TRADE 5000 - International Trade: Negotiations & Agreements

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 1 - 2023

The course International Trade: Negotiation and Agreements, consists of three modules designed to progressively introduce students into the complex world of trade negotiations, with focus on the World Trade Organization. Module 1 starts with supplying broad conceptual toolkits for understanding International Political Economy (IPE); an essential framework for an increasingly contested global economy. It then introduces the concept of Economic Diplomacy as a set of tools states use in order to advance their interests abroad - and at home. Then students are introduced to theories of trade bargaining, as a subset of economic diplomacy. Module 2 shifts focus to the evolution of the WTO, and its current institutional arrangements. Broad consideration is also given to the various trade instruments, from tariffs to intellectual property rights, inter alia, governed at the WTO level, and updates students on current debates over the future of the WTO. Module 3 obliges students to utilise the toolkits and institutional knowledge developed in modules 1 and 2 in an intensive trade bargaining simulation. The course is delivered through a blended learning approach with teaching materials and online modules provided through the MyUni course page. Students are expected to complete all online modules prior to the face-to-face sessions.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code TRADE 5000
    Course International Trade: Negotiations & Agreements
    Coordinating Unit Institute for International Trade
    Term Trimester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 36 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assessment Participation/group work/online quiz at conclusion of Modules I & II; final assignment.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Peter Draper

    Name: Professor Peter Draper
    Role: Course coordinator
    Location: Level 5, Nexus 10 (10 Pulteney Street)
    Email: peter.draper@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    The International Trade: Negotiations and Agreements course aims to build internationally competitive knowledge and understanding in the area of international trade by challenging students to engage in cognitive and critical thinking skills and requiring them to demonstrate the ability to analyse and integrate information across the broad disciplines of economics, law and politics in both a domestic and international context.

    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1 Evaluate trade in the modern world through studying the global institutions involved in the multilateral trading system, the gains from trade and social issues affected by trade;
    2 Explain the elements of international trade by reviewing the historical development of multilateral agreements and instruments of trade policy;
    3 Critically reflect on how trade agreements are negotiated in the WTO;
    4 Analyse the influence of key actors and institutions on multilateral trade;
    5 Critically examine the operation and application of multilateral trade agreements in a practical context; and
    6 Apply effective writing, research and presentation skills in the construction of policy argument and analysis on international trade issues.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,3

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    2,1,3,4,5

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1,3,6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1,2,3,4,5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1,3,4

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1,2,3,5,6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1,2,3,5,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The following readings will be provided in e-book format via Myuni - there is no need to purchase them.

    Module 1

    Robert Gilpin (2001) Global Political Economy: Understanding the International Economic Order. Princeton: Princeton UP. Chapter 4.

    Nicholas Bayne and Stephen Woolcock (2003) The New Economic Diplomacy: Decision-Making and Negotiation in International Economic Relations. Aldershot: Ashgate. Chapter 1.

    John S. Odell (2000) Negotiating the World Economy. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. Chapter 2.


    Module 2

    The WTO’s website contains a wealth of information on the organization and its covered agreements. Students should regularly refer to it.

    Reference material

    Bernard Hoekman, Aaditya Matto, and Philip English (2002) Development, Trade, and the WTO. Washington: World Bank. (pdf freely available online)


    Module 3

    Students will be provided with WTO accession negotiation simulation packs, containing the core materials you need.

    The WTO’s website contains a wealth of information on the organization and its covered agreements. Students should regularly refer to it.
    Recommended Resources
    The WTO website contains a wealth of information on the organization and its covered agreements. Students should regularly refer to it.

    Students will also be provided with a number of e-learning videos that will be assessed online via Myuni.

    Paul Blustein (2009) Misadventures of the Most Favoured Nations: Clashing Egos, Inflated Ambitions, and the Great Shambles of the World Trade System. New York: Public Affairs.
    Online Learning
    The course makes extensive use of MyUni for the posting of course materials and important announcements. It is expected that all students will regularly check the MyUni course website, and regularly check their university email accounts.

    Books Students Can Obtain for Free Online
    From the World Trade Organisation 
    Understanding the WTO http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/understanding_e.pdf 
    GATS – Fact and Fiction  http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/serv_e/gatsfacts1004_e.pdf 
    Managing the Challenges of WTO Participation: 45 Case Studies https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/casestudies_e/casestudies_e.htm 
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The Learning & Teaching modes of this course will comprise of a mix of online and face-to face modules. These will include group work and presentations, discussions and debate.

    To successfully pass your course, you will need to allocate an appropriate time commitment to your study. In addition to the formal contact time required for each of your courses (e.g. intensive modules delivered by lectures, case studies and group work), you will need to allocate non-contact time.

    Non-contact time will be required for a range of activities which may include, but are not limited to, assessment tasks, reading, researching, note-taking, revision, writing, consultation with staff, and informal discussions with other students.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The institute requires students to successfully complete all online/e-modules. This course comprise of approximately 36 contact hours (structured learning). In addition to time spent in class, students are expected to devote an additional 120 non-contact hours to study and research work in this course as well as to successfully complete online/e-modules.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Module I:
    Trade in the Modern World Economy
    Students will review key theoretical concepts of international political economy in relation to the evolution of the post World War Two international economy. The institutional architecture comprising the Liberal International Economic Order will be covered, with reference to the IMF, World Bank, and WTO. The underlying nature of the system will be reviewed, in relation to the evolving balance between national prerogatives (sovereignty), the domestic actors and interests that shape national political economy, and the interaction between nation states and the institutions governing the global economy. Students will also explore theoretical concepts of economic diplomacy and trade barganing to elucidate how different countries prepare for and participate in trade negotiations, with select case-studies presented. 
    Module II: Trade Agreements and Instruments of Trade Policy The focus of this module is the WTO system and the myriad of multilateral trade agreements that form the basis for governance of modern international trade; the key principles that govern the system; and the functioning of the system itself. Within this, the main instruments of trade policy will be explored, with practical application to trade negotiations in the WTO context. The contours of increasingly sharp debates about the impacts of trade integration on national economic development in various contexts will also be reviewed.
    Module III: The Negotiation of Trade Agreements The focus of module 3 is a capstone negotiation simulation wherein students will be expected to apply the theoretical and institutional insights developed in Modules I and II. The simulation will be anchored in a WTO accession process, with students divided into groups representing countries. Each country will receive a negotiating mandate; roles will be allocated; and space provided for the negotiations to take place. This is an intensive, immersive experience that will be time-consuming.
    Specific Course Requirements
    As this is an intensive course, students in this course are expected to attend all classes throughout the trimester.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome
    Online quizzes Formative Before each Module 10% 1,2,3,4
    Discussion board participation Formative Before each Module 10% 1,2,3,4
    Group work Formative Modules 2 and 3 30% 3,4,5,6
    Peer assessment Formative Modules 2 and 3 10% 5,6
    Report/Policy brief Summative End of Term 40% 1,2,3,4,5,6
    Assessment Detail
    Online Quizzes (10%)

    Students will be required to complete online assessments on MyUni prior to the face-to-face sessions (Modules).

     
    Discussion board participation (10%)

    Students will be assessed based on their contributions on the discussion board.


    Group work (30%)

    Groups will be formed in Module 1. Students will work on and resolve a problem/case assigned by the lecturer and present their results to the class. 

    Peer assessment (10%)

    Group members are expected to evaluate the conduct and contributions of their team members through peer evaluation.


    Report/Policy brief (40%)

    Students will individually work on a report/policy brief assigned by the lecturer. Students are to synthesize materials, concepts, topics and tools covered throughout the course. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge while expressing themselves clearly and in a structured manner.

    Submission
    All assignments must be submitted as softcopy through Turnitin on the MyUni course page.

    All assignments must be presented professionally with clear headings, appropriate referencing and using one and a half spacing.

    Your name and student ID must be presented on the title page.

    Extensions will only be granted if requests are received in writing to the course coordinator at least 24 hours before the final due date unless they are requested on medical or compassionate grounds and are supported by appropriate documents.

    Please contact the course coordinator by email, at any time to make an appointment for assistance or guidance in relation to course work, assignments or any concerns that may arise.

    Online feedback on assignments will normally be returned within four weeks after they have been submitted.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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