TRADE 7005 - Agriculture and Food in International Trade

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

This intensive course includes such topics as the rules, policy, and economic realities governing trade in agriculture and food. Module 1 typically begins by mapping out the historical evolution of the institutions and rules that govern trade in agriculture. It then typically moves on to a discussion of the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture. This module also typically discusses the Doha Round and why it failed, as well as looking at the current state of the WTO. Module 2 typically discusses the different forms of trade barriers that impede trade of these products, and what firms and governments can do to overcome these barriers. This module also typically discusses some of the major trade disputes that the WTO has had in the area of agricultural trade, and how these disputes were resolved. Finally, Module 3 typically discusses recent developments, such as sharpened concerns over food security due to supply chain disruptions and inflation, the rise in trade tensions and volatility caused by increasing geopolitical competition as the trading system becomes characterised by increasing multipolarity, and technological developments such as big data and IT.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code TRADE 7005
    Course Agriculture and Food in International Trade
    Coordinating Unit Institute for International Trade
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 36 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge TRADE 5000
    Assessment Typically, participation, group work, final assignment.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Vutha Hing

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this intensive course, students will be able to:
    1 Explain different national models for agricultural production and trade and their implications for the trading system;
    2 Identify and analyse the impacts of agricultural trade policies and policy instruments;
    3 Explain how agricultural reforms affect economic development and food security with a special focus on the developing world;
    4 Apply value chain analysis to specific sectoral contexts to help in the identification of export opportunities
    5 Assess changing global patterns of consumption and distribution of food and how food processors and retailers manage the supply chain
    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.

    1,2,3,4,5

    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.

    1,2,3,4,5

    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.

    4,5

    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.

    1,2,3,4,5

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

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

    1,2,3,4,5

    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.

    4,5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    To cover the range of topics on agriculture and food in international trade students are asked to undertake individual preliminary readings and research before class.

    It is expected that students spend at least two to three hours of preliminary reading before each face to face session. The below suggested list of reading should be considered by each student.



    Recommended Resources
    This course is an introduction to the concepts of agriculture and food in internationaltrade.  The supplementary texts provided
    below will help students to better understand the material discussed in class and to improve their understanding of trade and development.

    1. Students with no background in international economics or trade may wish to read and introductory text before starting the classes.


    * “International Trade: Free, Fair and Open?”, is an OECD publication that contains an easy introduction to the concepts and the data. It is FREELY AVAILABLE in different formats here http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/trade/international-trade_9789264060265-en


    * Alternately (or as well) students should consult the introductory chapters of a standard textbook (available in the Library or frequently at second-hand bookstores) such as Chapter 1 of “International Econmics” by Krugman and Obstfeld (Addison-Wesley – several editions)

    2. Students not familiar with the structure and content of the WTO Agreements could read at least the second chapter of ‘Understanding the WTO’ that can be found on-line here: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/utw_chap2_e.pdf


    * Students should also acquaint themselves with the content of at least Articles I - III of the GATT (1947) that can be found at http://www.wto.org/english/docs_e/legal_e/gatt47_01_e.htm


    3. Students should be familiar with, and to practice, good English grammar and expression. A suitable modern grammar such as Patricia T. O’Conner’s “Woe is I” (the latest edition, 2009, published by Penguin Putnam is available from many largebookstores e.g. Dymocks. The on-line price is $19.95 plus shipping).

     This course assumes that students are familiar with the terms and concepts of the e-learning Module 1 of Trade 5000: International Trade: Negotiations and Agreements. Access to this information can be gained through the following links:

    Tariffs
    https://360.articulate.com/review/content/2659b5a6-7898-4ac2-853f-297a6fa9790f/review

    Quotas
    https://360.articulate.com/review/content/5afe8401-61a1-4b7a-acbb-0821b03e83bc/review

    Subsidies
    https://360.articulate.com/review/content/122056a8-0f6d-4622-bffe-293b740e8953/review

    Dumping
    https://360.articulate.com/review/content/361cbce1-faa5-4e7d-95b8-e044b74b85a5/review

    Terms of Trade
    https://360.articulate.com/review/content/fa543c88-ae58-467d-be81-96ba522bfdb9/review

    Regional Trade Agreements
    https://360.articulate.com/review/content/552a760e-cbd9-4456-8d20-b5cf64d2fb0e/review

    Trade Creation and Trade Diversion
    https://360.articulate.com/review/content/6ab829db-5894-4a4b-9be7-6acbefc8f5e6/review 

     






    Online Learning

    Laptops/Tablets

    This course relies heavily on the use of on-line research materials. Students are strongly encouraged to bring a wifi-enabled device (preferably a laptop or tablet) to class to follow along with the demonstrations.

    Online resources

    * World Trade Organization: www.wto.org
    * World Bank on Trade: http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/trade
    * World Bank - General: www.worldbank.org/research/trade
    * Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development: www.oecd.org
    * International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development:  www.ictsd.org
    * Institute for International Trade: http://www.iit.adelaide.edu.au/
    * Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy: www.iatp.org/
    * International Trade Centre: www.intracen.org (and use of the ITC trade map)
    * Food and Agriculture Organization: www.fao.org
    * United Nations Conference on Trade and Development: www.unctad.org
    * United Nations Development Programme: www.undp.org (see Human Development Reports)
    * United Nations Millennium Project: www.unmillenniumproject.org
    * Asian Development Bank: www.adb.org
    * African Development Bank www.afdb.org
    * Inter-American Development Bank www.iadb.org

    Other online references will be given during the course.





  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • 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

    No information currently available.

    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    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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