Trade Policy Politics & Governance

This subject is not offered in 2014.

120 hours

Politics and International Studies at Undergraduate level

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject examines the politics and governance of international trade. It explores the domestic and international dimensions of trade policy-making and the growing complexity of the "trade agenda" in national and international politics. It examines theories of trade and protection and theories of trade policy-making. It examines the evolution of the multilateral trade system since World War Two and the contemporary and future challenges that confront the system. The subject examines some of the perennial problems in the governance of the global trade system, as well as new issues and concerns, such as trade and the environment, trade and development, and agenda-setting and decision-making in the WTO. Finally, the subject explores the emergence of regional trade blocs and "free trade agreements" and their consequences for the multilateral trade system.

On completion of this subject students should:

• have developed an understanding of the international trade system and its key institutions;
• have developed an understanding of how trade policy is developed, and the impact of trade politics on the policy process;
• be able to explain some of the key problems in contemporary trade policy.

A 3000 word essay (60%) due during semester and a 2000 word take-home exam (40%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Readings for the subject will be taken from a wide range of sources, some of which will be made available online through the LMS. Either one of the following texts will be very helpful for this subject but are not essential (students can access electronic copies through the University's library):

Bernard M Hoekman and Michel M Kostecki, The Political Economy of the World Trading System, 3rd ed. (Oxford University Press, 2010).

Michael Trebilcock, Robert Howse, and Antonia Eliason, The Regulation of International Trade, 4th ed. (Routledge, 2013).

World Trade Organisation, The World Trade Report 2007 (can be downloaded free from the WTO website)

World Trade Organisation, Understanding the WTO (2011)

Bernard M Hoekman and Michel M Kostecki, The Political Economy of the World Trading System, 3rd ed. (Oxford University Press, 2010).

Michael Trebilcock, Robert Howse, and Antonia Eliason, The Regulation of International Trade, 4th ed. (Routledge, 2013).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should:

• apply research skills and critical methods;
• develop persuasive arguments;
• communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively.