Università degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope"

  1. Teaching
  2. ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS
  3. AGRO-FOOD SYSTEMS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Stampa

AGRO-FOOD SYSTEMS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Teaching schedule

Academic year: 
2016/2017
Partition: 
Matricole pari
Teaching: 
AGRO-FOOD SYSTEMS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Belonging course: 
Course of Bachelor's Degree Programme on ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS
Location: 
Napoli
Disciplinary sector: 
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL APPRAISAL (AGR/01)
Credits: 
9
Year of study: 
2
Teachers: 
Dott.ssa ANNUNZIATA AZZURRA
Cycle: 
First Semester

Language

Italian

Course description

Knowledge and understanding- the student has to demonstrate ability to understand: the specific characteristics and dynamics of agrifood system (demand; supply; organization; sustainability); agrifood and trade policies in terms of objectives, instruments and impact; and the functioning of international markets for agricultural and food products
Ability to put knowledge and understanding into action- the student has to demonstrate ability to analyze the evolutionary path and issues related to modern agribusiness systems, as well as the impacts of trade policies on the international market.
Independent thinking- the student has to demonstrate a critical ability to assess impacts of trade policies on international markets, and possible solutions to sustainability issues in agrifood sector.
Communicative Skills- the student has to be able to answer clearly, coherently and exhaustively to questions in both the written and oral test. The student will also develop the ability to convey the knowledge acquired clearly and satisfactorily also through class discussions on additional topics.
Learning Skills- the student has to demonstrate a good ability to learn by deepening knowledge through the use of relevant and authoritative bibliographical references in the field of study. Furthermore, the student will integrate the knowledge acquired in previous courses with further skills that characterize the course.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of some elements of microeconomics, demand, supply and market forms.

Syllabus

The main topics covered in the course are organized in III parts.
Part I (24 hours)- Agribusiness system, characteristics and evolution with reference to: demand, supply, structure and organization. Policies’ objectives and instruments analysis, with particular reference to food safety, product safety, quality, health and consumer protection,
Part II (24 hours)- International trade theory. Trade policies: objectives and instruments. The role of the World Trade Organization. The main agreements for the agribusiness sector: the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), Agreements on Technical Barriers (SPS, TBT), the Agreement on Intellectual Property (TRIPs).
Part III (24 hours)- In-depth study topics - Quality, sustainability and certification forms. Sustainability of the agribusiness system: dietary patterns, food waste, trade fair. Climate change and agrifood sector.

The course aims at developing students’ skills with reference to agrifood sector-related issues, with a specific focus on the aspects related to international trade. In particular, the course enables students to analyze and assess critically: evolutionary dynamics of agrifood system both nationally and internationally; issues related to social and environmental sustainability; impact of trade policies; globalization dynamics.

Teaching Methods

The course is organized in traditional lectures and in-class discussion of articles/reports and audiovisual material.

Textbooks

Some chapters of the textbook MARIANI, VIGANÒ (eds), Il sistema agroalimentare dell’UE, Economia e politiche, Carocci, u.e. (Specifically: Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3 (paragraph 3.2 excluded), Ch. 7. Handouts edited by the teacher, a selection of articles/reports and audio/video material that will be available on the e-learning platform at the beginning of the course.

Learning assessment

Final assessment is based on a written test aimed at evaluating the achievement of the learning objectives. In order to assess acquisition and in-depth learning of general theoretical knowledge, the written test consists of open questions about the topics covered in the program. Questions are aimed at assessing the knowledge acquired, and the ability to elaborate critically and debate on issues touched upon over the course. If the teacher deems it appropriate, an oral test may be carried out as well.

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