Topics in empirical analysis of international trade 2400-EN3SL247A
Undergraduate thesis seminar is offered to all students interested in the topics of international trade in the context of empirical verification of theoretical concepts. The range of topics that are undertaken covers the sources of comparative advantage; trade structure; determinants and consequences of trade flows in the neoclassical and new trade theory; trade policy issues; heterogeneous firms in international trade. The aim of this seminar is to prepare a solid undergraduate thesis, based on theory, good literature review and own empirical research using modern quantitative methods. The seminar prepares students to set their own research goals, search for appropriate data and learn how to verify simple hypotheses. Participation prerequisites are solid background in microeconomics, international trade theory and policy and statistical methods. Receiving a credit is based on regular work documented by advances in writing the thesis and presentations during the seminar.
The seminar offers empirical analysis of international trade issues, resulting both from neoclassical and new trade theory. Topics cover the following areas:
1. Gravity model of international trade – basic logic and applications;
2. Comparative advantage and indices of international competitiveness;
3. International trade and resources – neoclassical paradigm for trade structure;
4. Intra-industry trade – determinants and classification;
5. Firm heterogeneity and international competition;
6. The determinants, role and effects of protectionism.
Students are familiarized with the data sources and modern methods of statistical analysis using Stata and R.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
The basic learning outcome of this seminar is that the students show at least basic ability to formulate their own research goals and to formulate scientific hypothesis that they are going to verify. The other basic outcome is writing a solid undergraduate thesis, well written from the scientific, formal and typographic point of view.
Upon completion of this seminar students:
- know how to write a good undergraduate thesis;
- know how to set a research problem;
- have the ability to search for appropriate data and elaborate on it to present it in an interesting way;
- are able to formulate hypotheses and research objectives;
- are able to search for the literature and make a critical review;
- are able to use analytical tools to analyse the research problems;
- are open-minded and are able to discuss their arguments clearly using theoretical background and empirical evidence;
- respect the achievements of other authors and know how to use it in accordance with academic ethical standards.
KW01, KW02, KW03, KU01, KU02, KW03, KK01, KK02, KK03
Assessment criteria
Receiving a credit is based on regular work documented by advances in writing the thesis and presentations during seminar.
Bibliography
The list of readings depends on individual choice of the thesis subject, discussed with instructor.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: