
Course unit details:
International Law, Technology and Security
Unit code | LAWS70462 |
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Credit rating | 30 |
Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
There has been a proliferation of technological tools that reshape security practices in the international legal order. From cyber threats, watchlisting practices, to the use of AI systems for border control or monitoring in detention, to the use of drones or autonomous weapons systems for target selection in situations of self-defence and at war, this cross-disciplinary course reflects on the evolution of contemporary security practices and the related developments of international law. This course will also be the opportunity to explore the increasing importance of public-private partnerships and the legal issues they raise. The International Law, Technology and Security course includes reflections related to international human rights law, international humanitarian law, refugee law, but because of its heavy focus on contemporary forms of violence and their regulation, this course has a strong emphasis on international humanitarian law. The first half of the course is dedicated to introducing students to the core principles of the law of armed conflict (or “international humanitarian law” (IHL), or “jus in bello”), thus equipping them with the tools to explorecontemporary debates and challenges posed to the law of armed conflict by contemporary means and methods of warfare.
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
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International Institutions | LAWS70021 | Pre-Requisite | Optional |
Global Law-Making | LAWS70431 | Pre-Requisite | Optional |
Aims
- Introduce the students to the general principles applicable to the use of technological tools in contemporary security practices.
- Introduce the students to main challenges faced by a variety of actors when they are confronted to issues of security and technology in global governance institutions
- Teach students to critically evaluate current proposals for the development of domestic and international law in the area of technology and security
Teaching and learning methods
Workshops, Case Studies
Intellectual skills
Practical skills
- Critically assess and discuss how technology and security for regulatory frameworks
- Develop arguments for and against security policies and practices using new technologies
- Develop a holistic understanding of legal, socio-legal and military aspects of security practices using new technologies
- Develop analytical skills and the ability to critically evaluate a large amount of information in order to develop arguments
- Discuss theories and practices from different perspectives
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Develop arguments and counterarguments, and discuss them, in groups
- Acquire the ability to work independently and collaboratively in order to enhance their learning and present oral and written arguments
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
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Written assignment (inc essay) | 100% |
Recommended reading
A comprehensive prescribed and recommended readings will be included in the course syllabus that will be distributed at the start of the Course.
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi | Unit coordinator |
Gail Lythgoe | Unit coordinator |
Iain Scobbie | Unit coordinator |