• A
  • A
  • A
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
Regular version of the site

International Law

2020/2021
Academic Year
ENG
Instruction in English
4
ECTS credits
Course type:
Compulsory course
When:
4 year, 1, 2 module

Instructor


Vandysheva, Elena

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The main goals of the introductory course «International Law» are formation of systemic view on the contemporary problems in the field of international law and on the role of international community, acquaintance with key terms of the discipline and development of student's possibility to analyse sources of international law and the practice of their implementation. This course is structured into two parts. The first part of the course is oriented on the consideration of key concepts, principles and institutions of international law. The second part deals with 3 important fields: human rights protection on the international level, international humanitarian law and international environmental law.
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • First goal of the introductory course «International Law» is formation of systemic view on the contemporary problems in the field of international law and on the role of international community.
  • Second goal of the introductory course «International Law» is acquaintance with key terms of the discipline.
  • Third goal of the introductory course «International Law» is development of student's possibility to analyse sources of international law and the practice of their implementation.
Expected Learning Outcomes

Expected Learning Outcomes

  • Student is able to understand fundamental terminology
  • Student knows where and how to find key sources of international law
  • Student is able to explain main theories and concepts in the field of international law
  • Student is able to characterise the system of international justice and general principles of international law
  • Student is able to analyse a range of actual problems of international law
  • Able to identify scientific subject
  • Work with information: find, define and use the information from different sources which required for solving of research and professional problems (including the system approach)
  • Student is capable of retrieving, collecting, processing and analyzing information relevant for achieving goals in the professional field
  • Able to efficiently communicate based on the goals and communication situations
  • Student is capable of executing applied analysis of the political phenomena and political processes by using political science methods and in support of practical decision making process
Course Contents

Course Contents

  • The nature, origin and development of international law
    Definitions and characteristics of International Law; the scope of International Law; Historical background; Concepts of monism and dualism.
  • Actors of international law
    Peculiarities of subjects of international law. States as a key subjects of international law. Definition, nature, forms and mechanisms of international recognition. Succession as an institution of international law. Legal personality of international organizations. Specific of quasi-state structure. Legal personality of individuals.
  • The sources of international law
    Types of subjects, International Customary Law. International Law of Treaties. General principles of International Law.. Judicial decisions and legal doctrine.
  • Responsibility in international law
    Definition and characteristics of internationally wrongful act. Definition of international responsibility. Sanctions in International Law. Procedural aspects.
  • Human rights protection on the international level
    System of international judicial bodies, Legal instruments for protection of human rights. The special procedures of the Human Rights Council.
  • International humanitarian law
    The scope and definition of International humanitarian law. Historical background, Main principles and modern challenges in the field of International humanitarian law.
  • International environmental law
    The scope and definition of International environmental law. Main principles and key sources of International environmental law.
Assessment Elements

Assessment Elements

  • non-blocking Class activity
  • non-blocking Essay 1
  • non-blocking Essay 2
  • non-blocking Essay 3
Interim Assessment

Interim Assessment

  • Interim assessment (2 module)
    0.25 * Class activity + 0.25 * Essay 1 + 0.25 * Essay 2 + 0.25 * Essay 3
Bibliography

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

  • Schröder, P. (2018). Rezension: Anne Orford / Florian Hoffmann / Martin Clark (Hg.): The Oxford Handbook of the Theory of International Law (rezensiert von Peter Schröder). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.41EDB0E3

Recommended Additional Bibliography

  • Brierly, J. L., & Clapham, A. (2012). Brierly’s Law of Nations : An Introduction to the Role of International Law in International Relations (Vol. 7th ed. edited by Andrew Clapham). Oxford: OUP Oxford. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=483582
  • Dasgupta, R. (2013). International Interplay : The Future of Expropriation Across International Dispute Settlement. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=860084
  • Vogenauer, S., & Weatherill, S. (2017). General Principles of Law : European and Comparative Perspectives. Oxford [UK]: Hart Publishing. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1500903