki ekonomiczne, PWE, Warszawa 2004. |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: