Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Summer Semester 2026

International Economics and Finance (Online)

ECON 3210-31I

Course: ECON 3210-31I
Credits: 3
Term: Summer Semester 2026
Department: ECON
CRN: 20175

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with current theories and questions in international economics. In this course, students will learn about the classical models of trade and receive a thorough grounding in the theory of international trade. It also enables them to learn about international trade policies and demonstrate the relevance of the theory in analyzing existing patterns of global trade. By the end of the course, you should be able to understand some of the basic concepts, theories, and real-world applications of international economics and finance.
The SUU course description is “International Economics and Finance explores broad issues in international trade and shows how related policy choices impact the economy. Students will learn how and why trade benefits the economy as a whole but can also have a negative impact on certain groups within the economy. A major focus of the course is on the determinants of currency exchange rates and the risks business entities face due to fluctuations in exchange rates. Similarly, the class examines the tools companies use to hedge against this risk and describes how basic financial tools can be adjusted to account for exchange-rate expectations and differential tax rates in international project valuation. Because it covers a significant portion of the CFA curriculum, this course is essential for students interested in obtaining the CFA credential”.
Prerequisites: ECON 2010 and ECON 2020. 

Required Texts

 Krugman, Paul R., Obstfeld, M., and Melitz, Marc J. (2022). International Economics: Theory and Policy, 12th Edition. The publisher is Pearson. 

Learning Outcomes

 After the completion of this course, students will be able to:
  • Understand and apply the basic models and concepts of international economics and finance to analyze individual, firm, and market behavior.
  • Identify the reasons why international trade in goods and services exists and its dynamics over time. 
  • Understand the role of economies of scale and knowledge spillovers in shaping the pattern of international trade.
  • Understand and relate the various forms of trade policy instruments applied by countries and their economic impacts.
  • Develop a good understanding of national income accounting for countries engaged in international trade.
  • Understand the relevant theories that explain the existence of multinationals and foreign direct investment across countries.
  • Understand how a country’s exchange rate is determined and how it impacts its trade.
  • Model and solve a wide range of real-world problems in international economics and finance.
  • Develop a good understanding of relevant international economic issues and should be able to think critically and analyze such events.

 

Course Requirements

Students need to take the following class components and the grading will be based on the following assessment components:
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Case Studies 30%
  • Exam 1 10%
  • Exam 2 10%
  • Writing Assignment 20%
  • Final Exam 20%
 

Course Outline

Week 1:  Introduction to International Economics and World Trade: An Overview (Chapter 2)                 
Week 2:  Labor Productivity and Comparative Advantage: The Ricardian Model  (Chapter 3)
Week 3:  Specific Factors and Income Distribution (Chapter 4)                   
Week 4:  Resources and Trade: The Hecksher-Ohlin Model  (Chapter 5)                                                       
Week 5:  Review for Exam 1  (Chapters 2-5)  and External Economies of Scale and International Location of Production (Chapter 7)             
Week 6:  Exam 1   
Week 7:  Firms in the Global Economy: Export and Foreign Sourcing Decisions and Multinational Enterprises  (Chapter 8)
Week 8:  The Political Economy of Trade Policy (Chapter 10)   
Week 9:  Instruments and Controversies of Trade Policy (Chapters 9 & 12 combined)     
Week 10:  Review for Exam 2 (Chapters 7, 8, 9 & 12)  and National Income Identity and Balance of Payments                                                  
Week 11:  Exam 2                                           
Week 12:  Exchange Rates & The Foreign Exchange Rate (Chapter 14)                             
Week 13:  Review for Final Exam
Final Week: Final Exam (Comprehensive)   and Writing Assignment













 

                                                                                                                                                                                      



  







                                            






                                    











                                      




                                         
                                                                                                                      






Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

 No late homework/ Quizzes will be accepted. However, the late submissions of HW/Quiz will be accepted by the instructor upon valid reasons. 
There are no make-up exams. In case you miss any exam, your absence will be excused upon submission of supporting documents such as a medical certificate or official SUU approval. Acceptance of such documents is at the discretion of the instructor.

Attendance Policy

Since this is an asynchronized online course, attendance is not required. However, students are expected to watch the uploaded lecture videos each week and take the assignments on time.

                                                                                         

Course Fees

Content for this section will be provided by the instructor.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.