Understanding International Trade - Summer 26

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of international economics and global trade, with an emphasis on understanding how economic, political, legal, and cultural factors shape international business and supply chain relationships. Designed for adult learners, this 10-week online asynchronous course supports workforce preparation and future credential and credit opportunities through PSC’s Credit for Prior Learning and Prior Learning Assessment pathway.

Students will examine how economic factors such as exchange rates, balance of payments, inflation, labor markets, tariffs, and the flow of capital influence international trade and economic policy. Using existing trade and economic data sources, students will analyze what countries and regions trade, the products and services involved, and the historical and current factors that influence global trade patterns and relationships.

Throughout the course, students will explore the intersection of international business, ethics, trade policy, global cooperation, logistics, and international management. Students will also examine legal and regulatory constraints affecting international trade, including export controls, trade restrictions, licensing requirements, and compliance considerations related to prohibited trade activities.

Emphasis is placed on analytical thinking, data interpretation, global awareness, and understanding the complexities of conducting business and managing trade within an interconnected global economy. Students will engage with real-world trade issues and case-based learning activities to strengthen their understanding of international economic systems and policy impacts.

This self-paced course requires approximately 10 hours of work per week and includes formative checks for understanding throughout the term, culminating in a final applied analysis of a real-world issue related to international trade and global supply chains.

A certificate of completion will be awarded to students who successfully complete the course.

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Differentiate international trade interactions among various countries or regions
• Describe basic concepts of international economics including key data sources and theories that impact trade
• Identify existing global trade flows, historical patterns, and current policies that impact political and economic policy
• Explain legal constraints to international trade such as export licenses and screening for illegal trade