BTF5130 - International law and policy - 2019

In an increasingly complex world, international relations are becoming more uncertain, yet more important, than ever. This unit helps students to apply the rigour of legal analysis to the world of international relations. Topics include the origins and sources of international law, state and diplomatic immunity, state responsibility for individual actions, the influence of international law within national legal systems and the rules governing use of force in international affairs.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe and understand the nature of international law and its basic doctrines
2. identify the sources of international law and explain the principles which govern the application of those sources
3. describe the institutions of international law and understand how they operate
4. analyse the impact of international law on domestic legal systems
5. demonstrate a capacity to research and apply critical analysis to specific problems of international law.

Within semester assessment: 60% + Examination: 40%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information