About the Course

The aim of the course is to discover the rationale and instruments of regulation of trade between states. The course covers public aspects of international trade. It starts with historical, philosophical and economical grounds for performing trade between countries. It also presents the reasons for public law engagement in the regulatory process. Next the evolution of system of world trade is presented. Starting from the unsuccessful project of International Trade Organization, provisional use of GATT agreement, through the rise of the World Trade Organization until the contemporary issues, like bilateralism vs. multilateralism in the context of recent Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, the problem of human rights and development in the context of world trade and trade and environment dilemma. The course is open, so new elements can be added to it as they will be found worth being presented through this medium. The course is based on public international law. In this broad field the course will concentrate on some aspects of international economic law and within this last discipline the legal aspects of trade in goods will be the heart of the course. The course is designed as an open course. Everyone is welcomed to participate. Some group of the participants will however the students of the courses lectured by dr Maciej Nyka. The course will be an instrument of revision of the knowledge presented at the course. Soon there will be also an optional Workbook (e-book) published which will develop the content of this course.

Course Syllabus

Course consists of modules and units. There are following modules. Each of them consists of one or more units.

1. History and sources of international trade law
   Module 1 - Unit 1      Module 1 Unit 1
   Module 1 - Unit 2      Module 1 Unit 2
   Module 1 - Unit 3      Module 1 Unit 3
   
2. Principles of international trade law
3. Institutional structure of World Trade Organization – the most prominent, global economic integration organization
   Module 3 Unit 1
   Module 3 Unit 2
   Materials
   Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization
   General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1947
   General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994
4. Overview of most important obligations in the World Trading Order
5. Dispute settlement mechanisms
   Module 5 Unit 1
   Materials
   Trade Policy Review Mechanism
   Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes
   
6. Future perspectives

Recommended background

The course is an open course. The content will be presented in a way that will enable anyone to participate. Knowledge of public international law will surely be advantage for the participant.

Suggested readings

The suggested reading will be presented in the course materials. Most of the materials will be easily available in the public domain. After the publication of Workbook (e-book) most of the suggested reading will be included there.

Course format

Course consists of six modules. Each of them is divided into units. The size of the modules may wary. Each unit includes: video – of around 20 minutes, reading – suggestions as to the materials which may enhance student’s knowledge and self check questions. Course is also an invitation for further own studies. At some points there are some simplifications in the way material is being presented. One should keep in his mind that this is e-learning course limited in time and materials, not a scientific publication.

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