Center: 
Madrid
Discipline(s): 
Economics
Course code: 
EC 380
Terms offered: 
Spring
Credits: 
3
Language of instruction: 
Spanish
Instructor: 
IES Abroad Madrid Faculty
Description: 

The objective of this course is to study the economic relationships between Spain and Latin American countries, especially with regard to their evolution after Spain’s admission to the European Union.  At the same time the plan for economic cooperation among members of the EU is contrasted with Latin American efforts toward economic modernization and growth.

Prerequisites: 

None

Method of presentation: 

Students will participate in classroom discussions under the guidance of the instructor and with the help of visual aids.  These discussions will be based on readings previously assigned by the instructor.  In addition, students will prepare oral presentations and debates based on their own research and using materials which the instructor will provide.

Required work and form of assessment: 

Mid-term and final examination (include questions about topics discussed in class, in required readings, and in students’ oral presentations and class debates); term paper (topic, bibliography and methodology established in consultation with the professor); regular attendance and active class participation are compulsory.

content: 

1. An historical perspective on the institutional framework of the European Union: its strategies and politics.
2. Foreign affairs and the European Union: the plan for cooperation with Latin America.
3. Spain’s economic relationships with Latin American countries prior to admission to the EU: the institutional framework and economic flow.
4. Admission to the EU and the internationalization of the Spanish economy.
5. Consequences of Spain’s admission to the EU for its economic relationships with Latin American countries.
6. Economic relationship of Spain and the EU with Latin America in the nineties.
7. Foreign affairs in the strategies of development of Latin American economies.
8. Cooperation with Latin America from the perspective of the creation of the Mercado Unico and of the
Economic and Monetary Union.
9. Spanish economy’s role in Latin America: new strategies for development.

Required readings: 

Freres, C. y Sanahuja, J. A. (Coordinadores) (2006):  América latina y la Unión Europea. Estrategias para una asociación necesaria, Icaria Antrazyt. Análisis Contemporáneo, Barcelona.

Luengo, F. y Flores, G. (2006):  Globalización, comercio y modernización productiva. Una mirada desde la
Unión Europea ampliada, Editorial Akal, Madrid.

VV.AA (varios años): Claves de la economía mundial. Madrid: Instituto Español de Comercio Exterior.