EVDS 683.82 - International Trade and the Environment

Course Manager: Dixon Thompson

Couse Instruction: Dixon Thompson and Rachel McCormick

Fall 2001 - Wednesday 6:00 - 9:00 , Professional Faculties Building - Faculty of Environmental Design

Purpose

The purpose of this course is to explore the linkages between international trade and the environment with senior undergraduate and graduate students. This course will be run through the Faculty of Environmental Design, but senior undergraduate and graduate students from across campus are welcome. There are four main parts to the course: lectures, seminars, discussion, and assignments. Readings will be provided to give students the background necessary to take part. The lectures include experts from the areas of law, economics, political science, and management, as well as representatives from an international NGO and the international arena of trade and environment. The guest lectures will be open to the public, and students registered in the class will have an additional hour of discussion with the presenters. Students will be required to present a seminar on a topic of their choice, and be prepared to defend the position they have taken. Current events will be covered weekly and discussion and debate is encouraged.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED

This course is run in a lecture format. At the beginning of each class we will discuss current events related to international trade. Dixon Thompson and Rachel McCormick will lead the majority of the classes, and guest speakers from Economics, Law, Management, Political Science, and a Canadian NGO will also be brought in. This list provides a general outline of the topics to be covered.

Introduction to globalization as it relates to environment

• What is globalization?
• What are the effects of globalization?
• What are some of the current stances towards globalization?
• What are the effects of globalization?

International Trade

• Economic theory
• Evolution of the international trading system
• Review of trade agreements and institutions
• Investment
• Who are the principle actors in the arena of international trade

International Environmental Governance

• Nature of transboundary and global environmental problems
• Multilateral Environmental Agreements
• Intergovernmental institutions

Trade and Environment Linkages

• Environmental Impacts of Trade
• Environmental considerations in trade
• Trade considerations in Environmental Agreements
• Trade disputes with environmental components
• How can environmental considerations be incorporated into the arena of international trade?

Civil society

• What is civil society?
• What are the various groups in civil society?
• Experiences of NGOs
• Civil society and international trade

Course Objectives

1. Develop a basic understanding of the issues and history behind the trade-environment debate.

2. Develop a basic understanding of the role of actors and institutions within the trade-environment debate.
3. Develop a critical and analytical perspective of globalization issues as they relate to trade and environment.
4. Develop an awareness of current issues, and take part in thoughtful, respectful discussion about these issues.
5. Understand options for introduction of environmental issues in trade agreements.

Course Requirements

Students are required to let the class know what topics they are working on so information can be shared effectively. Dixon and Rachel are available to discuss your projects, if they request a meeting in writing outlining the questions or problems they are having so we can be prepared to help them. Assignments will not be accepted via e-mail.

Paper and Seminar Presentation - Each student will be required to write a paper and present a 20-minute seminar on a topic of their choice related to trade and environment. The purpose of this assignment is to promote critical thinking within the area of trade and environment; therefore, emphasis during evaluations will be based on your conclusions and recommendations. Students should be prepared to defend their stance within the seminar presentation. This exercise requires students to be challenging and respectful of their peers' work. Papers should be 10 - 15 pages in length, 12 point font, 1.5 spacing. Students should choose paper topics as soon as possible to receive feedback.

Brief to trade organization - Students work as a group to prepare a constructive and thoughtful brief for submission to a governmental or intergovernmental organization on a current issue related to international trade. This exercise provides the opportunity for students to take part as active members of civil society, and helps develop their analytical and prescriptive abilities.

Book / Web-site review - Each student is required to review a book / web-page related to trade and environment, and provide a brief (5 minute) summary of it in class, accompanied by a two page written critique. Books may range from academic studies to political commentaries. The purpose of this exercise is to expose the class to an array of literature/ media on topics being covered in class.

Class participation - This class will be much more enjoyable for everyone, if there is thoughtful discussion and debate. Students are reminded that all opinions and viewpoints are to be respected. Class participation evaluation will be determined by discussion on readings, questions for guest speakers, and feedback for peer seminars.

Awareness of current events - Students are expected to maintain a current knowledge of world events related to the topics covered in class. News stories and events will be discussed in class. Students are encouraged to bring clippings and updates to class for discussion.