LAW5604 - International environmental governance - 2017

This unit will introduce students to the foundations and guiding principles of the evolving field of international environmental law. It explores the dynamics of the international legal system with a focus on the key actors, interests and ideas. Selected environmental issues will be examined in close detail in seminars incorporating student research and "reaction papers". Students are expected to contribute actively to the critical analysis of sources and mechanisms of international environmental law and to discussion of new approaches to global environmental problems.

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

• apply knowledge and understanding in evaluating the effectiveness of various international environmental agreements and instruments;
• investigate, analyse and synthesise contemporary global environmental problems from a variety of theoretical perspectives and frameworks;
• conduct research into contemporary debates about state and non-state forms of environmental regulation in historical context and in the context of various theoretical understandings of regulation and governance; and
• use cognitive, technical and creative skills to critically analyse the challenges of implementation, enforcement and compliance in international environmental law.

1. "Reaction Paper" and Discussant (1875 words): 25%
2. Research essay (5625 words): 75%

Students are required to attend 36 hours of lectures over the duration of this semi-intensive unit.

Assoc Prof David Lindsay Researcher ProfileResearcher Profile (http://monash.edu/research/people/profiles/profile.html?sid=2838&pid=3303)

LAW4313 or LAW5314