LWMTIT-International Investment Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Mr Matthew Windsor

Email: m.r.windsor@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module offers an in-depth introduction to the law of foreign investment and investment treaty arbitration. Through a close analysis of the substance of bilateral investment treaties and the settlement of investor-state disputes via arbitration, students will acquire understanding of the law, politics and economics of the investment treaty regime.

Aims:

The module is designed:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the major legal and policy debates in international investment law.


• To evaluate the practice and process of investment treaty arbitration.


• To stimulate the interest of students in a vital area of international economic law.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students will be expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts in international investment law.


• Appraise international investment arbitration from the perspective of host states, multinational corporations and other interest groups.


• Critically reflect on how economic globalisation shapes national regulatory preferences.

Additional outcomes:

 In addition to those listed in the School’s ‘core skills statement’, the module encourages the development of:

• Advanced research and writing skills through close analysis of primary and secondary materials on international investment law and arbitration.


• High-level oral communication skills through reflective class discussion.


• Ability to construct an effective argument based on analytical thinking.

Outline content:

The module will cover topics such as:

• Standards of investment protection (non-discrimination against foreign investment, fair and equitable treatment, guarantees of compensation for expropriation, and umbrella clauses).


• Treaties, rules and institutions governing investment treaty arbitration (including the ICSID Convention, UNCITRAL Rules and megaregional agreements).


• The process of investment treaty arbitration (jurisdiction and admissibility, applicable law, standard of review, remedies and compensation, enforcement and compliance with arbitral awards).


• The interpretation of bilateral investment treaties by arbitral tribunals.


• The politics of investment treaties in developed and developing countries.


• The impact of international investment law on environmental protection, public health and human rights.


• Current challenges in investment treaty arbitration (transparency, consistency of decisions, appointment of arbitrators, third-party funding, proposals for a multilateral investment court). 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will consist of 10 two-hour seminars. A handout will be provided for each seminar with a list of required and recommended readings.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		20
Guided independent study:		180
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

An assessed essay of 15 pages (formatted in accordance with the School of Law’s Assessed Work Rules).

Formative assessment methods:

A formative assessment, which will be marked and returned with feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the standard University policy

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
See School of Law PGT Programme Handbook

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 10 January 2020