Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW3024: Public International Law

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

Module Aims

International law regulates relations at the international level and so this module seeks to study the theories, principles and processes of this system of law including its sources, legal personality, jurisdiction and responsibility. In addition the module will also explore substantive issues in the regulation of activities at the international context, including the use of force, dispute settlement processes, and the protection of human rights.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate a critical understanding of the theories and principles upon which international law is based;
2. review and analyse the relationship between international law and municipal law;
3. demonstrate a deep understanding of the role of the key actors of international law including States, international organisations and non-state actors;
4. demonstrate a detailed understanding and where necessary apply the standards and processes for regulating international activities;
Discipline-Specific Skills5. critically evaluate the place of international law in the wider context of the law;
6. undertake independent research using all international law resources;
7. apply knowledge to real and hypothetical situations;
Personal and Key Skills8. communicate complex ideas in written and oral form;
9. work independently and in a group.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

TERM 1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

  •     Identity

  •     Identification

  •     Personality

  •     Jurisdiction

  •     State Responsibility

  •     Law of Treaties


TERM 2: SUBSTANTIVE PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW

  •     Use of Force

  •     Terrorism

  •     Refugees and Displaced Persons

  •     International Human Rights Law

  •     Dispute Settlement

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
55245

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity4623 x 2 hour Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity96 x 1.5 hour Workshops
Guided independent study120Individual reading and lecture preparation
Guided independent study35Workshop Preparation
Guided independent study 80Assessment Preparation
Guided independent study10Formative Assessment

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).