Trade Policy Politics & Governance

Subject POLS90012 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

February, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-Apr-2016
Assessment Period End 27-May-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 18-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 29-Apr-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 contact hours (8 x 3hr seminars)
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Politics and International Studies at Undergraduate level

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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/

Coordinator

Prof Ann Capling

Contact

Professor Ann Capling
Email: ann.capling@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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.

Learning Outcomes:

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.
Assessment:
  • Three in-class short tests collectively equivalent to 1000 words, held in Weeks 3, 5 and 7 of teaching (30% - each worth 10%)
  • Group assignment equivalent to 1500 words per individual student, due Week 6 of teaching (30%)
  • Research essay of 2500 words, due one week after the conclusion of the teaching period (40%)

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

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).

Recommended Texts:

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).

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students should:

  • apply research skills and critical methods;
  • develop persuasive arguments;
  • communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively.
Related Course(s): Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Administration (Enhanced)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
100 Point Master of Development Studies - Gender and Development Specialisation
100 Point Master of International Relations
100 Point Master of Journalism
100 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
150 Point Master of Development Studies
150 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
150 Point Master of Development Studies - Gender and Development Specialisation
150 Point Master of Journalism
150 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
200 Point Master of Development Studies
200 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
200 Point Master of Development Studies - Gender and Development Specialisation
200 Point Master of International Relations
200 Point Master of Journalism
200 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
EMA 150 point program - full time over 1.5 years
EMA 200 point program - full time over 1.5 years
EMA 200 point program - full time over 2 years
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced) - Public Policy and Management
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced) - Public Policy and Management
Master of International Business electives
PC-ARTS Public Policy and Management
PD-ARTS Public Policy and Management

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