International Trade Law unit (LAW263)

Introduction

In this unit students examine the global economy through the lens of bilateral, regional, and multi-lateral free trade rules, with a particular focus on entrenched economic and social inequalities and trans-national sovereign debt and climate change crises. This unit will closely examine the impact of global trade rules on the world’s poorer states. Many states are in a terrifying debt spiral, with each debt-renegotiation leading to more onerous re-payment terms. Intellectual property rules in trade agreements prevent poorer governments from accessing essential supplies such as COVID -19 vaccines and investment protection clauses have a ‘chilling’ effect on states needing to move away from reliance on fossil fuels. At the same time, multinational corporations exploit the low regulatory environments in ‘emerging’ markets to manufacture low-cost clothing, shoes, and other goods, at the expense of local workers. An understanding of the history, development and contemporary application of international trade rules provides insights into these and many other challenges facing the global political economy.

Summary

Unit name	International Trade Law
Unit code	LAW263
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Faculty of Law
Discipline	Law
Coordinator	Ms Anja Hilkemeijer
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the history, nature and challenges of multilateral, regional and bilateral trade regimes.
• Synthesize and clearly explain complex legal and policy issues related to international trade law into short written texts.
• Identify a contemporary trade law issue, research relevant primary and secondary sources and produce a critical written response.
• Contribute regularly, respectfully and meaningfully to class discussions with a demonstrated understanding of assigned primary and secondary sources.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

50 credit points of Introductory Law core, including successful completion of LAW102

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

LAW663

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Seminar: 2 hours, weekly on campus (weeks 1 -8, and week 12) Lecture: 2 hours, weekly on campus (weeks 1 -8 inclusive)
Assessment	Assessment Task 3: Essay outline (5%)|Assessment Task 2: Literature Review (15%)|Assessment Task 1: Participation (30%)|Research Paper (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
Recommended	There is no textbook for this unit. Weekly readings are provided on Mylo.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.