"The ITFD program is unique because of the emphasis, not just on theory, but on how it can be used to explain current events, and to create practical policy applications in the real world."
Edward Corcoran '09
Economist HM Treasury
Courses 2011-12
The International Trade, Finance and Development program is taught in three modules, proceeding from the more fundamental to the more applied. In addition, we offer a review course in mathematics and statistics in September (Syllabus, Schedule). This course is not mandatory but it is highly recommended for all students.
Fall Term: Core Knowledge
In this term students take four twenty-hour courses and one forty-hour course that provide necessary background knowledge about international trade, finance, and development.
In this term students take six twenty-hour courses that provide deeper and more specialized knowledge about international trade, finance, and development. They also start an independent study project under the supervision of a faculty member.
In this term students take three advanced courses chosen from a list of electives, as well as a sequence of policy lessons. Students may also take an optional course on Topics in International Trade (no academic credit is given for this course). All students complete the independent study project and present their work to classmates and faculty members.
"Students produce a policy memo on a topic relevant to policymakers today. Instead of the predominantly analytical forms of writing common in academia, the idea is to get students to think what actionable recommendations look like; how you build a convincing case for a policymaker; deal with possible counterarguments; and present the whole in a lucid fashion."
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