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International Commercial Law

Unit code: HBL450

Credit points12.5 Credit Points
DurationOne Teaching Period
Contact hours36 hours
CampusHawthorn
PrerequisitesNil
Corequisites

 HBI450 Introduction to International Business

Aims and objectives

At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  • identify and understand the legal issues that arise in an international commercial context
  • understand the interaction between international law and domestic law
  • demonstrate the essential legal knowledge needed to function as an international businessperson 
  • interact meaningfully with legal advisors in order to deal with international commercial transactions
  • work effectively in a team environment

Teaching methods

Classes in either weekly or block mode

Assessment

Group assignment 20-30%
Individual Assignment 20-30%
Examination 40-50%

Generic skills outcomes

Swinburne University of Technology works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession, can contribute in an entrepreneurial and innovative way within their workplace or community, to operate effectively and ethically in their business life and are adaptable and able to manage change. It is expected that graduates will leave with a diverse wealth of experiences and will have developed individual knowledge, abilities and attitudes.
Within this context this unit will contribute to students developing the following key generic skills:
  • Teamwork skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Investigative skills
  • Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
  • Ability to work independently

Content

The unit will cover the following topics:
  • Introduction to the world’s main legal systems and overview of the law relating to the export and import of goods and services
  • The relevance of domestic Australian law to the international sale of goods
  • The Vienna Convention on the International Sale of Goods
  • The operation and application of customary trade usages such as INCOTERMS
  • Contracts relating to intellectual property
  • Methods of payment in international trade
  • Contracts for the carriage of goods by sea, air and land 
  • International banking and finance and overview of foreign investment law
  • Marine and aviation Insurance
  • The impact of multinational global regimes on the conduct of international trade with particular focus on the World Trade Organisation, its dispute settlement mechanisms, and dispute settlement through arbitration
  • Regional Trade Organisations: EU, ASEAN, NAFTA, APEC 
  • International dispute resolution, conflicts of laws and enforcement

Text books

Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.