Foundations of International Law

Module Code:

15PFFH008

Credits:

15

FHEQ Level:

7

Taught in:

Term 1

Foundations of International Law is an introductory lecture-based module, which is suitable for students with no legal background. Its objective is to impart a critical understanding of the foundations of international law with a particular focus on issues affecting the global south.

The module covers the following topics:

• The history, nature and sources of public international law
• International personality including statehood and recognition
• Jurisdiction and immunities
• State responsibility
• Legal research and writing skills
• Critical perspectives on international law

This module is available to all CISD students and is a pre-requisite for the Term 2 module: International Law and Contemporary Problems of World Order

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

• To provide a working knowledge of the sources, doctrines and institutions of public international law
• To develop skills in analysing primary and secondary international law materials and in constructing legal argument
• To develop legal research skills
• To develop oral communication and team-work skills through participation in legal debates

Workload

The module will be taught over 10 weeks with one 90 minute lecture and one 1 hour tutorial per week.

Method of assessment

• Diagnostic class exam; Unassessed
• Assessment one (1500 words); 50%
• Unseen written examination; 50%

Suggested reading

Disclaimer