LAW-20034 - Module Specification
School of Law
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

none

Barred Combinations

none

Description for 2020/21

This module provides students with an opportunity to look beyond the domestic and examine the legal rules and institutions that govern and influence world politics. Public international law is the body of law that deals with interactions and relations among states, as well as international organisations and increasingly transnational actors such as corporations and NGOs. International law today is more complex, interesting and topical than at any time in history. Climate change, global pandemics, Brexit or armed conflicts all involve areas of international law such as the laws of war, the UN Charter, the law of the sea and the law of treaties. This survey course provides an overview of the institutions, sources and general principles of international law, as well as an introduction to more specific themes like the resolution of international disputes, the law governing the use of force and sovereign immunities.

This module aims to introduce students to how the law works in the international community and to encourage them to look beyond the domestic confines of English law. It will encourage students to take an active and reflective role in their learning and to develop a greater understanding of the transnational nature of law making. The module helps to fulfil the aims of the Law programme specification and in particular the aspiration to offer a distinctive opportunity for student learning in Law and to build on Year 1 skills modules.

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate a secure understanding of the nature of public international law and its foundation in international instruments, custom and legal principles in the UK jurisdiction: 1
identify and qualitatively appraise the sources, structures and procedures of international law and the institutions and individuals who practice international law: 1
critically evaluate how international law is applied in the UK jurisdiction: 1
offer a critical judgment of the role of law (and its limits) in ordering international relations: 1

Study hours

11 x 2hr lectures
6 x 1hr tutorials
Plus:
40 hours lecture preparation
12 hours tutorial preparation
70 hours individual reading and exam preparation
TOTAL: 150 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment