LAW-40045 - Module Specification
School of Law
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is one of the oldest fields of international law. It seeks to regulate the conduct of hostilities, primarily through control of the means and methods of warfare, and to protect certain categories of individuals who are not, or are no longer, actively engaged in hostilities (civilians, persons hors de combat, prisoners of war and so on).
The aim of this module is to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical understanding of IHL. It introduces students to the key concepts, rules, and institutions of IHL, as well as addresses contemporary issues such as the 'war on terror', asymmetrical conflict, and the relationship of IHL with international human rights law, or so-called 'lawfare'. Additionally, this module examines the means by which IHL is monitored, implemented, and enforced, with particular emphasis on the development of international criminal law, war crimes tribunals, and the International Criminal Court.

This module examines the international rules that seek to regulate the conduct of hostilities in times of armed conflicts (the so-called jus in bello), in order to mitigate their impact on civilians. It considers the rules that govern the methods and means of warfare, as well as the protection afforded to certain categories of individuals who are not, or are no longer, actively engaged in hostilities (civilians, persons hors de combat, and prisoners of war). Additionally, this module examines the processes established to enforce international humanitarian law, with particular emphasis on mechanisms of international criminal justice.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Identify, explain and critically evaluate the key rules and concepts of international humanitarian law: 1
Construct a coherent argument drawing on the sources, theories and doctrines discussed in seminars and in the set readings: 1
Pursue independent research and produce an essay in the field of international humanitarian law: 1
Critically analyse the achievements and shortcomings of international humanitarian law: 1

Study hours

Seminars: 10 x 2 = 20 hours
Seminar Preparation: 60 hours
Essay Preparation: 70 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment