TRADE 2000OUA - International Trade: Negotiations & Agreements

OUA - Trimester 3 - 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 2000OUA
    Course International Trade: Negotiations & Agreements
    Coordinating Unit Institute for International Trade
    Term Trimester 3
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s OUA
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Incompatible TRADE 5000
    Restrictions Available only to University of Adelaide Open Universities Australia students
    Assessment Participation/group work/online quiz at conclusion of Modules I & II/ final assignment.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Nathan Gray

    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 course students will be able to:
    1 Evaluate the impacts of trade in the contemporary world by examining the roles of global institutions in multilateral trading systems, analysing the economic benefits derived from trade, or assessing the social factors affected by trade.
    2 Explain the components of international trade by examining historic and contemporary examples.
    3 Analyse the influence of key actors and institutions on multilateral trade, considering their roles, motivations, and impact on trade policy outcomes.
    4 Critically examine the practical implementation and application of multilateral trade in real-world contexts, considering their effectiveness, challenges, and potential benefits.
    5 Demonstrate effective skills in writing, research, and presentation to construct well-founded policy arguments and analyses 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.

    1, 3, 4

    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.

    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.

    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

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

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

    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.

    5
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    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.
    Workload

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

    This course is comprised of 12 modules, over 12 weeks.

    You do not have to spend a full week on each module if you would like to progress through them more intensively, but we recommend that you move through each module in sequence (start with Orientation, then Module 1, then Module 2, etc.), as the modules are linked to each other, and to the requirements and timing of assessments.

    In order to get the most out of the course, it is important that you engage with all of the course material in the order that it is given. Complete readings and knowledge checks and participate in discussions to the best of your ability. 

    Readings are pointed out to you and accessible from within the lesson pages. You can also always find them under the Course Readings tab. Extended resources are optional, but recommended, as they will support and extend your learning experience.  

    Each week, an interactive session will be held. The interactive sessions will focus on unpacking the weekly topics, giving clarification on challenging elements and setting you up for success in the assessments.

    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Week 1 Introduction to International Relations
    Week 2 Politics, Trade and Power
    Week 3 The international system since World War II
    Week 4 Foundations of international political economy
    Week 5 Economic diplomacy
    Week 6 International and supra-national bodies
    Week 7 Global value chains
    Week 8 Domestic requirements for free trade
    Week 9 Trade policy and domestic economy
    Week 10 Negotiation
    Week 11 Change and continuity
    Week 12 Trade and strategic alliance
  • 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
    1000 word case study Formative andSummative

    Week 4

    20% 1,2,3,5
    1000 word essay Formative and Summative Week 7 20% 1,3,4,5
    1500 word business proposal and policy analysis Formative and Summative Week 11 30% 3,4,5
    6 x quizzes Formative and Summative Various 30% 1,2,3
    Assessment Detail
    1000 word case study: understanding the international system (20% weighting)
    Choose one of the following events and explain the actions from a Realist and Liberal perspective.
    • The Bretton Woods Agreement (1944)
    • Formation of the European Economic Community (1958)
    • Formation of BRICS (2006)
    • The Belt & Road Initiative (2013)
    • The Trans-Pacific Partnership (2016)

    1000 word essay: IPE and economic diplomacy  (20% weighting)
    Imagine you are a state along one of the land/sea routes of the Belt & Road Initiative. A delegation from the People’s Republic of China invites your nation to join, promising much greater access to trade, global markets, and investment from the Silk Road Fun or Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Do You Accept?
    Consider:
    • Your geographic location
    • Other international bodies you may need to deal with
    • Risk and rewards
    • Potential influence (to you, and from you to others,
    • Any other relevant factors

    1500 word business proposal and policy analysis: trade policy and value chains (30% weighting)
    Part 1 (Business Proposal)
    You are trying to start a business in [randomly assigned country]. Devise a global value chain derived from one of the nation’s key imports/exports.
    Part 2 (Policy Analysis)
    Imagine you are the Minister of Trade of a country, and the following trade agreement has landed on your desk. Do you accept? Tell us why and suggest any changes needed to make the deal acceptable.

    6 x quizzes: MCQ and short answer (30% weighting / 5% per quiz)
    Short comprehension quizzes are to be done on assigned dates throughout the course. These quizzes will provide you with ongoing feedback about your understanding of the course content.
    1. IR Theories, Trade and Power (Week 2)
    2. The International System and IPE (Week 4)
    3. Economic Diplomacy and International Bodies (Week 6)
    4. Global Value Chains and Domestic Requirements for Free Trade (Week 8)
    5. Trade Policy and Negotiation (Week 10)
    6. Change, Continuity, and Emerging Trends (Week 12)
    Submission

    All assessments will be submitted electronically via MyUni.

    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
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