The Global Trading System

6 unitsIn PersonNot offered

Crawford School of Public Policy · ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy

About this course

This course is available for on-campus & remote (online) learning. All students participate in interactive, real-time classes. This course provides an introduction to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The main topics in this course include the basics of international trade theories and policies, the principles, nature, scope and structure of the WTO, the WTO's trade dispute settlement mechanism and the trade policy review mechanism, the WTO Agreements and their effects on world trade, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The course will also examine the relationships between the multilateral trading system and the preferential trading arrangements, and the issues facing the global trading system.

Learning outcomes

1Demonstrate a sound understanding of what the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is, including its principles, nature, scope and structure, and of the relationship between the multilateral trade system and the preferential trading arrangements.
2Explain the main Agreements, including GATT, GATS and TRIPS, and their effects on world trade.
3Analyse the multilateral international agreements and decisions which WTO Member States are required to give effect to in developing their trade policies, legislation and practices.
4Evaluate how the WTO works as a forum for multilateral trade negotiations, monitors national trade policies, and attempts to resolve trade disputes between Members.
5Critically examine the main issues facing the global trading system.

Assessment

Weights and hurdle requirements come straight from the imported ANU record.

Multiple choice quizzes (x 2)

Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3

20%

Short essay (1500 words)

Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

30%

Final essay (2500 words)

Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

50%

Study expectations

Study information

A standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including in-class time and independent study.

Texts and reading

See wattle.

Course essentials

Academic year: 2026
Course subject: POGO
Subject name: Policy and Governance
Academic career: PGRD
School: Crawford School of Public Policy
College: ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy
Convener: Not listed
Delivery: In Person
Unit value: 6 units
EFTSL: 0.125
Last source update: Not listed

View the ANU course source

Fees

Domestic fee paying students: Domestic · 2026 · Course basis; $4,920
International fee paying students: International · 2026 · Course basis; $7,020
Student Contribution Band Code 14: Commonwealth supported · 2026; ANU contribution-band code 14

Areas and attributes

Areas of interest

Policy Studies