Program Overview

International Trade Regulation Course

Course Description

This course provides a general introduction to the principal multilateral organization responsible for the regulation of international trade, namely the World Trade Organization (WTO). Through an examination of the rules, principles, and functioning of the WTO and other regional trade agreements, students will assess the role and relevance of trade agreements and negotiations as part of a broader business development strategy.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to enable students to:

• Describe the linkages between trade policy and business operations and opportunities.
• Display an understanding of the terminologies, mechanisms, and financing challenges to export.
• Critically consider the implications of the WTO and other regional trading arrangements for market and products/services expansion in developing countries.
• Deepen their planning and innovation skills.
• Become familiar with the negotiating process and gain an appreciation of the need for business advocacy.

Student Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Identify, outline, and assess the main rules and principles of the world trading system.
• Explain the relevance of WTO-compatibility for regional/preferential trade agreements and business advocacy.
• Evaluate the extent to which the system is representative of the interests of developing countries, including those of the CARICOM.
• Assess the complexities and costs associated with standards (especially those associated with food and safety issues) and technical requirements for export expansion.
• Identify and assess the market opportunities and challenges presented by the stated agreements, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Caribbean region.
• Assess the relevance of newly emerging issues such as the environment and their possible implications for business.
• Evaluate the benefits and challenges of participating in the WTO dispute settlement process.

Course Curriculum Information

Course Lecturer and Director

• Course Lecturer Name(s): Mr. Curlan Gilchrist/Dr. Lucy Eugene
• Course Director Name: Mr. Curlan Gilchrist

Course Materials

• Prescribed Text: Mitsuo Matsushita et al., "The World Trade Organization: Law, Practice, and Policy"
• Relevant reading material will be provided in class, and additional reference materials will be placed in the library.

Course Grading Requirement

• Class Participation (attendance and contribution): 5%
• Individual Presentation: 10%
• Group Assignment (Written): 20%
• Group Presentation (In class): 15%
• Mid-semester exam: 20%
• Final Exam: 30%
• TOTAL: 100%

Course Requirements

Students will be required to:

1. Be prepared for class by doing the necessary readings.
2. Contribute thoughtful ideas to class discussions and engage in constructive debate.
3. Conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, including being respectful of the opinions of others.
4. Listen carefully to instructions given and ask the instructor if they do not understand.
5. Bring the text or copies of the relevant chapters to class at all times, unless instructed otherwise.

Academic Policies

Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism is regarded as a cardinal offense in academia because it constitutes theft of the work of someone else, which is then purported as the original work of the plagiarist. Plagiarism draws into disrepute the credibility of the Institution, its faculty, and students; therefore, it is not tolerated.

Attendance Requirement

Students are expected to attend all classes and or clinical rotations for which they have registered. Although attendance may not be recorded at every academic activity, attendance may be taken randomly. Students' absence may adversely affect their academic status as specified in the grading policy.

Examination Attendance

All matriculated students are expected to attend all assigned academic activities for each course currently registered. Medical excuses will be based on self-reporting by students. Students who feel they are too sick to take an examination or other required activity on a specific day must submit the online SAS medical excuse.

Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services Policy

A student with a disability or disabling condition that affects one or more major life activities, who would like to request an accommodation, must submit a completed application form and supporting documentation to the Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS) located in the Dean of Students Office.