This document outlines a unit on international economics that would take approximately 2 weeks. It covers the topics of globalization, specialization and trade, and patterns of trade. Specifically, it discusses the characteristics and impacts of globalization, the theories of absolute and comparative advantage, and factors influencing patterns of trade such as comparative advantage, emerging economies, and trade agreements. Homework assignments suggest using news articles and videos to explore these issues in more depth. Assessments include interim tests on each subtopic and a summative end of unit exam.

1. Topic: Theme 4: A global perspective
4.1 International economics
Length of time required:
Approximately 2 weeks
Link to Curriculum: Exam syllabus section 4
4.1.1 Globalisation
a) Characteristics of globalisation
b) Factors contributing to globalisation in the last 50 years
c) Impacts of globalisation and global companies on individual countries,
governments, producers and consumers, workers and the environment
4.1.2 Specialisation and trade
a) Absolute and comparative advantage (numerical and diagrammatic):
assumptions and limitations relating to the theory of comparative
advantage
4.1.2 Specialisation and trade
b) Advantages and disadvantages of specialisation and trade in an
international context
4.1.3 Pattern of trade
a) Factors influencing the pattern of trade between countries and changes
in trade flows between countries:
 comparative advantage
 impact of emerging economies
 growth of trading blocs and bilateral trading agreements
changes in relative exchange rates
Home Learning Resources/Extension Resources
Economics Blog: www.dbseconomics.blogspot.com
Set up the main issues and then get real world examples.
Plenty of articles on the issues are available from newspapers or
the BBC website.
Students could watch The Open University video clip: ‘60 seconds
adventure in economics: The Principle of Comparative
Advantage’.
Look out for interactive quizzes on BBC website, for example:
‘What’s the deal with trade’.
The BBC website can be helpful. See the At-a-Glance Guide: ‘Poor
countries and trade’.
The ONS has some very useful data on UK trade with EU member
states and non-EU countries.
‘Challenge’ Task – Optional
Produce a teacher structured worksheet with numerical examples
which demonstrate absolute and comparative advantage. Use of
PPFs to illustrate. It can be extended to numerically show how total
output can be higher after specialisation compared to self-
sufficiency.
Subject: Economics
Year: 13
Term: 2

2. Discuss the wider potential advantages and disadvantages of trade.
This provides opportunities to recap concepts covered in theme 1
and 3.
Assessments – Standardised
Interim Assessment task: Students tested during and after each
sub topic using past examination packs.
Summative Assessment Task (Exam week): End of unit test