Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
International Trade Law
Course Code
JF_467
Branch of Science
International Rights; Law
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Juridical Science
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Giga Abuseridze
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The objective of this course is to give students a comprehensive overview of the world trading system, with in-depth knowledge of selected segments in this increasingly influential branch of international law.
The course will approach the subject through three modules. The first module presents an overview of the world trading system, the GATT/WTO, the dispute settlement mechanism and domestic implementation of international trade obligations. The second module focuses on the three fundamental principles of the WTO - tariff binding, most-favored-nation, and national treatment. The third module looks at recent trends in global trade law and policy in light of new trade deals, Britain’s exit from the EU and USA vs China trade war.
Preliminary Knowledge
International Law
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.On completion of the study course, a reasonably diligent student should be able to accomplish the following: 1. Understand and successfully use basic WTO legal terminology and concepts; 2. Explain the institutional structure of the WTO and its dispute settlement system; 3. Understand the basic system of WTO rules and exceptions and apply them to concrete factual problems in the world of international trade; 4. Understand the relationship between the GATT and other WTO covered agreements.
Skills
1.On completion of the study course, students should develop their skills as follow: 1. Interpersonal communication skills - mastering WTO legal terminology through exposure, repetition, and use in class/or online format; 2. Technology skills - learning to work with internet and resource databases; 3. Critical thinking - developing the ability to analyze, compare, and criticize different legal approaches to problem solving.
Competences
1.Upon completion of the course students will have the competence to: 1. Demonstrate clear knowledge of the history, institutional structures, and conceptual underpinnings of international trade law; 2. Display an in-depth understanding of the normative content of international trade rules, and of the mechanics of their operation; 3. Critically evaluate the jurisprudence of relevant international dispute resolution bodies, highlighting gaps within the law and shortcomings in its implementation; 4. Understand the ideological, geopolitical and economic contestations at play in international trade law and policy; 5. Use theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the analysis of various situations in international trade. 6. Formulate arguments and counter-arguments in connection with trade disputes; 7. Interpret legal norms.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
-
|
-
|
|
In-depth analysis/research of trade disputes will be mandatory and appropriate credit will be provided.
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Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
-
|
-
|
|
Submission of an essay of 5,000 words (including footnotes) which contains significant research and which critically evaluates the literature and/or a case study on a particular topic.
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||
|
2.
Examination |
-
|
-
|
|
Presentation (20%)
Short presentation to be delivered in class/in Zoom format on topics agreed by the lecturer and students in consultation
[dates to be decided, Nov-Dec 2021].
Essay (80%)
Submission of an essay of 5,000 words (including footnotes) which contains significant research and which critically evaluates the literature and/or a case study on a particular topic [deadline January 2022].
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||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sources of Law in the WTO
|
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
International Trade: Role of the National Law in International Law
|
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Correlation of Norms of International Law within the Framework of the WTO law: Conflicts between Treaties
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Trade War: USA versus China
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Rules, Norms and enforcement in the WTO
|
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Developing Country Status in WTO
|
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Sources of Law in the WTO
|
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
International Trade and the Law of the WTO
|
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Trade War: USA versus China
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
International Trade: Role of the National Law in International Law
|
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basic Rules and Principles of WTO Law
|
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Rules, Norms and enforcement in the WTO
|
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Labour Standards, Human Rights and Public Health in the WTO
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Developing Country Status in WTO
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
International Trade Strategy: from GATT to the WTO
|
-
Video Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
International Trade Strategy: from GATT to the WTO
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
The Law and Policy of the World Trade Organization: Text, Cases and Materials (3rd edition, 2012) Authors: Peter Van den Bossche & Werner Zdouc
2.
International Trade Law: Problems, Cases, and Materials (2d Ed., 2012) Authors: Daniel C.K. Chow & Thomas J. Schoenbaum