Key facts
UNE unit code: ECON417
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- UNE Sydney Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Why do countries trade? What impedes trade and why do some countries erect deliberate trade barriers? Studying this unit, you will investigate the answers to these questions and more.
Exploring a range of issues related to international trade theory and policy, you will expand your knowledge of the fundamentals of international monetary economics and how the international monetary system operates.
You will examine what goods countries trade and their motivations for supporting or inhibiting international trade.
You will also investigate topics such as the impacts of fiscal and monetary policies under systems of fixed and flexible exchange rates.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, UNE Sydney Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate critical understanding of various trade models in theoretical terms and their applicability to the real world;
- investigate critically how trade takes place between countries and the basis for such trade;
- use empirical data in evaluating international trade and finance issues to derive policy related conclusions;
- evaluate and demonstrate a specialist understanding of how international payments are made;
- conduct independent policy-related research concerning global trade and finance issues; and
- critically evaluate various trade and macroeconomic policies, which have direct bearing on Australia's international trade and finance;
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 - Policy Brief | Yes | 25% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Assignment 2 - Economic Dashboard | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Economic Dashboard: one page photo type dashboard for the reflection of Assignment 1. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass (or better) in the unit. |
| Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | There will be four (4) quizzes with a weighting of 2.5% each. Each quiz is compulsory, myLearn based and unsupervised.
Topics 9 and 10 will be covered as a part of final examination. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
International Economics: Theory and Policy, Global Edition
ISBN: 9781292409719
Krugman, P., Obstfeld, M. and Melitz, M., Pearson 12th Ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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