Students
LAWS8089 – International Trade Law
2023 – Session 2, Online-scheduled-weekday
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Shawkat Alam
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to LLM or MIntTrdeComLaw or (Admission to JD and LAWS600 or LAWS8001)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
The unit introduces students to the principal areas of international trade law and policy, and in particular examines the legal regime governing the international exchange of goods, services, and intellectual property under the WTO. Topics include the WTO dispute settlement system; rules on non-discrimination; rules on market access; rules on unfair trade; preferential trade agreements. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Critically appraise the scope of various multilateral trade agreements and other legal principles embedded in international trade.
- ULO2: Analyse how international trade law impacts on national trading policy and practice, and confronts controversial and pressing issues of trade and finance in the contemporary era of economic globalisation.
- ULO3: Evaluate the way economic, political and ethical values shape the development of international regulation and relevant standards.
- ULO4: Apply multilateral trade agreements, case law, and soft law to resolve legal problems in international trade law.
General Assessment Information
Class participation
This assessment is about active engagement in tutorials; not mere attendance. Contributing to tutorial discussions and tutorial exercises throughout the entire semester will be the primary activity marked for this assessment. Online contributions to the weekly discussion forums can add to the class participation, not replace it - except when absence from a tutorial is notified in advance and approved as justified.
Take home exam
This mid-semester assessment may include a range of short answer theoretical questions and/or problem questions. Questions can be about any topic taught prior to the exam. The exam must be finished in one sitting of maximum three hours.
Research essay
This end-of-semester assessment requires extensive research to answer a specific research question developed in accordance with the set broad research topics.
Late Assessment Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Participation | 20% | No | Ongoing (Weeks 1-12) |
| Take home exam | 30% | No | 14:00-17:00 29/09/2023 |
| Research Essay | 50% | No | 11:55pm 05/11/2023 |
Class Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Ongoing (Weeks 1-12)
Weighting: 20%
Active Class participation 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.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically appraise the scope of various multilateral trade agreements and other legal principles embedded in international trade.
- Analyse how international trade law impacts on national trading policy and practice, and confronts controversial and pressing issues of trade and finance in the contemporary era of economic globalisation.
- Evaluate the way economic, political and ethical values shape the development of international regulation and relevant standards.
- Apply multilateral trade agreements, case law, and soft law to resolve legal problems in international trade law.
Take home exam
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 3 hours
Due: 14:00-17:00 29/09/2023
Weighting: 30%
The take-home exam will include multiple-choice questions, short answer theoretical questions, and/or problem questions on a range of topics covered in this unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically appraise the scope of various multilateral trade agreements and other legal principles embedded in international trade.
- Analyse how international trade law impacts on national trading policy and practice, and confronts controversial and pressing issues of trade and finance in the contemporary era of economic globalisation.
- Evaluate the way economic, political and ethical values shape the development of international regulation and relevant standards.
- Apply multilateral trade agreements, case law, and soft law to resolve legal problems in international trade law.
Research Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 21 hours
Due: 11:55pm 05/11/2023
Weighting: 50%
Students will be required to write a research essay focusing on aspects of the unit content.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically appraise the scope of various multilateral trade agreements and other legal principles embedded in international trade.
- Analyse how international trade law impacts on national trading policy and practice, and confronts controversial and pressing issues of trade and finance in the contemporary era of economic globalisation.
- Evaluate the way economic, political and ethical values shape the development of international regulation and relevant standards.
- Apply multilateral trade agreements, case law, and soft law to resolve legal problems in international trade law.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Delivery
Lectures and tutorials will both commence in week 1. Students are expected to watch pre-recorded weekly lectures that will be made available for each week in Echo 360 via the iLearn unit page, before attending tutorials.
Students are expected to have prepared for the tutorials by watching the lecture and reading the prescribed text for that week, and preparing for the tutorial exercise provided through iLearn. Active participaiton in tutorials is assessed.
Resources
Required textbook: Peter van den Bossche and Werner Zdouc, The Law and Policy of the World Trade Organization - Text, Cases and Materials (5th edn, 2022, Cambridge University Press).
Additional, recommended resources will be provided through iLearn
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
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
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
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.
Unit information based on version 2023.04 of the Handbook