What are the rules, principles, and structure of our contemporary international legal order? Where does this order come from and where is it heading towards in the future? How can we assess its effectiveness and relevance in the face of rising global threats and crises, from climate change to war? Are ‘humanity’ and all nations equal members of an ‘international community’? By examining the history, theory and doctrine of international law, you will understand and critically evaluate international law-making and dispute settlement mechanisms, measures, and initiatives. You will gain knowledge of the operation of the major international institutions and the capacity to develop advanced legal arguments and institutional reform proposals in the area of public international law. You will also develop the ability to critically reflect on the broader relation between law and politics in the global context.
Lecture-Seminars 24 hours
Independent Study 116 hours
Assessment Preparation 60 hours
Written- Extended Writing- Short Essay (1,000 words). Worth 30% of the total marks for the module.
Written- Extended Writing - Long Essay (3,000 words). Worth 70% of the total marks for the module.
Reassessment methods - Single instrument 100% written assessment (4,000 words)
For current reading list see the detailed module information on moodle.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Systematically identify and explain in depth the concepts, principles, norms, doctrines, and major institutions that underpin the international legal order.
2) Critically apply, analyse, and evaluate these principles, norms, doctrines and institutions in the context of various crises and challenges that challenge the international legal order.
3) Critically appraise public international law and the historical and political context of its emergence as a field of scholarship and a mode of ruling.
4) Critically evaluate institutions, measures, and initiatives in the field of public international law.
5) Produce oral and written reports and arguments that communicate a reasoned and critical opinion to a specialist audience.
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