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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Jorge Guira
Email: j.m.guira@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 the historical development of the international economic law system and institutions, the module analyses core principles of WTO law and the WTO dispute settlement system. The module also examines the role of regional trade agreements that complement the WTO agreements, and it reflects on how current challenges might influence 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 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, using knowledge and research skills developed in preparation for seminars, class discussion and the assessed essay.

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:

• Trade Theory and Economic Policy


• From GATT to the WTO (and Beyond)


• Non-Discrimination: Most Favoured Nation and National Treatment


• The WTO Dispute Settlement System


• General and Security Exceptions


• Trade in Services


• Subsidies and the Rise of China


• Trade Remedies: Antidumping and Safeguards


• ‘Trade And’: Linkages Between Trade and Social Policy


• The Future of the WTO    

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:
Wider reading (independent)	60
Wider reading (directed)	60
Preparation for seminars	20
Essay preparation	40
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

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:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

See School of Law PGT Programme Handbook.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 13 September 2023