LWMTIL-International Law in Theory and Practice

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Level: 7
Terms in which taught: Autumn
Module Convenor: A Thies
Pre-requisites: Registered for a postgraduate programme in Law or Registered for the MA International Law and World Order or other selected MA programmes, or with permission of the Director of PGT Studies in Law.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0

Email: a.thies@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
The module aims to convey substantive knowledge in core areas of international law as well as to equip students with the practical and conceptual tools needed to engage with international legal issues at a high level in discussion and written work, all of which are essential for practitioners’ work in an international environment and in-depth research in international law and international relations. The module focuses on the theoretical underpinnings, the institutional and procedural framework, and the practical implications of different areas of international law. Aspects of international relations theory are also introduced to increase students’ awareness of the non-legal context of international law in practice. Further, this module provides a sound basis for more specialised international law modules offered in the LLM programmes, and allows students to gain experience in a range of international law subjects that should help them to identify an area of interest and a research question for their LLM or MA dissertation.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of the module, students will be expected to be able to:

identify the basic theoretical underpinnings of both international law and international relations

critically assess and apply the basic theoretical and normative framework of the work of international organisations, dispute resolution and state responsibility

use acquired tools to identify, analyse and advise on practical aspects of several specific areas of international law covered in the module

Additional outcomes:
In addition to those listed in the School’s “core skills statement”, the module will encourage the development of:

High-level oral communication skills through reflective, analytical class-discussion

High-level writing skills through close and critical analysis of both primary and secondary source material

An ability to apply theoretical and contextual knowledge to practical problems that face people working in the field

Outline content:
A. Theoretical Foundations
1. Introduction: International Law and International Relations
2. Theories of International Law
3. Theories of International Relations

B. Institutions and Processes
4. International Organisations
5. Overview of International Dispute Resolution
6. State Responsibility

C. International Law in Action
7. The Position of Individuals in International Law
8. International Criminal Law
9. Use of Force and Humanitarian Law
10. International Law and Terrorism

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching in this module is designed to provide students with a range of resources on which they can draw in their learning. The main elements are:

A list of required and recommended readings, with notes and questions that will be used to guide class discussion and reflection.

Ten weekly seminar classes of 2 hours each. These are discussion-based classes and groups usually have between 5 and 12 students.

Assessed and optional non-assessed work that will be used to develop students’ skills and knowledge.

An electronic discussion board will be available for students enrolled in this module.
In addition, students who wish to may attend lectures in the LLB module International Law. Where there are Faculty seminars relevant to the area then students in the module will be encouraged to attend and given the opportunity to discuss the issues with visiting academic presenters.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures
Tutorials/seminars	10 x 2 hours
Practicals
Other contact (eg study visits)
Total hours	20
Number of essays or assignments	2
Other (eg major seminar paper)

Assessment:
Coursework

* One assessed essay of 7 pages (formatted in accordance with the School of Law’s Assessed Work Rules).

Relative percentage of coursework: 40 %

Examinations
* A 2-hour exam counting for 60 % of the module marks. 3 questions to be answered from a selection of 6 questions.


Requirements for a pass: 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements: See LLM Programme Handbook and Law School Guide.

Last updated: 9 December 2009