ECON 350 - Global Money & Finance

Global monetary and financial issues have captured the interest of economists for very many years, with recent international events including the global financial crisis in 2008/09 and the economic and financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic only serving to shine an even stronger light on them. To fully understand contemporary global monetary and financial issues such as financial crises, exchange rates, international capital mobility, balance of payments policy, the role of international financial institutions and the design of the international monetary system and reform, it is necessary to have a firm grasp of not only the relevant underlying theory and empirical evidence, but also the institutional and historical framework. In addition, it is important to be aware of the political influences that affect policy decisions. Although not heavily technical, this course adopts an analytically rigorous approach to the issues covered. The course provides a succinct coverage of issues in global money and finance that should be understood by all modern professional economists. The course is required for students who are focusing on the international economics and development policy (IEDP) field. It may also be seen as a precursor to Econ 351: Contemporary Issues in International Money, Finance and Development which goes on to examine selected topics in greater detail.
Units: 4
Course Type: Seminar