Module LAW49515: International Relations Law of the European Union

Department: Law

LAW49515: International Relations Law of the European Union

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The aim of this module is to provide a general overview of the international relations law of the European Union;
• Students will develop an understanding of the constitutional principles and legal basis of European Union law in relation to its external actions;
• The module aims to provide a platform for the further comparative study of the external relations law of supranational actors, like the EU;
• The module will enable students to pursue an advanced project on EU international relations law and develop skills in problem-solving, and independent research skills.

Content

• The constitutional sources of EU international relations law in the EU Treaties;
• The relationship between international law and European Union law;
• Special principles of EU international relations law, such mixed agreements and the duty of loyalty;
• An exploration of the main legal competences for EU external action, such as: the EU’s common commercial policy, development cooperation and its common foreign and security policy.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain an understanding of the structure, features and fundamental characteristics of the EU international relations law and will gain an understanding of the role European Union plays within the global legal order;
• Students will explore the way in which international agreements are concluded by the European Union and their effect on the Member States;
• Students will be able to analyse the main substantive policies of the EU in its external relations.
• Students will be brought in contact with the key concepts in this area (direct effect, duty of loyalty etc.), the main methodological assumptions underpinning the European legal order (autonomy, federal or sui generis nature) as well as the great jurisprudential milestones.

• Locate and interpret the EU Treaties, international agreements, and judicial decisions relevant to the international relations law of the EU.
• Synthesize and critique academic, policy, and jurisprudential sources to develop coherent legal arguments.
• Apply legal reasoning to case studies and evaluate international conflicts.
• Communicate sophisticated legal analysis in written form to both academic and practitioner audiences.

• Conduct independent legal research using primary and secondary international materials.
• Collaborate in discussion and debate, articulating complex ideas clearly.
• Manage time effectively to meet research and writing deadlines.
• Demonstrate digital literacy in accessing and analysing online legal databases and policy sources.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is delivered through a combination of lectures and interactive seminars, guided independent study, and a summative assessment designed to develop both advanced subject knowledge and key analytical and communication skills appropriate to postgraduate study.
• The module will be taught through two-hour seminars held weekly. Each seminar will combine theoretical exposition of a key area of EU external relations law. Seminars are designed to encourage active participation, discussion, and critical reflection on legal principles and policy developments.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

■ 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.