This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The intellectual and institutional history of international economic law has aptly been described in one phrase-'From politics to technocracy- and back again.' The separation of economic development from political issues, upon which policymaking in the World Bank and the IMF is largely based, is coming under increasing criticism. GATT/WTO law has developed into a highly contentious set of institutions, rules and principles delineating ‘acceptable’ forms of economic regulation from ‘unacceptable’ ones. This module will trace these developments, and provide a thorough grounding in the institutions, rules and principles of international economic policymaking. The module will also discuss the proliferation of bilateral and regional preferential trade agreements in terms of its impact on both the multilateral trading system and on the separation of trade and investment issues from political considerations. Lastly, the module will occupy itself with the rise of investment treaty arbitration and the migration of fundamental concepts and principles of trade law to investment law.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 178
Total study hours: 200
PGCert/PGDip/LLM in (Specialisation) Brussels
Main assessment methods
The module will be assessed by 100% coursework as follows:
Essay, 5,000 words (100%)
Reassessment methods
100% coursework.
• Matthias Herdegen, Principles of International Economic Law (OUP, 2nd ed., 2016)
• Simon Lester et al., World Trade Law: Text, Materials and Commentary (Hart, 3rd ed., 2018)
• Michael Trebilcock et al., The Regulation of International Trade (Routledge, 4th ed., 2013)
• Peter Van den Boscche and Werner Zdouc, The Law and Policy of the World Trade Organisation: Text, cases and materials (CUP, 4th ed.,
2017)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the major institutions, rules and principles of international economic law.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the theoretical debates and academic controversies surrounding the
proliferation of bilateral and regional preferential trade agreements.
3. Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the developing relationship between international trade law and international
investment law.
4. Place issues of international economic law in its proper economic and political context.
5. Critically evaluate and assess the historical and ideological underpinnings of international economic law.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding in the form of critically reasoned arguments.
2. Carry out thorough research analysing various points of view and using wide sources.
3. Express themselves to a high standard in a coherent written form with appropriate use of citation.
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