2025
International Economic Relations
Name: International Economic Relations
Code: ECN13111L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Legal-Political Theory and International Relations
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Presentation
International Economic Relations are essential to understanding the interactions of economies in the global context. This is achieved by understanding the theoretical framework of the determinants of the flows of goods, services, capital and people and the interaction and influence of international.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
It is intended that students will be able to:
1. Know current trends in the international panorama of trade flows in goods, services and productive factors
2. Promote understanding of the major themes that condition relationships between different nations in the global context
2. Promote understanding of the positioning of the main international economic organizations in defining rules and behavioral standards between different regional spaces
4. Encourage understanding of the role of the Economic Integration process in an international system dominated by the forces of Globalization;
It is also intended that students develop skills:
5. independent reflection, decision-making, written and oral communication and teamwork
6. to frame the issue of globalization in the field of economic policy formation, allowing future insertion in the job market
7. for roles in the research domain
1. Know current trends in the international panorama of trade flows in goods, services and productive factors
2. Promote understanding of the major themes that condition relationships between different nations in the global context
2. Promote understanding of the positioning of the main international economic organizations in defining rules and behavioral standards between different regional spaces
4. Encourage understanding of the role of the Economic Integration process in an international system dominated by the forces of Globalization;
It is also intended that students develop skills:
5. independent reflection, decision-making, written and oral communication and teamwork
6. to frame the issue of globalization in the field of economic policy formation, allowing future insertion in the job market
7. for roles in the research domain
Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Object of study and Objectives of ?International Economic Relations?
1.2. International Economic Relations in the context of the Global Economy
1.3. The dynamics and characteristics of international trade and FDI flows
2. Theories and Policies on International Trade and the international mobility of Production Factors
2.1. International Trade Theories
2.2. The Political Economy of International Trade
2.3. International capital movements
2.4. Characteristics and impacts of international labor migration
3. International Organizations and the World Economic System
3.1. International Economic Organizations with a global vocation
3.2. Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Organizations
4. Current issues in International Economic Relations
4.1. Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the world economy
4.2. Trade and currency wars in a global economic context
4.3. Regionalism and Multilateralism
1.1. Object of study and Objectives of ?International Economic Relations?
1.2. International Economic Relations in the context of the Global Economy
1.3. The dynamics and characteristics of international trade and FDI flows
2. Theories and Policies on International Trade and the international mobility of Production Factors
2.1. International Trade Theories
2.2. The Political Economy of International Trade
2.3. International capital movements
2.4. Characteristics and impacts of international labor migration
3. International Organizations and the World Economic System
3.1. International Economic Organizations with a global vocation
3.2. Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Organizations
4. Current issues in International Economic Relations
4.1. Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the world economy
4.2. Trade and currency wars in a global economic context
4.3. Regionalism and Multilateralism
Teaching Methods
The classes in this module will include both a lecture-based component covering the programme content and an applied component in which practical situations will be discussed. The aim is for students to develop a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts, as well as the ability to apply them critically and independently in the analysis of concrete economic phenomena and problems.
The teaching methodology adopted combines lecture sessions, focused on the presentation and discussion of the main theoretical concepts and analytical models, with practical and applied classes, in which case studies, exercises, and simulations developed by students are explored. Active participation is encouraged, particularly through activities that foster critical reflection and the application of course content to current economic realities.
Throughout the semester, students will complete several practical assignments, either individually or in small groups, designed to promote specific skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and written and oral communication. In these assignments, students are expected to apply the theoretical, practical, and methodological knowledge acquired during the module.
Continuous assessment values students? active engagement in classes, the quality of their contributions to thematic discussions, the rigour of their empirical work, and the relevance of the conclusions presented in discussions. This teaching and assessment model ultimately aims to foster analytical thinking, the integration of acquired knowledge, and the ability to apply theoretical and methodological tools to different economic and organisational contexts.
This option takes into account Order No. 34/2026 ? Reference Framework for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Teaching, Assessment, and Learning Process at the University of Évora, namely regarding its guided use in the classroom for the critical validation of research results, enabling students to gain skills in its use. The use of AI will not be permitted in written assessment components (exams).
The teaching methodology adopted combines lecture sessions, focused on the presentation and discussion of the main theoretical concepts and analytical models, with practical and applied classes, in which case studies, exercises, and simulations developed by students are explored. Active participation is encouraged, particularly through activities that foster critical reflection and the application of course content to current economic realities.
Throughout the semester, students will complete several practical assignments, either individually or in small groups, designed to promote specific skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and written and oral communication. In these assignments, students are expected to apply the theoretical, practical, and methodological knowledge acquired during the module.
Continuous assessment values students? active engagement in classes, the quality of their contributions to thematic discussions, the rigour of their empirical work, and the relevance of the conclusions presented in discussions. This teaching and assessment model ultimately aims to foster analytical thinking, the integration of acquired knowledge, and the ability to apply theoretical and methodological tools to different economic and organisational contexts.
This option takes into account Order No. 34/2026 ? Reference Framework for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Teaching, Assessment, and Learning Process at the University of Évora, namely regarding its guided use in the classroom for the critical validation of research results, enabling students to gain skills in its use. The use of AI will not be permitted in written assessment components (exams).
Assessment
In accordance with the current Academic Regulations, students may choose between continuous assessment and final assessment, with continuous assessment being the preferred option.
a) The Continuous Assessment system involves 3 tests, each lasting 1.5 hours, with the following weighting in the final grade: 35%, 30%, and 35% for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively. Final averages above 9.5 points, with 2 tests with a grade below 7.5, require an oral exam on a date to be determined.
b) In the Final Assessment, the final grade corresponds to the grade obtained in the regular or resit exam.
c) Given the size, if the teaching staff is expanded with one more professor, as foreseen in the DSD but whose selection process has not yet concluded, the second test will be replaced by an in-class assignment using AI tools and debate among the students. In this alternative, the grade for the in-class work may count towards the final assessment average with a weighting of 15%.
d) If deemed necessary to verify the extent to which the student has developed the knowledge and skills expected for the curricular unit, the teaching staff may call the student for an oral examination, in accordance with § 13 of article 110 of the Academic Regulations of the University of Évora, ensuring the conditions set out in § 4 of article 116 and § 1 of article 118 of the same Regulations. The oral examination will have a weight of 30% in the final grade for the subject.
a) The Continuous Assessment system involves 3 tests, each lasting 1.5 hours, with the following weighting in the final grade: 35%, 30%, and 35% for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively. Final averages above 9.5 points, with 2 tests with a grade below 7.5, require an oral exam on a date to be determined.
b) In the Final Assessment, the final grade corresponds to the grade obtained in the regular or resit exam.
c) Given the size, if the teaching staff is expanded with one more professor, as foreseen in the DSD but whose selection process has not yet concluded, the second test will be replaced by an in-class assignment using AI tools and debate among the students. In this alternative, the grade for the in-class work may count towards the final assessment average with a weighting of 15%.
d) If deemed necessary to verify the extent to which the student has developed the knowledge and skills expected for the curricular unit, the teaching staff may call the student for an oral examination, in accordance with § 13 of article 110 of the Academic Regulations of the University of Évora, ensuring the conditions set out in § 4 of article 116 and § 1 of article 118 of the same Regulations. The oral examination will have a weight of 30% in the final grade for the subject.
Teaching Staff
- Alexandre Canário Borrega
- Elsa Cristina Neves Januário Vaz [responsible]
Accreditations and Certifications
