This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Postgraduate Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)
Module LAW52345: Current Problems of International Law
Department: Law
LAW52345: Current Problems of International Law
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 4 | 45 | Available in 2007/2008 | Durham |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- Fundamentals of International Law (LAW52245)
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- The course aims to provide an in-depth study of selected problems of international law, as well as the theory and philosophy of certain aspects of international law.
Content
- current legal problems such as the use of force and the law of armed conflict in certain regions of the world; powers of the UN Security Council and of the International Court of Justice;
- selected issues of the Law of the Sea as such as jurisdictional aspects of the EEZ and the airspace above it;
- state responsibility; self-determination; international terrorism;
- extradition, abduction & luring of accused persons;
- normality in international law;
- protection of common interests by international law.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- By the end of the course students should:
- have developed a critical understanding of the fundamental problems of theory and philosophy of international law.
- have an in-depth knowledge of the substantive rules of international law as seen in certain current legal problems.
Subject-specific Skills
Key Skills
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures are designed to provide a structure for the course and to introduce basic principles and features of the international legal order relevant to the selected problems.
- Seminars provide opportunity for the exploration and discussion of the selected current legal problems of international law.
- Written work requires a demonstration of students' analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | Weekly | 1 | 20 | |
| Seminars | 14 | Weekly with a few reading weeks in between | 2 | 28 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 402 | ||||
| Total | 450 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 25% | Essay | 4,000 word | 100% | |
| Unseen Examination | 75% | Unseen Examination | 3 hours | 100% |
Formative Assessment
One assignment of approximately 2000 words in Michaelmas Term.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.