ECON 421 - International Trade and Multinational Corporations

How do multinational corporations (Trade & FDI) shape globalization? We explore this question through two lenses: 1) a firm-centered theoretical component that introduces the more advanced theories of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI). These derivations will help us evaluate the causes and consequences of international trade and FDI; and 2) an applied component where we evaluate and apply econometric research to examine the interactions between trade, FDI and a variety of issues including productivity, the labor market effects in home and host countries, economic development and inequality, convergence or polarization of global cultures, and natural disasters. The course grade will be based on group presentations, reading responses, two exams, and a capstone-level research project. The project consists of a econometric or theoretical analysis of a topic in the realm of trade and FDI chosen by the student.This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 422. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371 and ECON 381, all earned with a minimum grade of C-. Every year. (4 Credits)