The EU in the Global Economy

Teacher(s)

Defraigne Jean-Christophe;

Language

English

Main themes

1. Analysing the long run trends of globalization
2. Analysing the economic relations between the EU and its main economic partners

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Provide the multidisciplinary analytical and empirical tools to assess the evolution of economic relations between the EU and the global economy, Understand the global mechanisms that affects EU business in terms of risk and opportunities. Develop the capacity to develop a thorough case study of a strategy for a EU firm operating outside the EU or facing competition from non EU firms.

Content

1. Analysing the long run trends of globalization

• This part of the course will outline the geographical and historical evolution of the world economy (from 1945 to the present times) and how it affected the European Union economies 
  • at the macroeconomic level of national economies and the multilateral trading system, analysing the changes in terms of trade & FDI policies, opening of financial markets and exchange rate policies
  • at the microeconomic level of the firm by understanding the evolution of the global value chain, the higher interconnectivity between national markets and multicultural aspects of international management

1. Analysing the economic relations between the EU and its main economic partners

• This part of the course will analyse the trends and patterns of economic relations (trade, FDI, financial flows, labour movements and R&D cooperation) between the EU and each of its main trading partners (USA, China, Russia, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, South Korea, India and Canada).
• It will analyse the trade policies and trade disputes between the EU and each of its main trading partners.
• It will analyse the risks, obstacles and challenges faced by EU firms trying to penetrate these markets or having to adapt to the penetration from competitors originating from these countries.

Teaching methods

Students are expected to prepare preliminary readings for the course which implies to develop a synthesis of the main arguments of their readings. Readings constitute an essential prerequisite of the course. The professor will develop the lectures based on the readings. Lectures will outline and discuss empirical material and specific case studies. Lecture will necessitate a high degree of interactions with the students.

Evaluation methods

The evaluation for this course will consist of two parts. The preparation of readings and questions and relevant participation during each class accounts for 50% of the final mark. Writing an essay accounts for the remaining 50% if the final mark.
1) Readings, answering questions and relevant participation during the class 
Class attendance and participation is compulsory. During the term, each week all students will have to read 160 pages of articles or chapters and prepare answers to the specific questions related to that week class. The class will start by the presentation of the answers to the questions of the week based on the readings. Students will be picked at random to present a question for five minutes. These answers will account for 40% of the mark, participation will account for 10% of the mark.
2) The Essay 
During the examination session, students will be organized in groups of four. Each group will submit one essay of 6000 words. The essay account for 50% of the final mark. The topic is chosen jointly by each group of students and the professor by the end of week 10.
The essay (word or PDF format) has to be sent by e-mail to jdefraigne@yahoo.com by the 3rd of January. The essay will be defended in the oral examination at a date to be set jointly with the professor. The email address is jdefraigne@yahoo.com .
The document that contains the essay should be named following this template (if the template is incorrect, the essay might be lost): 
Last name-first name-topic number 
For example: defraigne-chris- 4 (if you have chosen the fourth topic on the list)

Faculty or entity

CLSM