Sample Syllabi

Weeks 1–2: Trade in a Fragmenting World
Systemic deglobalization, uncertainty, and Global South vulnerabilities.
Readings: Rodrik; UNCTAD (2025)

Weeks 3–4: Trade Wars & Tariffs
Policy-driven US–China escalation and spillovers to emerging economies.
Readings: Antràs & Chor; PIIE

Weeks 5–6: Supply Chains & GVC Upgrading
Firm and GVC responses: near-shoring and South–South value chains.
Readings: Baldwin; WTO

Weeks 7–8: Climate & Trade (CBAM, Green Subsidies)
Regulatory impacts on Global South exporters.
Readings: IMF WEO; EU CBAM

Week 9: Policy Workshop

Weeks 10–11: Digital Trade & Technology
Technological transformation: AI, robotics, and premature deindustrialization.
Readings: Meltzer; OECD

Weeks 12–13: Trade, Inequality & Poverty
Distributional impacts: micro-evidence from trade shocks (China, gender gaps).

Weeks 14–15: Multipolar Trade Policy
Institutional responses: AfCFTA, RCEP, BRICS, and WTO paralysis.

Weeks 1–2: Introduction to Trade
Ricardian Model, technology differences, comparative advantage.
Key Readings: Krugman, Obstfeld & Melitz, Ch. 1-3
Problem set 1

Weeks 3-4: Specific Factors Model
Trade and income distribution.
Key Readings: Krugman, Obstfeld & Melitz, Ch. 4

Weeks 5–6: Heckscher–Ohlin & Standard Trade Model
Factor endowments, factor price equalization.
Key Readings: Krugman, Obstfeld & Melitz, Ch. 5-6
Problem set 2

Week 7: Midterm Exam (In-class)

Weeks 8–10: Trade Policy
Tariffs, quotas, subsidies; welfare effects; case studies (e.g., U.S. steel tariffs).
Key Readings: Krugman, Obstfeld & Melitz, Ch. 9
Problem set 3

Weeks 11–12: Non-Tariff Barriers & Trade Agreements
WTO basics, gravity model introduction, NAFTA/USMCA
Key Readings: Krugman, Obstfeld & Melitz, Ch. 10-12

Weeks 13–14: Empirical Methods & Applications
Trade data (UN Comtrade), trade policy analysis.
Group Assignment: Short research proposal on a relevant policy issue

Week 15: Review & Final Exam
Comprehensive review session + final exam.