| Academic year: | 2010-2011 |
| Course code module | MREC0700 |
| Semester: | 2nd semester |
| Credits: | 3 |
| Study load (hours) | 84 |
| Theory (hours): | |
| Practice/Exercises(hours): | 30,00 |
| Other (hours): | |
| Part-time program: | |
| Instructor(s) | Alexia Herwig
|
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Semester exam information: | exam in the 2nd semester |
| Contract restriction information: | |
1. Prerequisites
*Algemene competenties
Students should either study for a law degree or have taken some law classes if they study for a different degree. Prior coursework in international law and EU law is helpful but not required.
*Sequentiality
None
2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes)
Students will have a solid understanding of the substantive law, the dispute settlement mechanism of the WTO and the applicable methods of interpretation. Students will be able to evaluate primary legal texts, judicial interpretation and academic writings independently and critically in the broader socio-economic and political context. After having taken this course, students will be able to apply law to novel practical problems and to solve fact-patter problems independently. They will have enhanced their legal and general argumentation skills and will be able to evaluate the rationality and justification of WTO law.
3. Course content
This course is an introductory course to the substantive law of the World Trade Organization. Students are introduced to the main principles of WTO law and to institutional aspects of the WTO. Topics covered include the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism, the theory of comparative advantage, tariffs, quantitative restrictions, national treatment and MFN, subsidies, anti-dumping, safeguards, general exceptions, TRIPS, GATS, the SPS Agreement, development and the constitutionalization of the WTO.
4. Teaching method
5. Assessment method
6. Compulsory reading – study material
The course uses the following textbook: Simon Lester and Bryan Mercurio, World Trade Law: Text, Materials and Commentary (Hart Publishing: Oxford and Portland, 2008). Copies are available at the ACCO bookshop on Prinsstraat.
7. Recommended reading - study material
Students are encouraged to read key provisions in the primary legal texts and limited secondary literature as indicated in the syllabus.
8. Tutoring
I am available for questions during the office hours indicated in the syllabus. The purpose of the office hour is to give students and opportunity to see me in case they have specific or general problems following the course.