TRADE 7005 - Agriculture and Food in International Trade

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 2 - 2019

This intensive course is a core course for the Masters in International Trade and Development (MITD) and is also offered as an elective for students pursuing other degree paths at The University of Adelaide. The course is central to the MITD because of the importance of agriculture and food to economic development and international trade. It will include such topics as key agricultural policy models, the role of intergovernmental organisations, global value chains the growing impact on trade of private standards and food insecurity . The course will also include the recent transformation in markets and methods as retailers have gained a greater influence over production and distribution decisions. Over the course students will also gain from the contributions of practically experienced experts. The course is delivered through a blended learning approach with teaching materials and online activities provided through the MyUni course page. Students are expected to complete all online activities prior to the related face-to-face sessions.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code TRADE 7005
    Course Agriculture and Food in International Trade
    Coordinating Unit Institute for International Trade
    Term Trimester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 36 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites TRADE 5000
    Assumed Knowledge TRADE 5000
    Assessment Participation/group work; final assignment.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Douglas Young

    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,3,4,5
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1,2,3,4,5
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    4,5
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1,2,3,4,5
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    1,2,3,4,5
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    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
    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.
    Workload

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

    The Institute requires students undertaking this course to attend all face-to-face modules and 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

    The course will be delivered through a mix of three face-to-face sessions (Modules) and online modules. Students are also expected to participate on the discussion board on MyUni.
    Schedule
    Module 
    1 Module 1 will be focussed on helping students to gain a better understanding of the contribution of food and agriculture to economies and how various policy instruments affect trade in agriculture and food. Value chain analysis will also be explained and applied in Module 1.
    2 Module 2 will further develop the impact of the Uruguay round on trade in agriculture and food. It will also cover aspects of trade disputes.
    3
    Module 3 will expand on changing patterns of global consumption, distribution and governance of supply chains as well as food security and food aid.
    Because the course engages visiting experts with practical experience there may be somechanges in the sequencing of activities to accommodate their availability.
  • 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
    Pre-F2F activities Summative TBA - Before each Modules 25% 1,2,3,4,5
    Group work: Presentation (incl 5% peer assessment) Summative TBA - Module 2 15% 4,5
    Group work: Written report (incl 5% individual contribution) Summative TBA - Module 2 15% 4,5
    Active Participation Summative TBA - Module 2 5% 1,2,3,4,5
    Report/Policy brief Summative TBA - End of Term 40% 1,2,3,4,5
    Assessment Detail

    Pre-F2F activities (25%)

    Students will be required to complete on line activities on the MyUni Discussion section of the course prior to the face-to-face sessions (Modules).

    Group work (30%)

    Students will be randomly allocated to groups to work on a research task assigned by the lecturer.  The group work will comprise the following two components:

    Oral presentation (15%)

    The group will provide a short oral presentation to the rest of the class.  The presentation will be assessed by both the lecturer (10%) and each of the other groups (5%)

    Written report (15%)

    Following feedback on the oral presentation each group will submit a written report through Turnitin.  The written report will be assessed by the lecturer on its overall quality (10%).  In addition the report will need to identify the contribution of each member of the group.  These individual contributions will be assessed by the lecturer (5%).

     Active participation (5%)

    The course includes three face-to-face sessions during which students will participate in a variety of scheduled activities.  Attendance at these sessions is necessary for students to actively participate in these activities.  Consequently attendance at the sessions will contribute to each students active participation mark.

     Report/policy brief (40%)

    Students will individually work on a report/policy brief assigned by the lecturer.  Students will be expected to synthesise materials, concepts, topics and tools covered through the course and to demonstrate their ability to apply this knowledge through a clearly expressed
    and well structured written report.





    Submission
    Assignments must be submitted through:

    Turnitin on MyUni

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


    Extensions will only be granted if requests are received in writing to the course coordinator and program director 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, preferably by email, at any time to make an appointment for assistance or guidance in relation to this course.
    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.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.