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INR331Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

International Law

This course examines the trajectory of International Law, considering the proliferation of states and non-state actors in the international system. It provides an opportunity to understand the meaning and origin of international law, its evolution in Europe, and related theoretical debates. The course explores the politics of international law, its emergence, respect, abuse by states, and principles observed by actors in the international system. It offers a robust understanding of international laws through theoretical bases, approaches, and case studies.

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75h
Study Time
13
Weeks
6h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
International LawSovereigntyTreatiesJurisdictionHuman Rights

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Sources of International Law

2

Subjects of International Law

3

Theories of International Law

4

Principles of International Law

5

International Humanitarian Law

6

International Human Rights Law

7

Laws of the Sea

8

Air Space and Outer Space Law

9

International Environmental Law

10

Law of Treaties

11

Sovereignty and Recognition

12

Jurisdiction

13

State Responsibility

14

Nationality

Total Topics14 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Lawyer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Human Rights Advocate

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsLaw FirmsAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Understanding the Concept 'International Law' Within European Diplomatic Practices

2h

Unit 1: What is International Law?

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Define international law and its key principles.
  • Understand the role of states and non-state actors in international law.
  • Discuss the significance of international law in regulating international relations.
Week
2

Module 1: Understanding the Concept 'International Law' Within European Diplomatic Practices

2h

Unit 2: Europe, the Origin and Historical Development of International Law

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Explore the origins and historical development of international law in Europe.
  • Identify key ancient powers and their contributions to international law.
  • Analyze the impact of Medieval Natural Law on international law.
Week
3

Module 1: Understanding the Concept 'International Law' Within European Diplomatic Practices

2h

Unit 3: Classical/Early Writers of International Law

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 3: Review the works of classical/early writers of international law.
  • Understand the contributions of Hugo Grotius and Thomas Hobbes.
  • Discuss the debates between universalists and pluralists.
Week
4

Module 1: Understanding the Concept 'International Law' Within European Diplomatic Practices

2h

Unit 4: The Relationship between International Law and Municipal Law

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 4: Compare and contrast international law and municipal law.
  • Understand the law-making and enforcement processes in both systems.
  • Discuss the theories of monism and dualism.
Week
5

Module 1: Understanding the Concept 'International Law' Within European Diplomatic Practices

2h

Unit 5: Contemporary issues in International Law

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 5: Examine contemporary issues in international law.
  • Discuss racial discrimination, diplomatic immunity, and the international economic order.
  • Analyze the position of international law on these issues.
Week
6

Module 2: International Law: Sources, Theories, Approaches and Principles

2h

Unit 1: Nature of International Law

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 1: Understand the nature of international law.
  • Differentiate international law from domestic law.
  • Examine the role of states and non-state actors in international law.
Week
7

Module 2: International Law: Sources, Theories, Approaches and Principles

2h

Unit 2: Sources and Subjects of International Law

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Identify the sources and subjects of international law.
  • Understand treaties, customs, and general principles of law.
  • Examine the role of states, international organizations, and individuals as subjects of international law.
Week
8

Module 2: International Law: Sources, Theories, Approaches and Principles

2h

Unit 3: Theories of International Law: Positivist, Naturalist etc.,

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 3: Explore the theories of international law.
  • Understand positivist, naturalist, and historical theories.
  • Analyze the relevance of these theories in understanding international law.
Week
9

Module 2: International Law: Sources, Theories, Approaches and Principles

2h

Unit 4: Principles of International Law: Principles of Self Determination, Reciprocity, Rights to Protect.

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 4: Understand the principles of international law.
  • Examine principles of self-determination, reciprocity, and rights to protect.
  • Apply these principles to practical world events.
Week
10

Module 2: International Law: Sources, Theories, Approaches and Principles

2h

Unit 5: Human Rights in International Law

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 5: Explore human rights in international law.
  • Understand the international legal framework for human rights.
  • Analyze the role of international organizations in promoting human rights.
Week
11

Module 3: Some International Laws and the Environment

4h

Unit 1: Laws of War

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 1: Examine the laws of war.
  • Understand the historical development of the laws of war.
  • Analyze the principles of distinction and proportionality.

Unit 2: Laws of the Sea

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Examine the laws of the sea.
  • Understand the historical development of the laws of the sea.
  • Analyze the concept of freedom of the seas and the exclusive economic zone.
Week
12

Module 3: Some International Laws and the Environment

4h

Unit 3: Air Space and Outer Space Law

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 3: Examine air space and outer space law.
  • Understand the principles of sovereignty in air space.
  • Analyze the legal framework for the exploration and use of outer space.

Unit 4: International Environmental Protection Laws

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 4: Examine international environmental protection laws.
  • Understand the principles of sustainable development and environmental protection.
  • Analyze the role of international agreements in addressing environmental challenges.
Week
13

Module 3: Some International Laws and the Environment

2h

Unit 5: International Law of Treaty

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 5: Examine the international law of treaty.
  • Understand the principles of treaty interpretation and enforcement.
  • Analyze the role of treaties in international relations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed outlines for each module, focusing on key concepts and principles.

2

Use case studies from the units to illustrate theoretical concepts in your answers.

3

Practice applying international law principles to current global events.

4

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs).

5

Focus on understanding the relationships between different areas of international law.

6

Prepare concise definitions for key terms like sovereignty, jurisdiction, and state responsibility.

7

Create concept maps linking different sources and subjects of international law.

8

Practice essay questions on the role of international organizations and the limitations of international law.

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