A multidisciplinary perspective to teaching international trade

Abstract

The paper details strategies on how to teach international trade with a multidisciplinary perspective which builds on the use of art, literature, and other media in the teaching of economics. A multidisciplinary perspective is introduced through small stakes weekly assignments. Students go over a collection of supplementary materials and complete a series of short-answer questions. Completion of each assignment ensures that students are actively engaged in activities that develop critical thinking skills. Several examples are provided (e.g., trade and oceanography) to highlight how the use of media not traditionally used by economists (e.g., National Geographic magazine articles) could effectively deepen students’ learning of economic concepts and ideas while broadening students’ perspectives on how to think about issues they encounter. There is some evidence that these types of materials contribute to appreciation and understanding of international trade issues. We also provide suggestions on how instructors might adjust our strategies given students' access to large language models such as ChatGPT. The paper targets educators that seek to prepare students to think like economists and to also provide opportunities for students to find and develop a passion for issues that advance the human condition broadly, making for an active, articulate, and engaged citizenry.