Course Syllabus

 

Globalization & European Economies - D

 

Course Description

Globalization has been reshaping the world for many years now. What can economics say about the new (and old) consequences of globalization? In this course, we study the forces behind globalization. A special focus will be on Europe and the EU, the Euro, global competitiveness, the financial crisis and the present economic outlook.  

We will examine consequences of economic integration and barriers of markets in goods, factors of production, and financial flows and the impacts of increased interdependence in these markets for economic policy decisions in Europe and the world.  

We will ask and discuss questions such as whether globalization promotes economic growth, how income distribution is affected, winners and losers of globalization, if free capital flows undermine macroeconomic stability and how government institutions should or could adjust their powers and responsibilities. 

We will go on study tours in Denmark and abroad and gain real-life perspectives from experts to the theories. The study tours will provide ample room for reflection outside of class rooms on the topics and theories studied in class. The course also includes guest lectures and expert panel discussions. 

 

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, students should be able to:

• Explain and discuss the economic forces driving globalization and deglobalization, and their consequences for firms, workers, and governments
• Apply relevant economic theory, frameworks and models to analyze and interpret global economics
• Understand key aspects of European Integration and the institutions of the European Union that influence its position in the globalized world
• Using economic concepts and theories, analyze and compare how companies, countries and sectors compete and position themselves in a globalized world
• Develop and defend well-reasoned arguments on current economic events and government policies drawing on theory, evidence, and structured analysis ​

 

Faculty

Amanda Lapadat-Nordström

Masters International Business (Queen's University Canada, 2010). Expertise in Trade and FDI, International Business Development, SME advisory,

Consultant and Co-Founder, Tossepinnen AB, 2020-Present. Commercial Manager Sweden, MG Real Estate, 2020-2022. FDI Advisor, Invest in Skåne - Region Skåne, 2017-2020. Trade Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark in Canada, 2013-2017. Trade Journalist, Global Business Reports, 2011-2013. Strategic Communications Consultant, Kreab Worldwide London, 2010-2011. Global Programs, Blackberry, 2007-2009. With DIS since 2023.

 

Course Requirements

This is an upper level economics class and requires that you have taken one semester each of micro- and macroeconomics at university level. Additionally, you must have taken one course in either intermediate or advanced macroeconomics.

Grading

Class Attendance & Engagement - Individual (Includes overall participation, attendance, critical discussion, completion of several reflection activities for both in class and study visits)

Mid-term Quiz - (Open Book & Unlimited Attempts) - Individual

EU Country Analysis - Group

Academic Reflections - Individual and Group

Final Project: Portugal Case  - Group

Your participation grade will be determined by 3 factors: attendance, preparedness for class, and pro active engagement in lectures, discussions and other class activities. You are required to attend each and every class. If you miss a class, you must contact your professor as soon as possible before the class begins and provide an explanation. The assigned readings for each lecture should be read prior to the lecture. We can randomly call on students to answer questions about the assigned readings and have unannounced class discussions or quizzes.

Here is a suggestion: as you read the assigned readings, write down 2 or 3 things that strike you about the reading, such as some key findings, interesting arguments, questions you have etc. Then review your notes once you arrive in class.

You are expected to pro actively engage in class by asking questions, making comments, sharing ideas, etc. Learning is a two way road and the more you participate in class, the more the instructors will learn about how well you understand the material being presented, how to tailor and focus the course material, etc.

An important component of your learning experience at DIS is the study tour visits we will undertake which are integrated into this course. In order to maximize the learning experience from the visits, there will be a study tour assignment connected with these visits. Further instructions on the study tour assignment will be posted early in the semester.

Readings:

Key reference books:

• Primary: Globalisation and the International Economy, by Michael Hedegaard, Holger Sandte & David Rowe, 2nd edition 2025 - the book is also available in PDF:  E-Book Globalisation Int_Economy Hedegaard_Sandte_Rowe 2025.pdf

Given the topic’s rapid development and to keep discussions as relevant as possible, articles, papers, blogs, videos etc. will be uploaded as supplementary information sources.

DIS Accommodations Statement 

Your learning experience in this class is important to me.  If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter within two weeks from the start of classes. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support academicsupport@dis.dk