PCC/ CCOG / EC

Course Content and Outcome Guide for EC 230

Date:
01-AUG-2012
Posted by:
Curriculum Office
Course Number:
EC 230
Course Title:
Cont Wrld Eco Issu: Intl Econ
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture hours:
30
Lecture/Lab hours:
0
Lab hours:
0
Special Fee:
 

Course Description

Selected issues and problems related to international economics and international economic institutions. Includes trade and the balance of payments, trade competition between Japan and the U.S., reform and restructure of the Russian and Eastern European economies, economic development and problems of developing nations. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Credits from this course qualify for general education purposes at Portland Community College and may be applied toward satisfying Associates Degrees at Portland Community College. Courses with three digit numbers may be transferable to four year colleges and universities.  Students should consult with a member of the Economics faculty at Portland Community College and/or other institutions regarding transferability and application of credit to other institutions. Contact SAC chair for a list of SAC approved textbooks for this course. Supplemental books and other materials are at the discretion of each course instructor.  Prices for texts and/or other materials may be found at the Portland Community College bookstore. 

 

Course Activities and Design

This course may include lecture and discussion formats utilizing faculty expertise, texts, supplementary reading materials, films,speakers, and other classroom aids at the discretion of the instructor.  Regular attendance and completion of assigned reading are essential to the successful completion of this course.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Evaluation procedures will be determined by the individual instructor and will be discussed during the first class meeting.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

The defined outcomes listed in this guide are stated in terms of what the student will know after completing this course.  This section is a statement of final learning outcomes and does not attempt to show how, or in what order, the defined outcomes will be achieved.
    

  • Upon completing this course, students should have a basic understanding of:
  • The benefits and problems posed by  international trade.
  • Discuss comparative advantage, examine arguments for trade barriers, study the history of trade restrictions in the U.S., and trade friction between the U.S. and Japan.
  • Understand the U.S. balance of Payments and its effect upon the level of the domestic economy and how the exchange rates are     determined.
  • Identify the major transactions and accounts of the balance of payments.
  • Discuss the gold standard, IMF System, & current floating exchange rate system.
  • Know the specific structure and functions of various international institutions.
  • Know the evolution, structure and reform of the major economies of Western & Eastern Europe.
  • Common characteristics of Western European Economies.
  • The evolution and current status of the European  Economic Community.
  • Structure and reform of the Eastern European & Russian Economies.
  • Basic understanding of economic growth and the problems of developing countries.
  • The importance of savings and investment and various growth models
  • Analyze a number of barriers to economic growth faced by LDC's.
  • U.S. foreign economic policies.
  • Third World Nations development strategy.