International trade is an elective which would be of interest to students wishing to be employed in the commercial field in both the UK and overseas. This module covers the international legal and institutional framework for regulating international trade. The module helps you to understand different aspects of international law and be able to apply them to business and management problems arising in a global economy. It examines the legal, economic, political and institutional underpinnings of the world trade regime, the core principles and legal rules governing international trade in goods, and services. One of the focus will be the World Trade Organization (WTO), which began to work in 1995 as a general umbrella organisation coordinating laws affecting trade, but is also having a much wider impact on the regulation of international business activities. It also examines the various contracts that are essential components of international trade transactions, such as international sales contracts, the contract of carriage and the insurance contract. In addition, legal issues arising from international trade and dispute settlement will be explored in the class.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops which will introduce topics and guide students' independent reading and study.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Feedback/feedforward sessions and workshops | 66 |
| Guided independent study | 234 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The assessment will consist of two individual pieces of coursework (50% each).The assessment will require students to demonstrate an understanding of the legal issues involved, to carry out independent research into the law on international trade contracts, and to present and communicate their research findings effectively. The assessment allows students to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and ability to apply the law, as well as their ability to research the law.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Demonstrate an understanding of the law relating to international trade | Summative: coursework |
| 2) Critically evaluate the legal rules applicable to international trade | Summative: coursework |
| 3) Apply the rules relating to international trade to the solution of problems | Summative: coursework |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 50% |
| Coursework | Coursework | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS not a requirement that the major assessment category is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
I Carr, International Trade Law (Routledge)
Van Den Bossche & Zdouc, The Law and Policy of the Word Trade Organization: Text, Cases and Materials (3rd Edition, Cambridge University Press 2013)
Michael Trebilcock, Robert Howse & Antonia Eliason (Trebilcock & Howse), The Regulation of International Trade (4th Edition, Routledge 2013)
International Trade Statute Book
R Bradgate, Commercial Law (Butterworths)
J Chuah, Law of International Trade (Sweet & Maxwell)
C Schmitthoff, ed L D'Arcy, C Murray and B Cleave, Schmitthoff's Export Trade: the Law and Practice of International Trade (Sweet & Maxwell)
P Todd, Cases and Materials in International Trade Law (Sweet & Maxwell)