Students
LAWS8052 – Trade and Environment Law
2024 – Session 1, Online-scheduled-weekday
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Shawkat Alam
Contact via shawkat.alam@mq.edu.au
Room 214, 17 WW
Wednesday 12-1pm
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to LLM or MIntTrdeComLaw or (Admission to JD and LAWS600 or LAWS8001)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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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. |
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: Explain and critique linkages between international environmental law and international trade law through an enquiring, critical and creative approach to the existing debates and tensions surrounding the trade-environment nexus.
- ULO2: Critique key institutions and actors through which international environmental law and international trade law interact.
- ULO3: Explain and critically assess how law, politics and the self-interest of nation-states play a critical role in the inter-relationship of trade, environment and sustainable development.
- ULO4: Evaluate the relationship between trade-related economic growth and the environmental impacts in the pursuit for sustainable development, especially as related to the interests of developing countries.
- ULO5: Assess where the relationship between international environmental law and international trade law can be expected to develop in the future, especially having regard to the objectives of sustainable development and making recommendations for policy development and institutional reform.
General Assessment Information
Please consult the unit iLearn page for detailed instructions for assessments in this unit.
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.
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 | 10% | No | Ongoing |
| Synopsis | 10% | No | 24 March 2024 11:55pm |
| Research Assignment | 30% | No | 14 April 2024 11:55pm |
| Research Paper | 50% | No | 2 June 2024 11:55pm |
Class Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
Students will be required to contribute to discussions, debates and other class activities.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and critique linkages between international environmental law and international trade law through an enquiring, critical and creative approach to the existing debates and tensions surrounding the trade-environment nexus.
- Critique key institutions and actors through which international environmental law and international trade law interact.
- Explain and critically assess how law, politics and the self-interest of nation-states play a critical role in the inter-relationship of trade, environment and sustainable development.
- Evaluate the relationship between trade-related economic growth and the environmental impacts in the pursuit for sustainable development, especially as related to the interests of developing countries.
- Assess where the relationship between international environmental law and international trade law can be expected to develop in the future, especially having regard to the objectives of sustainable development and making recommendations for policy development and institutional reform.
Synopsis
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: 24 March 2024 11:55pm
Weighting: 10%
Students will outline their research topic, including literature review.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and critique linkages between international environmental law and international trade law through an enquiring, critical and creative approach to the existing debates and tensions surrounding the trade-environment nexus.
Research Assignment
Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 14 April 2024 11:55pm
Weighting: 30%
Students will provide a written response to a set question designed to stimulate inquiry into conceptual linkages underpinning the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and critique linkages between international environmental law and international trade law through an enquiring, critical and creative approach to the existing debates and tensions surrounding the trade-environment nexus.
- Critique key institutions and actors through which international environmental law and international trade law interact.
Research Paper
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 2 June 2024 11:55pm
Weighting: 50%
Research paper on topic identified in the Synopsis.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and critique linkages between international environmental law and international trade law through an enquiring, critical and creative approach to the existing debates and tensions surrounding the trade-environment nexus.
- Critique key institutions and actors through which international environmental law and international trade law interact.
- Explain and critically assess how law, politics and the self-interest of nation-states play a critical role in the inter-relationship of trade, environment and sustainable development.
- Evaluate the relationship between trade-related economic growth and the environmental impacts in the pursuit for sustainable development, especially as related to the interests of developing countries.
- Assess where the relationship between international environmental law and international trade law can be expected to develop in the future, especially having regard to the objectives of sustainable development and making recommendations for policy development and institutional reform.
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
Teaching is by means of 12 lectures (pre-recorded) and 6 live tutorials (via zoom), which will run fortnightly commencing week 2. Please consult the official timetable. Students are expected to watch pre-recorded weekly lectures that will be made available for each week in Echo 360 via the iLearn page.
Students are expected to have prepared for the tutorials by watching the lecture and reading the prescribed materials for that week, and preparing any tutorial exercises assigned for that week on iLearn. Active participation in tutorials is assessed.
Recommended textbooks for this course are:
- Environment & Trade: A Handbook (International Institute for Sustainable Development 2005) Available here: <https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/envirotrade_handbook_2005.pdf>
- Shawkat Alam, Sustainable Development and Free Trade Institutional Approaches (Routledge 2008). Available through the library catalogue.
Additional readings will be prescribed 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 connect.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 the Service Connect Portal, 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 2024.01 of the Handbook