Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer, Convenor
Professor Shawkat Alam
Contact via 0425305858
6 First Walk Room 534
Wednesdays 11am-1pm
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MEnvLaw or MIntEnvLaw or MIntTrdeComLaw or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or LLM or MIntLawGovPP or MSocEntre or GradDipIntRel or MPPP or GradDipPP or GradCertSocEntre or 42cp in LAW or LAWS units at 400 or 500 level or (admission to JD and 24cp in LAW or LAWS units at 800 level)
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
LAWS575
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines the ways in which trade and environment issues are addressed in a variety of international legal instruments, ranging from, the United Nations through to global and regional free trade agreements. It provides an overview of international institutions, policies and instruments such as the UN, GATT, the WTO, NAFTA, the World Bank and the IMF as they relate to environmental issues. It also, where appropriate, compares the achievements of one legal instrument with those of others in the area of trade and the environment. It particularly focuses on the interests and concerns of developing countries on this pressing issue.
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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:
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.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Synopsis | 10% | Yes | 15 April 2019 |
Assignment | 30% | Yes | 29 April 2019 |
Research Paper | 50% | Yes | 10 June 2019 |
Class Participation | 10% | Yes | Ongoing |
Due: 15 April 2019
Weighting: 10%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
This is a thought provoking exercise intended to stimulate students to work out an appropriate proposal of research that relates to their research paper. However, students who are unable to select a topic of research and to formulate a research proposal may be assisted. They are advised to approach the Convenor after exhausting their own sincere efforts. Each student is required to submit a 1,500 word (excluding footnotes and bibliography) outline of their research topic, including a literature review. Further instructions will be provided on the unit iLearn page.
Due: 29 April 2019
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
This 2500-word assignment (excluding footnotes and bibliography) will involve answering a set question provided to all students within the first two weeks of the semester. Students will be assessed on their understanding and explanation of the legal issues presented, the depth of their research as well as their critical evaluation of the relevant issues. Research should extend beyond the prescribed books and course materials (the recommended books and journals provide a starting point for further research). Clarity of expression, presentation of the argument, responsiveness to questions, and correct and consistent reference style will also be taken into account. The paper should be well structured including sub-headings where appropriate. The introduction should set out the scope of the paper. Students need to include sufficient detail of the specific legal principles or regime and analysis/application of that law. Be sure to answer the question asked. The conclusion should include recommendations for law reform, further research and/or creative application of the existing law where appropriate. The assignment should be fully referenced according to the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.
Due: 10 June 2019
Weighting: 50%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Students will be required to prepare a 3500 word (excluding footnotes and bibliography) research paper that builds on the Synopsis (same topic) submitted earlier in the semester.
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Students will be assessed on the quality of their contributions to class discussion during intensive sessions based on their demonstrated understanding of the readings, and application of their knowledge and principles to the weekly topic.
This unit is delivered as a block mode. There will be a one hour recorded lecture for each topic and face to face tutorial (23-24 April) during intensive sessions on campus.
Further information about the course will be available on the unit iLearn page from the start of the semester.
All assessments are to be submitted online using the Turnitin links provided on the unit iLearn page.
REQUIRED TEXT
The required text for this course is the IISD and UNEP, Environment and Trade: A Handbook - Second Edition. It is available online at <http://www.iisd.org/publications/pub.aspx?pno=754>
SUPPLEMENTARY TEXT
Shawkat Alam, Sustainable Development and Free Trade (Routledge,2008). Call number HF1713 .A436 2008, Macquarie Library
TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION, HISTORICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT
TOPIC 2: ESTABLISHING THE LINKAGES: THE TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT INTERFACE
TOPIC 3: INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE: ORIGINS AND PRINCIPLES, KEY TRADE RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS
TOPIC 4: GATT/WTO APPROACHES TO TRADE, THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
TOPIC 5: PROCESS AND PRODUCTION METHODS, ECO-LABELING, ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
TOPIC 6: THE GATT/WTO DISPUTE SETTLEMENT MECHANISM AND THE ENVIRONMENT
TOPIC 7: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN WTO AGREEMENTS (SPS and TBT AGREEMENTS)
TOPIC 8: THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON SERVICES (GATS) and THE WTO AGREEMENT ON TRADE-RELATED ASPECTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (TRIPS)
TOPIC 9: TRADE-ENVIRONMENTAL LINKAGE IN MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS
TOPIC 10: REGIONAL AND BILATERAL TRADE AGREEMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
TOPIC 11: CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES
TOPIC 12: TRADE, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE WAY(S) FORWARD
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 published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
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