Not available in 2020/21
GV4F8      Half Unit
Institutions and Global Trade

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Stephanie Rickard

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Comparative Politics, MSc in Political Science and Political Economy and Master of Public Policy. This course is not available as an outside option.

The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Tuesday 1 October 2019. You will be informed of the outcome by 17:00 on Wednesday 2 October 2019.

Course content

This course examines the role institutions play in global trade. Theories from both economics and political science are used to understand how formal institutions shape states’ trade policies. Both domestic and international institutions influence countries’ trade policies. Therefore, this course examines domestic political institutions, such as electoral systems, as well as international institutions, such as the World Trade Organization.

Teaching

10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the LT.

There will be a reading week in week 6 of the LT for private study and assessment preparation.

Formative coursework

Students will be asked to complete weekly writing assignments.

Indicative reading

Rose, Andrew K. (2004) Do We Really Know That the WTO Increases Trade? American Economic Review 94(1): 98-114; Rickard, Stephanie (2010) Democratic Differences: Electoral Institutions and Compliance with GATT/WTO Agreements. European Journal of International Relations; Moravcsik, Andy (1989) Disciplining Trade Finance: The OECD Export Credit Arrangement, International Organization; Nooruddin, Irfan and Joel W. Simmons (2006). The Politics of Hard Choices: IMF Programs and Government Spending. International Organization 60: 1001-1033.

Assessment

Essay (100%, 4000 words) in the ST.

Student performance results

(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 12.9
Merit 54.1
Pass 29.4
Fail 3.5

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Government

Total students 2019/20: 15

Average class size 2019/20: 13

Controlled access 2019/20: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information