Course overview
Research Methods in International Trade Policy is a course designed to assist making the transition to the Masters of International Trade and Development studies at the University of Adelaide. The first component of the course reviews the different approaches to learning, academic reading and note taking in the various disciplines. It includes a component on critical thinking skills required to make sense of the vast literature on international trade, much of which presents data in sophisticated ways. Activities include memo writing, report writing, assignment writing, and preparation of trade policy papers. The second component addresses the fundamental research skills which are required by students to access relevant data across the three primary disciplines of international relations, economics and law. The course is delivered through a blended learning approach with teaching materials and online modules provided through the MyUni course page. Students are expected to complete all online modules prior to the face-to-face sessions.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify, critically analyse and develop the evidence necessary for making effective and durable trade policies.
- Develop broad knowledge of international trade resources and research techniques for application in further trade courses and professionally upon course completion.
- Distinguish between different kinds of resources associated with law, political context and the economics of international trade.
- Gain skills required to design and undertake trade policy research projects, including associated capacities for effective electronic database and online searches in the international trade analysis and trade policy environments.
- Find and present international trade information in ways that are effective in policy and analytical contexts and which are meaningful to the targetted audience.