LWMITW-International Trade and WTO Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module examines the law governing international trade, with a particular focus on the law established by the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements. After introducing to the historical development of the international economic law system and institutions, the module analyses the WTO dispute settlement system and core principles of WTO law. The module also examines, inter alia, the role of regional trade agreements/megaregionals that complement the WTO agreements, and it reflects on how current challenges might impact on the future of international trade law. 

Aims:

The module is designed:

• To promote an awareness of the operation of international trade law, and the World Trade Organization in particular.  


• To promote an awareness of the dispute resolution mechanisms of the WTO, and of the main legal and policy issues addressed by these mechanisms.


• To offer an understanding of the key rules and principles established by WTO law


• To promote an awareness of contemporary challenges related to trade liberalisation. 


• To promote an awareness of the role of regional trade agreements/megaregionals, and current challenges related to the future of international trade law. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Critically evaluate the international trade/economic law order, taking account of its historical development and contemporary challenges 


• Analyse the WTO dispute settlement system and core WTO law principles.


• Use knowledge and research skills developed in preparation for seminars, class discussion and the written assignment.

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 trade law.


• 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:

• International Economic Law and Global Institutions


• The World Trade Organization


• WTO Dispute Settlement


• Key Rules and Principles of WTO Law


• General and Security Exceptions under the WTO system


• Unfair Trade: Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties


• Globalism versus Regionalism


• Developing Countries and Distributive Ju stice


• International Trade Liberalisation and other Interests (eg Environmental Protection, Human Rights)


• International Trade LawA Regime in Crisis? Trade Wars, megaregionals and WTO Reform

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. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

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 University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

See School of Law PGT Programme Handbook.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 31 July 2020