Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier

LAM7910

Module Title

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW AND INSTITUTIONS (WTO)

Academic Year

2011/2012

Co-ordinator

Professor Diane Rowland

Semester

Available all semesters

Course Delivery

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	One assignment of 5,000 words	100%
Supplementary Assessment	One assignment of 5,000 words	100%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of, and an ability to engage in critical discussion on, the origins, mandate and institutional aspects of the WTO.
2. Display a high level of knowledge of the activities of the WTO and their impact on international business.
3. Critically assess the role of the WTO within the wider framework of global economic governance.
4. Assess critically and explain the interrelationship between the work of the WTO and other current issues of global importance such as the protection of the environment and promotion of human rights.
5. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills and apply them to concrete problems in the field of WTO law and an ability to identify, locate and assess additional relevant material.

Aims

The World Trade Organization is an important institution for international economic governance. Its work remains crucial for the effective conduct of international business, especially in relations to international trade. At present, there is no module within the LLM programme dealing with the WTO, its operations and laws and this module will fill that gap in the provision. The aims of the module include: introducing students to the origins and institutional aspects of the WTO; enhancing their understanding of the activities of the WTO and its relations with international business; and examining the interrelationship between the work of the WTO and other current issues of international importance such as the protection of the environment, promotion of human rights and labour standards. How these issues are resolved will be significant for businesses, especially in terms of their production processes and methods.

Brief description

This module covers the international legal and institutional framework for regulating international trade under the aegis of the WTO. The WTO began its work in 1995 as the principal organization coordinating laws affecting international trade, but its work has a much wider impact on the regulation of international business activities. This module will explore WTO law and its significance for international business.

Content

1. The WTO: Origins, Mandate and Institutions
2. The WTO: Dispute Settlement System
3. The WTO: Core Principles of the GATT
4. The WTO: International Trade and Social Concerns
5. The WTO: Regional Trade Agreements

Module Skills

Skills Type	Skills details
Application of Number	N/A
Communication	Written communication is developed by the presentation of information and argument in written answers and in a more informal way by the use of Blackboard to encourage communication among students and between students and staff. Oral communication skills are developed at the residential study schools. Only written skills assessed.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Distance learning, by its very nature, requires strong individual learning and performance structures and this module further develops key skills in this area.
Information Technology	The module is delivered almost entirely by distance learning which relies heavily on the use of electronic information resources and on-line learning and teaching. This will help students develop their information technology skills.
Personal Development and Career planning	Independent learning enhances time management skills. Studying the module will also develop an enhanced capacity for critical thought and the ability to work independently.
Problem solving	By the examination and discussion of questions raised in the module.
Research skills	Students will be required to read and study beyond the set module texts and to locate further materials and research findings on the subject.
Subject Specific Skills	None
Team work	Team working skills will be developed in discussions at the residential study schools.

Reading List

Recommended Text
Baldwin, R., (ed) (2009) Multilateralizing Regionalism Challenges for the Global Trade Cambridge University Press Primo search Den Bossche, V. (2008) The Law and Policy of the World Trade Organization Cambridge University Press Primo search Irwin, D. A. et al. (2008) The Genesis of the GATT Cambridge University Press Primo search Matsushita, M et al. (2006) The World Trade Organization, Law Practice and Policy Oxford University Press Primo search Trebilcock, M.J. and Howse, R. (2005) The Regulation of International Trade 3rd Routledge Primo search Journal of International Economic Law Primo search Journal of World Trade Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7