International Trade: Competition and Cooperation in a Globalized World
Printed Curriculum [$25]
Downloadable Curriculum [$20]
Class Set [$12.50 ea] (10 min)
First edition. February 2009.
Overview
When economists talk about the global economy and the role of international trade, their conflicting interpretations of economic data and debates over competing theoretical models can be overwhelming. International Trade: Competition and Cooperation in a Globalized World seeks to help students understand the basics of international trade and consider its role in this era of globalization.
Today, the struggling global economy makes the questions surrounding trade policy particularly relevant and important. What economic policy choices will strengthen the national and global economies? What values and beliefs should form the bases for these economic policy choices? International Trade: Competition and Cooperation in a Globalized World provides students with the tools to express their views on these important questions.
Readings
The readings in International Trade: Competition and Cooperation in a Globalized World prepare students to thoughtfully consider the policy choices facing the United States and introduce them to the terms and concepts essential to a basic understanding of international trade.
Part I introduces basic economic concepts and discusses the expansion of international trade and economic globalization in the decades after World War II.
Part II explores arguments for and against different trade policies and considers the effects of these policies on people around the world.
The Choices Role Play
At the core of this curriculum are four distinct options for U.S. policy. Each option contains a different perspective on the effects of international trade, the capabilities of trade policy, and the role of the United States in the world. By exploring this spectrum of alternatives, students gain a deeper understanding of the values and assumptions underlying U.S. trade policy.
Lessons
The Teacher's Resource Book accompanying International Trade: Competition and Cooperation in a Globalized World contains a day-by-day lesson plan and student activities.
- Day One has students explore the role of trade in the United States.
- An alternative Day One lesson asks students to consider why nations trade.
- Day Two calls on students to consider the impact of economic globalization through fictional characters from the United States and around the world.
- An optional lesson asks students to analyze trade statistics.
- Days Three and Four feature a simulation in which students assume the roles of advocates for the four options or take on the roles of members of the Joint Committee of Congress on Economics or citizen lobbyists.
- Day Five asks students to develop their own options based on their own considered judgment on the issues.