LAU34081 Public International Law

Module Learning Outcomes

 Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to:

• Identify the main concepts, principles and processes in the field of public international law;
• Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the rules applicable in core areas of the law, such as state sovereignty, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, the use of force, international organisations and self-determination;
• Analyse international affairs from the perspective of public international law;
• Describe in some detail the place of the individual within the international legal system;

• Explain the nature of public international law and the role it plays in the conduct of world affairs.

Module Content

This module will provide students with knowledge of the fundamental concepts, principles, processes and rules of public international law as well as a more in-depth knowledge of selected areas of the law. The first part of the module will cover different aspects of general international law, including the sources of international law, statehood and international legal personality, the law of international responsibility, and dispute settlement. The second part examines more specialized areas of public international law, with focus on jurisdiction, immunities, the use of force, and human rights, land and sea, and the environment. In both parts, the module will address theoretical debates and use practical examples of international law in action, many of them relating to contemporary events in international relations.

The assessment will be based on an examination, which accounts for 100% of the final grade. The module contains a pass/fail component for class participation. Students will be required to sign-up for one or two cases on the reading list and to prepare to answer questions on those cases in class.