All written assessments submitted electronically must be submitted through the link provided in iLearn. This unit will utilise Turnitin plagiarism detection software. Students should carefully check that they submit the correct file for an assessment, as re-submissions will not be accepted after the due date and time, including instances where students upload an incorrect file in error.

The design, moderation and feedback of all assessments is in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Procedure (link provided under ‘Policies and Procedures’ below).

Late Submission Policy

A maximum penalty of five (5) percentage points of the total possible marks will be applied per day to late submissions, for up to a maximum of seven calendar days. Tasks that have not been submitted within the maximum number of additional late days will receive a mark of zero. This provision does not apply to online exams or other assessment with a time limit of less than 24 hours.

Penalties for late submission will be applied consistently and equitably to all students enrolled in the unit. Where short-term, serious and unavoidable circumstances have affected their ability to submit an assessment task, a student must submit a formal application for Special Consideration as per the Special Consideration Policy. Students should not request an informal arrangement from their tutor, lecturer or Unit Convenor.

Where an application for Special Consideration is approved, and the outcome is an extension to the due date of a task, submissions that are received after the new due date will be subject to late penalties that are calculated from the new due date. This only applies where the outcome is an extension to the due date – see the Special Consideration Policy for a schedule of all possible outcomes.

Special Consideration

Students should submit applications for Special Consideration electronically via the Service Connect portal, along with the supporting documentation. Before submitting their applications, students should refer to the Special Consideration Policy (link provided under ‘Policies and Procedures’ below).

Textbook Access The prescribed textbook for this unit is:

P. van den Bossche and W. Zdouc, The Law and Policy of the World Trade Organization (5th ed, Cambridge University Press)

Students are encouraged to purchase the textbook directly from Cambridge University Press, which offers a 20% student discount and free postage. The textbook is also available in eBook format through the following platforms:

• eBooks.com

• VitalSource (Direct links to the eBook are provided in the iLearn platform.)

Weekly Readings and Resources Required and additional readings are listed by topic under each week’s heading. Students are encouraged to bookmark the following essential resources to support their learning:

• WTO Online Systems

• WTO Analytical Index

Lecture Delivery Lectures are pre-recorded weekly by Professor Shawkat Alam and can be accessed through Echo360 (located on the right-hand panel of the iLearn platform). You are expected to view the weekly lecture prior to attending the tutorial.

Tutorials Tutorials are delivered by Dr Dalma Demeter and are held in both in-person and online formats.

• Check the official university timetable for details of time and venue.

• Links to online tutorials are located under the "Online Tutorials" heading (only visible to students enrolled in an online session).

• Active participation in tutorials is a formally assessed component of this unit.

• If you are unable to attend a scheduled tutorial for a valid reason, notify your tutor in advance. 

Online tutorials are recorded, and recordings may be made available upon request for students with justified absences.

Discussion Forums Several forums are available to support your learning and engagement throughout the semester:

• General Discussion Forum A peer-led space to discuss any aspect of the unit. While not staff-monitored, the forum must remain professional and respectful, reflecting the ethical standards of the legal profession.

• Unit and Assessment Forum This forum is actively monitored by teaching staff. Use it to raise questions not already answered in the Unit Guide or on the iLearn site.

• Weekly Topic Forums Separate forums are available each week for discussion of that week's topic. These are typically not monitored, but serve as collaborative platforms for students to:

  • Share insights, questions, and notes

  • Benefit from peer-to-peer exchange

  Note: Questions requiring clarification after forum discussions should be brought to tutorials, as lecturers/tutors will not provide written answers in these forums. Forum posts are not graded, but exceptional contributions demonstrating critical analysis and original insight may be recognized as part of the professional skills mark at the end of the semester.