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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Maria McDonald
Semester 2: Maria McDonald
Autumn: Maria McDonald
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
The purpose of this module is to critically analyse the legal structures and mechanisms which underline the international trade law regime. The module examines the main institutions and instruments delaing with international trade, particularly the World Trade Organisation, and also assesses the role of regional trade organisations and agreements. It provides an insight into the place of non-State trade actors in the international regime and highlights the impact of international trade law on specific issues, such as the environment, child labour, human rights etc.

Learning Outcomes
1. Analyse the structure and functioning of the interntaional trade law regime, including the main principles and laws of the WTO
2. Critique the main principles and rules of the WTO and regional trade systems
3. Examine the relationship between international trade law and other areas of law including international human rights law, labour law, environmental law
4. Appraise and debate the impact of the international trade law regime on States and non-State actors, such as Multinational Corporations, with reference to relevant legal provisions and academic commentary



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture242 hour lecture. Class discussion. Group work. Simulations. Case studies. Class Discussion
Independent learning time226Research, Reading, Completing Assignment, Exam Preparation
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Introduction to International Trade Law.
History of the international trade law regime; Economic globalisation and international trade.

The WTO.
Sources of WTO lawMandate and Membership of WTO; Structure and Functions of WTO.

International Trade Law and the Environment.
International legal instruments on trade and the environment; WTO's Committee on Trade and Environment; Panel Decisions on environment.

International Trade Law and Intellectual property Rights.
The provisions of 1994 TRIPS Agreement; Access to medicine for developing countries under TRIPS.

Child Labour.
ILO Conventions on Child Labour; UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Multi-national Corporations and International Trade Law.
Discussion of accountability of MNCs for violations of human rights; ILO, OECD and UN measures regarding MNCs and human rights violations.

Regional Trade Regimes.
Trade regulation by regional organisations, e.g. EU, NAFTA, MERCOSUR / MERCOSUL.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayEssay dealing with one of principle issues of international trade law regime50%n/a
AssignmentSimulation (e.g. negotiation) on trade law issues, with both written and oral elements50%n/a
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category
Indicative Reading List
  • Bethlehem et al: 2009, The Oxford Handbook of International Trade Law, OUP,
  • Cottier et al: 0, Human Rights and International Trade,
  • Vraines: 0, Trade and the Environment,
  • van den Bossche: 0, Law and Policy of the WTO,
Other Resources
None
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