Global Financial Architecture (LAWS70013)

Graduate coursework level 7Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
May
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are arguably two poorly understood international organisations. Both are key components of the international monetary and financial architecture. They also play a vital role in national economies (as seen for example in the IMF's involvement in the Euro-zone crisis or in addressing the economic dislocations caused by global events  and its analytical work on the prevention and resolution of financial and sovereign debt crises) and international development. This subject will focus on the IMF and World Bank while also providing students with a sophisticated understanding of the broader international financial system and its problems. The subject provides a valuable insider's perspective on the 'Bretton Woods' institutions.

Intended learning outcomes

A student who has successfully completed this subject will:



  • Have an advanced and integrated understanding of the legal framework applicable to, and governance structures of, the IMF and World Bank
  • Be able to critically examine, analyse, interpret and assess the operation of these institutions, in light of this legal framework and principles of good governance
  • Be an engaged participant in debate regarding contemporary issues relating to the IMF and World Bank, such as voice and participation reforms, accountability and the relationship of these institutions to other multilateral and regional bodies (including new development banks)
  • Have a sophisticated appreciation of the Articles of Agreement which established the IMF and World Bank, and key interpretive questions about the implementation of these Articles
  • Have an advanced understanding of historical factors and processes that have influenced the design and development of the legal framework of the IMF and World Bank
  • Have a detailed understanding of the relationship of the IMF and World Bank to other international institutions, including the UN and WTO
  • Have the cognitive and technical skills to generate critical and creative ideas relating to the accountability of international financial institutions to their members, and to critically evaluate their impact on the sovereignty of their members
  • Have the cognitive and technical skills to independently examine, research and analyse existing and emerging legal issues relating to the operation of the IMF and World Bank
  • Have the communication skills to clearly articulate and convey complex information regarding the IMF and World Bank to relevant specialist and non-specialist audiences

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Applicants without legal qualifications should note that subjects are taught at an advanced graduate level and requires a thorough background in common law. While efforts are made to meet the needs of students trained in other fields, teaching and assessment activities are designed to give an advanced and integrated understanding of the discipline of law for legal practitioners, learners and researchers. 

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

This course is intended to be interactive and participation is expected. There will be two joint IMF World Bank Q&A sessions. Marks are awarded for participation.

Throughout the teaching period30%

Take-home examination

  • 3000 words
4 - 7 July 2025 70%

Attendance

Hurdle requirement: A minimum of 75% attendance is required.		Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Quotas apply to this subject

Dates & times

  • May
    Principal coordinatorDanielle Malek Roosa
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours34
    Total time commitment150 hours
    Pre teaching start date28 April 2025
    Pre teaching requirementsPlease refer to Canvas LMS to check on the pre-class readings and preparatory learning activities before the teaching period commences. 
    Teaching period26 May 2025 to 30 May 2025
    Last self-enrol date 2 May 2025
    Census date30 May 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 4 July 2025
    Assessment period ends 8 August 2025

    May contact information

    Teaching staff:

    Danielle Malek Roosa (Subject Coordinator)
    Gabriela Rosenberg

    For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

Please refer to the Melbourne Law Masters enrolment webpage for further information about re-enrolment, subject quotas and waitlists. 
Melbourne Law School may reserve places in a subject for incoming international cohorts or where a subject is core to a specialisation with limited alternate options. 

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 March 2025