LLB Law / Course details

The course examines International Law in a Global Context by exploring it as a comprehensive legal system and through its substantive provisions. It covers a broad range of topics, although treatment of the topics may be selective within them. Key subjects include: sources of international law, subjects and actors in international law; state responsibility; jurisdiction; use of force; collective security; international criminal law; international humanitarian law; the peaceful settlement of disputes; global human rights law; and global environmental law.
          
The course aims to provide a solid foundational understanding of the subject of International Law in a Global Context with a blend of theoretical exploration and practical insights. It seeks to provide an in-depth perspective on international affairs and to identify the role of international law shaping and influencing global relations. Additionally, the course demonstrates the growing interconnectedness of International Law with local, domestic, regional systems and stresses the relevance of International Law to practitioners in the international, regional, domestic and local systems. Wherever possible, the course will draw on contemporary international issues and examine them from an international legal perspective.
 

The course aims:

1. To provide a comprehensive understanding of International Law as a distinct legal system, by exploring the substantive provisions of this system and examining how this system is conceptualised, operationalised and applied in a global context.
2. To offer students an insight into International Law within the dynamics of contemporary global affairs – in particular how this legal system shapes and interacts with different legal systems, including regional, domestic and local systems.
3. To provide a foundational understanding of the subject of International Law in a global context, while also engaging with specific issues and controversies in greater detail.
4. To equip students with essential analytical, research and presentation skills.

• Introduction to International Law in a Global Context  
• Sources of International Law
• Subjects and Actors
• Jurisdiction
• State Responsibility  
• Use of Force and Collective Security
• Internatioanl Criminal Law
• Peaceful Settlement of Disputes
• Global Human Rights Law
• Global Environmental Law  
   

The structure emphasizes a balance between theoretical learning in lectures and practical, skills-based application in workshops. Here's an overview of the learning and teaching methods:

Lectures: There are 5 lectures in Semester 1 followed by 5 lectures in Semester 2. Each lecture lasts two hours. The total number of lecture hours for the two semesters are 20 hours. Lectures serve as the primary method to introduce course content and skills and will be delivered by a team of instructors who provide diverse perspectives and expertise.

Workshops: There are 3 workshops in Semester 1 followed by 3 workshops in Semester 2. Each workshop lasts 2 hours. The total number of workshop hours for the two semesters are 12 hours. Workshops will involve small-group, interactive sessions designed for in-depth learning and application. Workshop activities include: (1) structured group work; (2) discussions, presentations, and mooting exercises; (3) problem-solving and experiential learning tasks and (4) group projects with opportunities to develop collaborative and practical skills. The focus in workshops will be on reflective practice for deeper understanding, encouragement of self-directed learning, both individually and collectively, and promoting a growth mindset.

The main learning tool will be the Canvas platform, which is the central hub for course materials, information, and updates on teaching, learning, and assessment. It ensures students have access to all necessary resources in one place.
 

• Comprehend the basic structure of international law, including its foundational legal concepts, principles and key features of the international legal system
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  Understand the relationship and interconnectedness between local, domestic, regional, and international legal systems 
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  Understand the role and impact of international legal norms in global affairs, including their influence on current controversies and conflicts
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  Understand the foundational theoretical frameworks and demonstrate an awareness of critical theoretical perspectives on international law within a global context
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  Understand how social responsibility intersects with key issues of international law in a global context, including state responsibility, human rights, and climate change
   

• Apply the founding principles and relevant rules of international law to specific contemporary issues
• Demonstrate an understanding of key debates and themes in international law in a global context and apply sources and interpretative approaches to specific scenarios
• Develop the ability to analyse legal problems and then think and argue logically to propose potential legal solutions
   

• Develop an ability to research new topics independently, autonomously and collectively.  
• Communicate effectively in written and oral forms to various audiences and identify where to find further support when required.  
• Apply principles of good academic practice in research, including finding, referencing and reading academic materials.  

• Reflect on personal learning and skills development in an academic setting.  
• Engage as self-directed, responsible, reflective and active researchers and legal problem-solvers.
• Work and communicate effectively in a group, including learning how to offer constructive and useful feedback to peers.

Students will receive both individual and cohort feedback.  

We are revising the current reading list significantly, and updating it based on new research and publications in the area.