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POL452Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

International Law & Organization

This course examines international law and organisations, exploring the evolution of international law and organisations since the inception of states. It revisits fundamentals such as the law of treaties, seas, environmental, criminal, and humanitarian law. The course considers the evolution, approaches, nature, and character of international organisations, emphasizing their role in global economic development initiatives, issues, and challenges in Africa during the 20th and 21st centuries. It also introduces regional economic communities.

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130h
Study Time
13
Weeks
10h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
International LawInternational OrganizationsTreatiesGlobal GovernanceAfrican Development

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

International Law

2

International Organizations

3

Law of Treaties

4

Law of the Seas

5

International Humanitarian Law

6

Global Economic Development

Total Topics6 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

Legal Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsLaw FirmsNon-Profit OrganizationsConsulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Understanding International Law

4h

Unit 1: Meaning of International Law

4 study hours
  • Read the unit introduction and objectives.
  • Study the definitions of international law.
  • Examine the origin and development of international law through different periods.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
2

Module 1: Understanding International Law

4h

Unit 2: Sources of International Law

4 study hours
  • Study the different sources of international law: treaties, customs, judicial decisions, juristic works, and decisions of international institutions.
  • Differentiate between international treaties and customs.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
3

Module 1: Understanding International Law

4h

Unit 3: The State as a Subject of International Law

4 study hours
  • Understand the concept of the State as a subject of international law.
  • Examine the rights and duties of states.
  • Distinguish between De Jure and De Facto Recognition.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
4

Module 1: Understanding International Law

4h

Unit 4: Relationship between International Law and Municipal Law

4 study hours
  • Analyze the relationship between international law and municipal law.
  • Present the theoretical body of knowledge on the relationship between the two systems of law.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
5

Module 1: Understanding International Law

4h

Unit 5: Topical Issues in International Law

4 study hours
  • Discuss the position of international law on racial discrimination.
  • Explain the main issues in developing the international economic order.
  • Explain the concept of diplomatic immunity and inviolability.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
6

Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law

4h

Unit 1: International Law of Treaties

4 study hours
  • Understand the meaning and sources of the law of treaties.
  • Analyze the phases leading to the conclusion of treaties.
  • Explain basic terminologies of treaty relations.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
7

Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law

4h

Unit 2: International Law of the Seas

4 study hours
  • Reflect on the meaning and significance of the seas.
  • State the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
8

Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law

4h

Unit 3: International Environmental Law

4 study hours
  • Explain the basic features of international environmental law.
  • Discuss the role of the UN in protecting the global environment.
  • State the processes of international environmental law.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
9

Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law

4h

Unit 4: International Criminal Law

4 study hours
  • Explain the types of war crimes recognized by international criminal law.
  • Explain the workings of the International Criminal Court.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
10

Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law

4h

Unit 5: International Humanitarian Law

4 study hours
  • Explain the tenets of international humanitarian law.
  • Identify forms of conflicts under the purview of international humanitarian law.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
11

Module 3: Evolution and Development of International Organisations

4h

Unit 1: History of International Organisations

4 study hours
  • Discuss the development trajectory of international organizations.
  • Mention the importance of international organizations in the workings of the international system.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
12

Module 3: Evolution and Development of International Organisations

4h

Unit 2: Approaches to the Study of International Organisations

4 study hours
  • Explain the various approaches to the study of international organizations.
  • Link the approaches to the empirical workings of international organizations.
  • Distinguish among the various approaches.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.
Week
13

Module 3: Evolution and Development of International Organisations

4h

Unit 3: Nature and Character of International Organisations

4 study hours
  • Discuss the various types of international organizations.
  • Explain the functions and roles of international organizations.
  • Complete the self-assessment exercise.

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

Review key definitions and concepts from each unit.

2

Create summaries of major international treaties and conventions.

3

Practice answering essay questions on the relationship between international law and state sovereignty.

4

Focus on understanding the roles and functions of major international organizations.

5

Study case studies of international disputes and their resolution.

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