The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of international trade law. The primary goal of the course is to acquaint and familiarise students with the main pillars in this arena of international law and their effect on domestic law and policy.  The course covers the key agreements and principles of international trade law and the jurisdiction, policies and processes of the WTO. It also encompasses major critical analyses of international trade law together with an in-depth review of relevant GATT/WTO panel and appellate body decisions.

Themes that will be addressed throughout the course will include the origins of international trade law, fundamental principles of the GATT/WTO regime, Services (GATS), the WTO Dumping and Subsidies regimes and the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement.  The effects of trade liberalisation in general on developing countries will also be the subject of review together with an analysis of the on-going conflict between the basic dictates of international trade agreements on the one hand and the need to enshrine and protect international environmental and labour standards on the other.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain and analyse the role of the World Trade Organisation and the principal international trade agreements it administers;
2. Describe and analyse how the rules, principles and institutions of international trade impact on domestic legal, political and social arrangements;
3. Describe and analyse how global trade liberalisation impacts upon developing countries, and on the domestic regulation of areas such as human rights and environmental protection;
4. Select and apply a range of approaches to written communication, and apply the critical thinking required to bring about solutions to complex legal problems in the area of international trade law;
5. Plan and conduct a legal research project with intellectual independence.

Research-Led Teaching

The teaching in this course is informed by the convener’s research and publications on international trade law.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Extensions late submission and penalties - https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Special consideration: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/special-assessment-consideration

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of Grades Policy: Effective from Winter Session and Second Semester 2018 (and until further notice), the current Grading Distribution Policy has been suspended pending the development of a new policy. 

For further information about this interim policy please see: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/grading

Further Information about the Course: is available from the course WATTLE page. Students are required to access the WATTLE site regularly throughout the course for details on weekly classes and any announcements relating to the course.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
7	Introduction to international trade law, institutions and the free trade debate; Quiz, Negotiation, Legal Anlayis and Essay Information.	This course is being taught semi-intensively over 6 weeks. Classes commence in week 7 of semester. There are three hours of pre-recorded lectures a week and three hours of live online seminars per week. A negotiation exercise will be held in class in week 9.
8	Key GATT/WTO principles and disciplines	Online Quiz (Assessment Task 1)
9	Unilateral trade remedies	In-class negotiation exercise.
10	Trade and the Environment	Legal Analysis (Assessment Task 2)
11	Trade and Human Rights; Trade and Development
12	SPS Agreement; Trade in Services; Dispute Resolution at the WTO; Conclusion, overview and prospects

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Compulsory Online Quiz	15 %	30/04/2021	*	1, 2
Legal Analysis.	35 %	13/05/2021	24/05/2021	1,2,3,4
Research Task: Essay	50 %	07/06/2021	01/07/2021	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

This is a course in reading, thinking and arguing. Effective participation in this course requires around 15 hours of work each week (including class time). In order to take better advantage of the discussion which will occur in lectures and seminars, you should read the required readings for the week prior to attending class. In addition, you should seek to read as much as you can of the recommended reading for the week.

Students are expected to prepare for seminars and to engage critically in the discussion that takes place there. It is, in part, by means of such engagement and the feedback you get from that that you will be able to evaluate and enhance the quality of your learning of the course content and skills.

To further enhance your learning in this course you may also find it useful to regularly access the course WATTLE site. The lecturer will regularly use the WATTLE site to communicate with students.

Examination(s)

Please note that the dates in the assessment summary are approximate only. Students should consult the examination timetable when it is finalised for the exact date.

Assessment Task 1

Compulsory Online Quiz

Brief Description: This assessment task will help you gauge your understanding of the first fundamental concepts of the course. The quiz will cover understanding of material covered in weeks 7 and 8 (the first two weeks of the course). The aim of the quiz is to ensure students have a good understanding of the basic principles of the WTO/GATT, and to provide early feedback on student progress before 50% of the course has elapsed. The quiz will consist of 15 multiple choice questions.

Nature of Task: Compulsory. Failure to participate will result in 0 marks for this task. If you experience unavoidable and extenuating circumstances and cannot sit the quiz at the due date and time, you should apply for an extension to the College of Law student admin team here:

https://law.anu.edu.au/forms/assessment-extension-request

The College will give you one opportunity to sit the quiz, at the same time one week later. This will be your final opportunity to sit the quiz.

Weighting: 15%.

Release: 9 am on Tuesday 27 April 2021 (Week 8) via Wattle.

Due date: 5 pm on Friday 30 April 2021 (Week 8) via Wattle. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Estimated return date: Once all eligible students have completed the quiz.

Assessment Criteria: Demonstrated understanding of the relevant legal principles.

Assessment Task 2

Legal Analysis.

Brief Description: Legal Analysis based on fact scenario from online group activity in week 9.

Nature of Task: Problem Style Assignment, compulsory. Non submission of this task will result in an 0 for this task.

Weighting: 35%

Word Limit: 1500 words.

Due Date: 5pm Thursday 13th May 2021 (Week 10). Late submission is permitted but a mark penalty will be imposed.

Estimated return date: Week 12

Assessment Criteria

a) Content

• answering the question asked
• identification of the legal issues raised from the questions
• legal principles states/explained with accuracy and in appropriate detail
• recognition and evaluation of judicial and statutory ambiguities and ‘grey areas’
• originality/innovation in approach to issues
• clear conclusions

b) Structure/organisation

• emphasis on the significant issues
• answer is coherent and structure logical

c) Expression

• good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs
• clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of reader
• use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
• full and accurate footnotes together with a bibliography where appropriate
• style according to Australian Guide to Legal Citation where appropriate
• adherence to word limit

Assessment Task 3

Research Task: Essay

Brief Description of Task: Research essay.

Nature of Task: Compulsory. Failure to submit will result in a mark of 0.

Weighting: 50%

Brief Description: The essay will require students to undertake independent research on an area of international trade law. It will require students to go beyond the course material, conduct high level legal research and write a well substantiated essay which contains original reflections and critical engagement with research. An essay that merely regurgitates class content will not receive a passing mark.  

Release: The essay question will be released by Week 7 (first week of the course) via the course WATTLE site.

Due date: 5pm Monday 7 June 2021 via Turnitin. Late submission is permitted, but a mark penalty will be imposed.

Word limit: 2250 words (excluding footnotes).

Estimated return date: After final results. Essays will be returned online via Turnitin.

Assessment Criteria:

a) Understanding of the Issues

• addresses the question and covers all the important points
• evidence of close consideration of the question and the research materials drawn on
• issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely identified
• material chosen relates clearly to the topic and is analysed not just summarised or quoted extensively

b)  Communication & Development of Argument

• clear theme or argument
• arguments logical and well-organised
• ideas/paragraphs linked coherently

c)  Argument/Analysis

• originality of ideas and critical analysis of the material
• complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas
• suggestions for change where appropriate
• interdisciplinary perspective where appropriate
• addressing opposing arguments
• well-reasoned conclusions
• adherence to academic honesty standards

d)   Research

• research covering primary and secondary materials
• good organisation of sources and ability to synthesise all the research materials used
• use of theoretical material where appropriate
• range of research sources
• integration of material from research resources into the essay with appropriate referencing

e)  Presentation, style and referencing

• good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs
• clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of reader
• use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
• full and accurate footnotes together with a bibliography
• style according to Australian Guide to Legal Citation
• adherence to word limit

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students