Sylabus. Další soubory a informace jsou dostupné přes systém Moodle.
Ing. Vilém Semerák, M.A., Ph.D.
Anotace -
Tento kurz svým obsahem i hloubkou záběru odpovídá standardním kurzům International Trade, tak jak jsou vyučovány v kvalitních českých i zahraničních bakalářských programech. Cílem kurzu je seznámit studenty s vývojem teorie mezinárodního obchodu a poskytnout jim dostatečné základy k pochopení logiky nejdůležitějších modelů mezinárodního obchodu a intuici nutnou k orientaci v současných mezinárodních obchodních vztazích. Kurz je vyučován v angličtině.
Bližší informace ke kurzu, stejně jako materiály k jednotlivým přednáškám a seminářům, jsou dostupné na Moodle stránkách. Informace o přístupu na Moodle stránky budou zaregistrovaným studentům distribuovány na začátku semestru emailem.
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (30.09.2023)
This course covers, with a focus on both theory and empirics, basic topics in international (interregional) trade and trade policy analysis at the undergraduate level. The course does not deal with international business methods (logistics, use of letters of credit etc.); instead, it focuses on trade theory and trade policy analysis and attempts to provide some insight into the following questions:
• Why do countries (regions) trade?
• What determines which goods/services will be exported/imported by particular countries?
• How does trade influence welfare?
• How do trade policies influence the effects of trade on economies, can they improve the effects of trade on welfare?
• How do trade relations and trade dependencies influence relative (economic) power of countries?
In short, we will analyze the benefits of trading and the causes (and effects) of specialization and the development of theoretical opinions on the logic and effects of international trade. Next, we will review the policy instruments (tariffs, quotas, subsidies, anti-dumping measures, as well as very popular schemes for preferential treatment, i.e. customs unions, free trade areas) and options available to those who would want to analyze the effects of trade policies.
Please check the Moodle web for all additional information on the course (as well as for handouts and additional reading for all the lectures and seminars). The Moodle access details will be shared with all registered students at the beginning of the semester.
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (24.09.2026)
Cíl předmětu -
At the end of the course, its students should: (i) Understand the main factors which determine trade flows and the effects of trade on economic structures and welfare according to mainstream economic theories. (ii) Understand traditional models describing the effects of tariffs and quotas on national economies. (iii) Gain at least basic insight into the logic of newer developments in trade theory (e.g. trade with heterogeneous firms). (iv) Know basic methods of analysis of trade flows, trade dependencies, and trade policies (and of sources of data useful for similar attempts).
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (24.09.2026)
At the end of the course, its students should: (i) Understand the main factors which determine trade flows and the effects of trade on economic structures and welfare according to mainstream economic theories. (ii) Understand traditional models describing the effects of tariffs and quotas on national economies. (iii) Gain at least basic insight into the logic of newer developments in trade theory (e.g. trade with heterogeneous firms). (iv) Know basic methods of analysis of trade flows, trade dependencies, and trade policies (and of sources of data useful for similar attempts).
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (24.09.2026)
Podmínky zakončení předmětu -
Continuous work during the course, active and honest participation in the teamwork, and successful participation in both midterm and final exams are expected from all participants.
Evaluation will be based on a midterm and final exam (in traditional "on-site" written form), team assignments, in-class activities, and online Moodle quizzes. The final exam will include a short (on-site) essay.
The contribution of all the components to the final grade is as follows:
Midterm exam: 15 points
Final exam: 50 points
Team assignments: 20 points
Quizzes and in-class activities during the semester: 10 points
Online Moodle quizzes: 5 points
Extra additional points for very active participation in discussion seminars: up to 5 points that can compensate for the points not obtained from quizzes and assignments.
The final grade
Grading scale (based on the weighted average score):
A … 91 – 100 points
B … 81 – 90 points
C … 71 – 80 points
D … 61 – 70 points
E … 51 – 60 points
F … 50 points and less
Besides achieving at least 50 points in total (the overall score), you are also required to achieve at least 40% (20 points) on the final exam for the successful completion of the course.
The final exam (compulsory for all enrolled) will be scheduled for January 2026 and February 2026 (at least three options to take the exam will be provided). The dates of the exams will be announced during the first lecture. The exam will consist of a written test (sample questions are provided on Moodle website) and a brief essay. The test will include a quiz (multiple choice questions) + solution of problem sets, mainly by means of models and graphs. The creative thinking and understanding of the problem (e.g. described by a model), will be graded higher than mere memorization of facts or formulas.
All papers/essays worked out in this course (by teams or individuals) must be original and subject to specific rules. Plagiarism will be severely punished.
Note on seminar participation and workload:
Seminar sessions play a key role in this effort, many of the issues discussed during the seminar can be crucial for the successful completion of the assignments as well as for maximizing the chances of succeeding in the exam. Regular attendance of the seminar sessions is therefore strongly recommended. Attendance is not strictly compulsory, but if you miss the seminar sessions during which quizzes or other evaluated in-class activity will take place, your chances for a better grade will worsen.
The course workload corresponds to its weight (8 credits), which implies the calculated average time load to students of 242 hours (this includes lectures, seminars, work on assignments, final team papers as well as studying for the final exam).
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (24.09.2026)
Continuous work during the course, active and honest participation in the teamwork, and successful participation in both midterm and final exams are expected from all participants.
Evaluation will be based on a midterm and final exam (in traditional "on-site" written form), team assignments, in-class activities, and online Moodle quizzes. The final exam will include a short (on-site) essay.
The contribution of all the components to the final grade is as follows:
Midterm exam: 15 points
Final exam: 50 points
Team assignments: 20 points
Quizzes and in-class activities during the semester: 10 points
Online Moodle quizzes: 5 points
Extra additional points for very active participation in discussion seminars: up to 5 points that can compensate for the points not obtained from quizzes and assignments.
The final grade
Grading scale (based on the weighted average score):
A … 91 – 100 points
B … 81 – 90 points
C … 71 – 80 points
D … 61 – 70 points
E … 51 – 60 points
F … 50 points and less
Besides achieving at least 50 points in total (the overall score), you are also required to achieve at least 40% (20 points) on the final exam for the successful completion of the course.
The final exam (compulsory for all enrolled) will be scheduled for January 2026 and February 2026 (at least three options to take the exam will be provided). The dates of the exams will be announced during the first lecture. The exam will consist of a written test (sample questions are provided on Moodle website) and a brief essay. The test will include a quiz (multiple choice questions) + solution of problem sets, mainly by means of models and graphs. The creative thinking and understanding of the problem (e.g. described by a model), will be graded higher than mere memorization of facts or formulas.
All papers/essays worked out in this course (by teams or individuals) must be original and subject to specific rules. Plagiarism will be severely punished.
Note on seminar participation and workload:
Seminar sessions play a key role in this effort, many of the issues discussed during the seminar can be crucial for the successful completion of the assignments as well as for maximizing the chances of succeeding in the exam. Regular attendance of the seminar sessions is therefore strongly recommended. Attendance is not strictly compulsory, but if you miss the seminar sessions during which quizzes or other evaluated in-class activity will take place, your chances for a better grade will worsen.
The course workload corresponds to its weight (8 credits), which implies the calculated average time load to students of 242 hours (this includes lectures, seminars, work on assignments, final team papers as well as studying for the final exam).
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (24.09.2026)
Literatura -
Main textbooks:
P. Krugman, M. Obstfeld, M. J. Melitz: International Trade, Theory & Policy. 9th edition or newer. Addison-Wesley (Pearson), 2012.
A less technical but very useful complementary source: E. Helpman: Understanding Global Trade. Harvard University Press 2011.
Alternative texts:
R.C. Feenstra, A.M. Taylor: International Trade, 5th or 6th edition.
D. Appleyard, A. Field, S. Cobb: International Economics, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, any recent edition
T. Pugel.: Int. Economics, 2009, part I & II., pp. 1-378 (available in the IES library)
The following online textbook is also relevant for our course:
S. Suranovic - International Economics Study Center: http://internationalecon.com/
Please check the Moodle website of the course for the latest details. It also contains handouts and links to other materials.
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (24.09.2026)
Main textbooks:
P. Krugman, M. Obstfeld, M. J. Melitz: International Trade, Theory & Policy. 9th edition or newer. Addison-Wesley (Pearson), 2012.
A less technical but very useful complementary source: E. Helpman: Understanding Global Trade. Harvard University Press 2011.
Alternative texts:
R.C. Feenstra, A.M. Taylor: International Trade, 5th or 6th edition.
D. Appleyard, A. Field, S. Cobb: International Economics, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, any recent edition
T. Pugel.: Int. Economics, 2009, part I & II., pp. 1-378 (available in the IES library)
The following online textbook is also relevant for our course:
S. Suranovic - International Economics Study Center: http://internationalecon.com/
Please check the Moodle website of the course for the latest details. It also contains handouts and links to other materials.
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (24.09.2026)
Kontroly studia předmětu a podmínky pro jejich úspěšné vykonání, způsob hodnocení -
Evaluation will be based on a midterm and final exam (in traditional "on-site" written form), team assignments, in-class activities, and online Moodle quizzes. The final exam will include a short (on-site) essay.
The contribution of all the components to the final grade is as follows: Midterm exam: 15 points Final exam: 50 points Team assignments: 20 points Quizzes and in-class activities during seminar sessions: 10 points Participation in Moodle online quizzes: 5 points
Extra additional points for very active participation in the seminar sessions: up to 5 points that can compensate for the points not obtained from quizzes and assignments.
The exam will consist of a written test (sample questions are provided on Moodle website). The test will include a quiz (multiple choice questions) + solution of problem sets, mainly by means of models and graphs. It will also include a short (on-site) essay. The creative thinking and understanding of the problem (e.g. described by a model), will be graded higher than mere memorization of facts or formulas.
All papers/essays worked out in this course (by teams or individuals) must be original and subject to specific rules. Plagiarism will be severely punished.
Grading scale (based on the weighted average score): A … 91 – 100 points B … 81 – 90 points C … 71 – 80 points D … 61 – 70 points E … 51 – 60 points F … 50 points and less
Besides achieving at least 50 points in total (the overall score), you are also required to achieve at least 40% (20 points) on the final exam for the successful completion of the course.
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (24.09.2026)
Evaluation will be based on a midterm and final exam (in traditional "on-site" written form), team assignments, in-class activities, and online Moodle quizzes. The final exam will include a short (on-site) essay.
The contribution of all the components to the final grade is as follows: Midterm exam: 15 points Final exam: 50 points Team assignments: 20 points Quizzes and in-class activities during seminar sessions: 10 points Participation in Moodle online quizzes: 5 points
Extra additional points for very active participation in the seminar sessions: up to 5 points that can compensate for the points not obtained from quizzes and assignments.
The exam will consist of a written test (sample questions are provided on Moodle website). The test will include a quiz (multiple choice questions) + solution of problem sets, mainly by means of models and graphs. It will also include a short (on-site) essay. The creative thinking and understanding of the problem (e.g. described by a model), will be graded higher than mere memorization of facts or formulas.
All papers/essays worked out in this course (by teams or individuals) must be original and subject to specific rules. Plagiarism will be severely punished.
Grading scale (based on the weighted average score): A … 91 – 100 points B … 81 – 90 points C … 71 – 80 points D … 61 – 70 points E … 51 – 60 points F … 50 points and less
Besides achieving at least 50 points in total (the overall score), you are also required to achieve at least 40% (20 points) on the final exam for the successful completion of the course.
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (24.09.2026)
Sylabus -
More detailed information, as well as handouts, data files or additional materials for the lectures and seminars, will be gradually published via the Moodle system. Basic introduction to the use of the Moodle system will be provided during the first session.
Topics that will be discussed during the lectures/seminars:
1. Introduction. Trade data and their features relevant for empirical work. Trends in global trade. Seminar session: simple indicators. Sources of trade data. Trade visualisations. (October 2nd) 2. Model of comparative advantage (Ricardo) and its extensions. Seminar session: trade dependencies (October 9th) 3. From modernized Ricardo to the models with trade based on the differences in factor endowments. Seminar session: exercises on Ricardo. Discussion of assignment I. (October 16th) 4. Specific factor model (SFM). Seminar session: exercises and reasoning based on the SFM. (October 23rd) 5. Heckscher-Ohlin model: derivation of the Lerner diagram. Stolper-Samuelson theorem. Factor Price equalization. Rybczynski theorem. Seminar session: a brief intro to IO methods. Relationship to data on trade in value added. (October 30th) Note: possible absence (if relevant, it will be compensated in January). 6. Empirical tests of trade theory. Leontief paradox. Intra-industry trade. Alternative theories of international trade (Product cycles, Linder's overlapping demands). Seminar session: Brief midterm. Discussion of assignment II. (November 6th) 7. New theory of international trade: Krugman model with monopolistic competition and increasing returns to scale. Seminar session: a brief intro to gravity models. (November 13th) 8. Firm-level data about trade. Introduction to the "New new" theory - models with heterogenous firms (Melitz). Seminar session: Brief Introduction into the New Economic Geography (NEG). (November 20th) 9. Trade policy: basic instruments, partial equilibrium (PE) models. Seminar session: application of PE models. Discussion of assignment III. (November 27th) 10. Trade policy: general equilibrium, large country issues. Seminar session: exercises on PE and GE models. Discussion about trade policy issues (based on reading/podcasts) (December 4th) 11. Trade policy under imperfect competition. (December 11th) 12. Economic integration: customs unions and free trade areas. Trade creation and trade diversion effects. Discussion of assignment IV. (December 18th) 13. Reserved for a make-up session (possibly for October 30th). Summary; interesting current issues in international trade. Possibly models with the mobility of factors of production. (January 8th)
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (24.09.2026)
More detailed information, as well as handouts, data files or additional materials for the lectures and seminars, will be gradually published via the Moodle system. Basic introduction to the use of the Moodle system will be provided during the first session.
Topics that will be discussed during the lectures/seminars:
1. Introduction. Trade data and their features relevant for empirical work. Trends in global trade. Seminar session: simple indicators. Sources of trade data. Trade visualisations. (October 2nd) 2. Model of comparative advantage (Ricardo) and its extensions. Seminar session: trade dependencies (October 9th) 3. From modernized Ricardo to the models with trade based on the differences in factor endowments. Seminar session: exercises on Ricardo. Discussion of assignment I. (October 16th) 4. Specific factor model (SFM). Seminar session: exercises and reasoning based on the SFM. (October 23rd) 5. Heckscher-Ohlin model: derivation of the Lerner diagram. Stolper-Samuelson theorem. Factor Price equalization. Rybczynski theorem. Seminar session: a brief intro to IO methods. Relationship to data on trade in value added. (October 30th) Note: possible absence (if relevant, it will be compensated in January). 6. Empirical tests of trade theory. Leontief paradox. Intra-industry trade. Alternative theories of international trade (Product cycles, Linder's overlapping demands). Seminar session: Brief midterm. Discussion of assignment II. (November 6th) 7. New theory of international trade: Krugman model with monopolistic competition and increasing returns to scale. Seminar session: a brief intro to gravity models. (November 13th) 8. Firm-level data about trade. Introduction to the "New new" theory - models with heterogenous firms (Melitz). Seminar session: Brief Introduction into the New Economic Geography (NEG). (November 20th) 9. Trade policy: basic instruments, partial equilibrium (PE) models. Seminar session: application of PE models. Discussion of assignment III. (November 27th) 10. Trade policy: general equilibrium, large country issues. Seminar session: exercises on PE and GE models. Discussion about trade policy issues (based on reading/podcasts) (December 4th) 11. Trade policy under imperfect competition. (December 11th) 12. Economic integration: customs unions and free trade areas. Trade creation and trade diversion effects. Discussion of assignment IV. (December 18th) 13. Reserved for a make-up session (possibly for October 30th). Summary; interesting current issues in international trade. Possibly models with the mobility of factors of production. (January 8th)
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (24.09.2026)
Podmínky zápisu předmětu -
Pre-requisites:
The course was designed as a course that students should ideally take in their third or second year. The discussion of the models will require at least basic knowledge of microeconomics (i.e. you should have passed at least a good course in “Principles of Economics”). You should not be afraid of quantitative methods and of working with numbers.
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (28.09.2024)
Pre-requisites:
The course was designed as a course that students should ideally take in their third or second year. The discussion of the models will require at least basic knowledge of microeconomics (i.e. you should have passed at least a good course in “Principles of Economics”). You should not be afraid of quantitative methods and of working with numbers.
Poslední úprava: Semerák Vilém, Ing., M.A., Ph.D. (28.09.2024)
