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PCR822

International Law And Peace

This course provides graduate students with an in-depth understanding of international law and peace. It explores the role of international law in fostering global peace, examining international instruments and legal frameworks. Key concepts include international law, peace dimensions, the structure and functions of international organizations, theories of war and peace, and the maintenance of global peace and security. The course also covers fundamentals of international law, laws of armed conflict, and relevant international instruments.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
45 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

PCR822 · UNIT 1 UNDERSTANDING INTERNATIONAL LAW AND PEACE

The final examination will be a test of three hours. All areas of the course will be examined. It is very important for students to as much as possible cover the entire module before examination. The final examination will attract 70% of the total course grade. The examination will consist of questions, based on all the topics covered.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define and explain the core concepts of international law and peace.
  2. Analyze the structure and functions of international organizations.
  3. Evaluate the different theories of war and peace.
  4. Understand the laws governing armed conflict and their application.
  5. Assess the role of international law in addressing global challenges like terrorism.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Diplomat
  • International Lawyer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Conflict Resolution Specialist
  • International Relations Officer
Where it is applied
  • Government
  • International Organizations
  • Non-Governmental Organizations
  • Law
  • Academia

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 3: Law of Armed Conflict

    Unit 2: Problems of Laws of Armed Conflicts

    The complexities of distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants in modern warfare scenarios require careful analysis and application of international humanitarian law principles.

  • Module 3: Law of Armed Conflict

    Unit 4: People of War, Status of Civilians, Journalists, Spies, Prisoners of War/Combatants

    Understanding the nuances of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols requires a detailed examination of the specific protections afforded to various categories of individuals during armed conflict.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 45 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Fundamentals of International Law
    • Unit 1: Understanding International Law and Peace · 3 hours

      Define international law and peace.. Explain the broad framework of international law.. Discuss peace in a global context..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Fundamentals of International Law
    • Unit 2: Nature and Scope of Conflict of Laws · 3 hours

      Differentiate between public and private international law.. Explain the nature and scope of conflict of laws..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Fundamentals of International Law
    • Unit 3: Origins and Nature of International Law · 3 hours

      Describe the evolution of international law.. Understand the origins of international law..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Fundamentals of International Law
    • Unit 4: Sources of International Law · 3 hours

      Discuss the different sources that make up international law.. Identify treaties and conventions..

  5. Week 5Module 1: Fundamentals of International Law
    • Unit 5: Criticisms and Debate about Reality, Reliability and Effectiveness of International Law · 3 hours

      Identify arguments and criticisms against international law.. Explain the logic behind criticisms against international law..

  6. Week 6Module 2: Contending Theories of War and Peace
    • Unit 1: Definition/Concept of War · 3 hours

      Explain the meaning of the term war.. Discuss different definitions of war..

  7. Week 7Module 2: Contending Theories of War and Peace
    • Unit 2: Theories of War · 3 hours

      Explain some theories of war.. Identify different motivations for war..

  8. Week 8Module 2: Contending Theories of War and Peace
    • Unit 3: Definition/Concept of Peace · 3 hours

      Define the term peace.. Explain the different stages in the evolution of the concept..

  9. Week 9Module 2: Contending Theories of War and Peace
    • Unit 4: Theories of Peace · 3 hours

      Explicate different theories of peace.. Understand pacifism and just war theory..

  10. Week 10Module 2: Contending Theories of War and Peace
    • Unit 5: Pacific Settlement of Disputes · 3 hours

      Identify ways international disputes are settled.. Understand methods of dispute settlement..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Law of Armed Conflict
    • Unit 1: Concept/Principles of Laws of Armed Conflict · 3 hours

      Expound the Laws of Armed Conflict and its evolution.. Identify the sources and principles of the Laws of Armed Conflict..

    • Unit 2: Problems of Laws of Armed Conflicts · 3 hours

      Explain the problems confronting the application of the laws of armed conflict.. Discuss the challenges of changing warfare methods..

  12. Week 12Module 3: Law of Armed Conflict
    • Unit 3: War Crimes and War Guilt · 3 hours

      Explain the terms War Crimes.. Discuss War Guilt and Human Rights in international law..

    • Unit 4: People of War, Status of Civilians, Journalists, Spies, Prisoners of War/Combatants · 3 hours

      Recognize the status of different categories of peoples as provided in the laws of armed conflict.. Understand the rights of civilians, journalists, spies, and combatants..

  13. Week 13Module 3: Law of Armed Conflict
    • Unit 5: International Law and Terrorism · 3 hours

      Explain the phenomenon of terrorism.. Enumerate the role of international law in curbing terrorism..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create detailed outlines for each module, focusing on key definitions, principles, and case studies.
  • Develop comparative charts contrasting different theories of war and peace (e.g., Realism vs. Liberalism).
  • Practice applying the principles of the Laws of Armed Conflict to hypothetical scenarios involving armed conflict.
  • Review the UN Charter and the roles of its key organs, particularly the Security Council and the International Court of Justice.
  • Analyze past exam questions to identify recurring themes and question types.
  • Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and share insights.
  • Prioritize understanding the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols, focusing on the protections afforded to different categories of individuals.
  • Prepare concise summaries of key international instruments and their relevance to contemporary global issues.

Questions students ask about this course

What is PCR822 about?

This course provides graduate students with an in-depth understanding of international law and peace. It explores the role of international law in fostering global peace, examining international instruments and legal frameworks. Key concepts include international law, peace dimensions, the structure and functions of international organizations, theories of war and peace, and the maintenance of global peace and security. The course also covers fundamentals of international law, laws of armed conflict, and relevant international instruments.

How many units does PCR822 have?

PCR822, International Law And Peace, has 20 units across 4 modules, over 99 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is PCR822?

PCR822 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Social Sciences.

Is PCR822 hard?

PCR822 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does PCR822 take to study?

About 45 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.

How is PCR822 assessed?

PCR822 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with PCR822?

Diplomat, International Lawyer, Policy Analyst, Conflict Resolution Specialist and International Relations Officer.

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