Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor and tutor
Baskaran Balasingham
Contact via email
6 First Walk, Room 517
Wednesdays, 2-3 pm, and by appointment
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntLawGovPP or MIntEnvLaw or MIntTrdeComLaw or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or LLM or 42cp in LAW or LAWS units at 400 or 500 level or (admission to JD and 32cp in LAW or LAWS units at 800 level)
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
LAWS510
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Unit description |
Unit description
The unit deals with the international legal regime governing the multilateral exchange (imports and exports) of goods, services, capital, and technology within the legal framework of the World Trade Organisation (WTO); regional and bilateral free trade; the nexus between trade and the monetary system, and between trade and non-trade issues (the environment and human rights); the North-South dimensions of trade; the position of middle-sized developed countries (eg, Australia) and developing countries under the WTO; institutional, legislative, and transactional aspects of trade (sale and carriage of goods and international payment); dispute resolution; and future challenges for global trade liberalisation under the WTO.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Late Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Technology
All students need access to a secure and reliable server for access to iLearn and for submission of assessment tasks.
Word Limit
Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limits will not be marked.
Referencing
Students should use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (AGLC) (3rd Edition) for the annotated bibliography, citations in their research paper and bibliography attached to the research paper.
Submission of Assessments
All substantive assessments (annotated bibliography and law reform research paper) are to be submitted electronically through Turnitin. Plagiarism detection software is used in this unit.
Moderation of Assessments
Detailed marking rubrics will be made available on iLearn. Markers in this unit undertake a process of 'blind marking' to establish a common marking standard and all Fail papers are double marked.
EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF ASSIGNMENTS
Active Participation
1. Substantive requirements: Students will be assessed on the basis of their knowledge, understanding and analytical ability to evaluate the issues raised in each weekly topic. Active participation in the class will require students to read and understand various issues scheduled for discussions on a regular basis. Students are also required to participate in discussions that extend beyond these set topics and readings through their own evaluation of the issues raised.
2. Formal requirements: Students are required to attend the tutorials in accordance with the schedule of classes/tutorials set out in this Unit Guide and complete the prescribed readings for each week. Exemptions may be granted only in exceptional circumstances and subject to the provision of appropriate documentation. If an exemption is granted, work in lieu will need to be submitted.
3. Marking criteria/rubrics:
1. Regular and timely presence in tutorials ;
2. Active and effective class participation;
3. Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter;
4. Ability to develop ideas and think critically;
5. Problem solving skills; and
6. Oral communication skills.
Problem Question
1. Substantive requirements: This assignment will be assessed based on the discipline specific knowledge, understanding and identification of the relevant legal issues, and their application to a given (real or hypothetical) fact situation/problem of contemporary trading relations. Students may be required to take their research beyond the prescribed books and course materials (the supplementary books and journals provide a starting point for further research). Clarity of expression, presentation of argument, responsiveness to question, and correct and consistent reference style will also be taken into account. Students are encouraged to consider a theoretical as well as applied dimension to the issues under consideration for a problem question subsumable in international trade law.
2. Marking criteria/rubrics:
Research Paper
1. Substantive requirements: This assignment is meant to test the legal research and writing skill. Students will be assessed on the basis of their discipline specific knowledge, understanding and identification of the relevant legal issues, analysis and evaluation of the issues, quality and depth of research, critical, interdisciplinary, policy-oriented approach, and overall presentation. Research should extend beyond the prescribed books and course materials (recommended books and journals provide a starting point for research). Clarity of expression, presentation of argument, responsiveness to the issues raised, and correct, complete, and consistent reference/citation style will be taken into account.
2. Marking criteria/rubrics:
1. Extent of theoretical and applied knowledge and understanding of international trade/finance law relevant and applicable to the specific area of the research;
2. Depth of research and interdisciplinary approach;
3. Intellectually construct and defend arguments with scholarly support;
4. Free and innovative thinkers, a policy-oriented approach, and the ventilators of new ideas contributing to the progressive development of the international legal regime; and
5. Orderly presentation - clarity of expression, coherently addressing the issues raised, and correct, complete, and consistent reference/citation style.
Formal requirements for both written (problem question and research) assignments
The following requirements as to presentation of papers must be complied with:
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Active Participation | 20% | No | Tutorials 2-13 |
Problem Question | 25% | No | 14 September by 5 pm |
Research Assignment | 35% | No | 9 November by 5 pm |
Group Assignment | 20% | No | 12 October by 5 pm |
Due: Tutorials 2-13
Weighting: 20%
Students must read, understand in advance (at least prior to their tutorials) various issues scheduled for discussions (see Unit Guide for week-by-week topics), and be prepared to actively participate in class discussions to enhance oral communication skill.
Due: 14 September by 5 pm
Weighting: 25%
The Problem Question is a take-home assignment on the applied aspects of international trade and finance. It is intended to provide students with an opportunity to critically evaluate hypothetical legal problem scenarios and formulate and defend appropriate arguments in a clear, structured and logical manner with scholarly support.
Maximum word limit of 2500 words (to be posted on iLearn in Week 7). The work must be submitted via Turnitin.
This is a timed assessment and no late submissions will be accepted.
Due: 9 November by 5 pm
Weighting: 35%
The research paper is meant to give students an opportunity to write on a topic of their own choice from the limit/list given. Students are required to go deeper into it and to present it in a logically coherent manner. It is designed to develop and implement legal research skills and analytical abilities to examine relevant aspects of trade with academic support. This method of assignment enables the students to be free and innovative thinkers, adopt a policy-oriented approach, and the ventilators of new ideas, thereby contributing to the progressive development of the international legal regime.
Maximum word limit of 2500 words (to be posted on iLearn in Week 13). The assignment MUST be submitted via Turnitin.
Due: 12 October by 5 pm
Weighting: 20%
Each team of students (4-5 students per team) will be required to prepare two written memoranda of a short moot court problem - for both the appellant and the appellee. The maximum word limit is 2,500 words per memorandum. Each team member is required to submit identical copies of the team's written memoranda via Turnitin by the relevant deadline. Half of the mark for the group assignment (10%) will be an individual mark which is based on peer feedback.
This course will be delivered via lectures (also available on iLearn) and through seminars/tutorials. Students will be required to actively participate in discussion based on the readings, as well as any problem and discussion questions set by the convenor.
Tutor: Dr Baskaran Balasingham (baskaran.balasingham@mq.edu.au)
For lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations.
Required and Recommended Readings
Prescribed Textbook
P. Van den Bossche and W. Zdouc, The Law and Policy of the World Trade Organization: Text, Cases and Materials (Cambridge University Press, 2017).
Prescribed Legislative Text
WTO, The Legal Texts: The Results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations (Cambridge University Press, 2000).
Recommended Readings
Students are also advised to consider and consult the following books and journal articles to supplement the text and materials.
M. Matsushita et al., The World Trade Organization: Law, Practice and Policy (Oxford University Press, 2017).
G. Marceau (ed), A History of Law and Lawyers in the GATT/WTO The Development of the Rule of Law in the Multilateral Trading System (Cambridge University Press, 2015).
C. Sieber-Gasser, Developing Countries and Preferential Services Trade (Cambridge University Press, 2016).
M. Klamert, Services Liberalization in the EU and the WTO Concepts, Standards and Regulatory Approaches (Cambridge University Press, 2014).
Y. Bonzon, Public Participation and Legitimacy in the WTO (Cambridge University Press, 2014).
B. Hoekman and M. Kostecki, The Political Economy of the World Trading System: The WTO and Beyond (Oxford University Press, 2013).
Y. Lee et al. (eds), Law and Development Perspective on International Trade Law (Cambridge University Press, 2011).
D. Rodrik, The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and the Future of the World Economy (Norton, 2011).
D. Alesandrini, Developing Countries and the Multilateral Trading regime: The Failure and Promises of the WTO’s Development Mission (Hart, 2010).
P. Mavroidis, Law and Economics of Contingent Protection in the WTO (Edward Elgar, 2010).
S. Kroll et al. (eds), The UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (Hart, 2010).
K. Schefer, Social Regulation in the WTO (Edward Elgar, 2010).
H. Yamane, Interpreting TRIPS: Globalisation of Intellectual Property Rights and Access to Medicines (Hart, 2010).
F. Smith, Agriculture and the WTO (Edward Elgar, 2009).
D. Yigzaw, ‘Where the Real Issue Lies: Normative Conflict between the WTO System and Human Rights’ (2015) 18 International Trade and Business Law Review 31.
I. Matsumoto, 'Role of International Standards in Promoting Environmental Goods and Services - a New Approach to Reconciling Trade and Climate Change’ (2016) 19 International Trade and Business Law Review 180.
A. Herwig, ‘The WTO and the Doha Negotiation in Crisis?’ (2013) 44 Netherlands Yearbook of International Law 161.
S. Tao, ‘Potential Inconsistency between China's GATS Obligations and Relevant Domestic Legislation’ (2015) 18 International Trade and Business Law Review 162.
C. Bown and M. Wu, ‘Safeguards and the Perils of Preferential Trade Agreements: Dominican Republic–Safeguard Measures’ (2014) 13 World Trade Review 179.
L. Ying, 'The Applicability of Environmental Protection Exceptions to WTO-Plus Obligations: In View of the China – Raw Materials and China – Rare Earths Cases’ (2014) 27 Leiden Journal of International Law 113.
D. Ahn and P. Messerlin, ‘United States – Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Shrimp and Diamond Sawblades from China: Never Ending Zeroing in the WTO?’ (2014) 13 World Trade Review 267.
A. Slade, 'Good Faith and the TRIPS Agreement: Putting Flesh on the Bones of the TRIPS Objectives’ (2014) 63 International and Comparative Law Quarterly 353.
A. Johnston and M. Trebilcock, ‘Fragmentation in International Trade Law: Insights from the Global Investment Regime’ (2013) 12 World Trade Review 621.
This list is by no means exclusive and exhaustive. For additional resources students are encouraged to use the library catalogue and databases. The WTO website is an important source of primary materials and various WTO studies. The International Legal Materials (ILM) also compiles international trade documents and it is available in hard copies in the Library and can also be searched under Hein Online.
Unit webpage and technology used and required
Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
The unit has iLearn web page. iLectures will be available for downloading over the internet. Assignments, information, and announcements relating to the unit and will be posted on this iLearn site. Students must check this site regularly for any important information/announcement relating to the unit.
Week beginning on 31 July | Lecture Topic |
Week 1 | Globalisation, Trade and Finance |
Week 2 | International Trade Law and the WTO |
Week 3 | Regional and Bilateral Free Trade Agreements |
Week 4 | The WTO Dispute Settlement System |
Week 5 | Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment and National Treatment |
Week 6 | Tariff Barriers |
Week 7 | Non-Tariff Barriers and Technical Barriers to Trade |
Week 8 | Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures |
Week 9 | Dumping |
Week 10 | Subsidies |
Week 11 | Exceptions |
Week 12 | The TRIPS Agreements |
Week 13 | Emerging Issues in International Trade and Finance |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
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Compared to the unit offering in 2017 the assessment, literature and topics have been modified. A group assignment has been added and the weighting of the different forms of assessment have been altered. The previously recommended reading P. Van den Bossche and W. Zdouc, The Law and Policy of the World Trade Organization: Text, Cases and Materials (4th edn, Cambridge University Press, 2017) is now the prescribed textbook. The weekly topics are more in accordance with the new textbook.
Date | Description |
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24/07/2018 | minor change to assessment description |
23/07/2018 | changes to group assignment, topics 1 and 12 |
13/07/2018 | hurdle requirement for group assignment removed; topics for weeks 1 and 2 swapped |