| Dozent/in |
David Torun, PhD |
| Veranstaltungsart |
Vorlesung |
| Code |
FS261158 |
| Semester |
Frühjahrssemester 2026 |
| Durchführender Fachbereich |
Wirtschaftswissenschaften |
| Studienstufe |
Bachelor
Master |
| Termin/e |
Di, 17.02.2026, 14:15 - 18:00 Uhr, HS 14
Di, 24.02.2026, 14:15 - 18:00 Uhr, HS 14
Di, 03.03.2026, 14:15 - 18:00 Uhr, HS 14
Di, 10.03.2026, 14:15 - 18:00 Uhr, HS 14
Di, 17.03.2026, 14:15 - 18:00 Uhr, HS 14
Di, 24.03.2026, 14:15 - 18:00 Uhr, HS 14
Di, 19.05.2026, 16:15 - 17:45 Uhr, 3.B58 (Prüfung) |
| Umfang |
2 Semesterwochenstunden |
| Turnus |
Bi-weekly
|
| Inhalt |
Why do countries trade, and who gains from trade liberalizations and globalization? To answer these central questions, this course provides an in-depth treatment of modern theories of international trade. We discuss their empirical validity and illustrate their relevance through anecdotal evidence.
First, we review classical trade theory: trade occurs due to (i) productivity differences (Ricardo model) or (ii) different factor endowments (Heckscher-Ohlin). We investigate the general reason why there are gains from trade and discuss the empirical validity of classic trade models. Second, we analyze “gravity” models of international trade. We first discuss the Ricardian benchmark, the Eaton-Kortum (2002) model, and then turn to the new trade theory. Here, trade happens within industries (intra-industry) due to increasing returns to scale and love-of-variety. We consider the case of homogeneous firms (Krugman model) and heterogeneous firms (Melitz model). We finally discuss how these models give rise to a gravity equation and their empirical merit. We conclude by giving an outlook on other topics in international trade and related fields. |
| Lernziele |
Understand why countries trade, how they (might) benefit from openness, and how to study international trade empirically. Be able to follow public and policy debates in this area and to form and express critical views.
The students will understand and learn to apply central methods on which the literature on international trade is founded. This will enable them to conduct research – e.g. for their Master’s or Ph.D. theses or in central banks – on topics related to international trade. |
| Voraussetzungen |
Basics in micro- and macroeconomics.
The course is designed for master and advanced bachelor students in economics. |
| Sprache |
Englisch |
| Anmeldung |
Binding registration takes place via the UniPortal; see notes below in the «Proof of Performance» field.
For course information and materials, registration on the OLAT e-learning platform is required from 2 – 27 February 2026. The students themselves are responsible for verifying the course’s creditability towards their degree program.
Direct link to the OLAT course: to follow |
| Leistungsnachweis |
***IMPORTANT*** In order to acquire credits, and/or take the examination, registration via the Uni Portal within the regular examination registration period (2 – 16 April 2026) is MANDATORY. Further information on registration: www.unilu.ch/wf/pruefungen |
| Abschlussform / Credits |
Written exam (80%) / Problem Set (20%) / 3 Credits
|
| Hörer-/innen |
Ja |
| Kontakt |
david.torun@unisg.ch
|
| Literatur |
Robert C. Feenstra, Advanced International Trade: Theory and Evidence, Second Edition, Princeton University Press, 2016 (mandatory literature)Markusen, James, James Melvin, William Kaempfer, and Keith Markus; International Trade: Theory and Evidence, McGraw Hill, 1995References to journal articles are given in class. |