International Law & Organization
- Social Sciences
- 400 level
- 3 credit units
- 179 pages
- 25 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 130 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of POL452, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1 HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONSPage 63
- UNIT 2 APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONPage 70
- UNIT 3: NATURE AND CHARACTER OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONSPage 76
- UNIT 4 BRIEF NOTES ON SOME INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONSPage 80
- UNIT 5 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL LAWPage 86
- UNIT 1 CONCEPT, THEORIES AND APPROACHES OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTPage 91
- UNIT 2 GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN THE 20TH AND 21STCENTURIESPage 99
- UNIT 3 CONTINENTAL INITIATIVES FOR TACKLING DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN AFRICAPage 109
- UNIT 4 REGIONAL ECONOMIC COMMUNITIES IN AFRICAPage 118
- UNIT 5 SOCIO–CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS FOR FOSTERING WORLD PEACE AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTPage 122
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
POL452 · UNIT 1 MEANING OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
McKeever (2006) refers to the subject-matter as public international law in his definition, which says: Public international law is the law of the political system of nations– states. It is a distinct and self–contained system of law, independent of the national system with which it interacts, and dealing with relations, which they do not effectively govern.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the concept and theories of international law and organizations.
- Familiarize with the institutional framework of global economic development.
- Understand the cross-current issues on cultural organizations.
- Explain the sources and enforcement mechanisms of international law.
- Analyze the relationship between international law and municipal law.
What it prepares you for
- Diplomat
- International Lawyer
- Policy Analyst
- International Relations Officer
- Legal Advisor
- Government
- International Organizations
- Law Firms
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Consulting
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law
Unit 1: International Law of Treaties
Complex legal frameworks and historical context require careful analysis and critical thinking.
- Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law
Unit 2: International Law of the Seas
Understanding the nuances of maritime boundaries and resource allocation requires a strong grasp of geography and international agreements.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 52 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Understanding International Law
Unit 1: Meaning of International Law · 4 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 2Module 1: Understanding International Law
Unit 2: Sources of International Law · 4 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 3Module 1: Understanding International Law
Unit 3: The State as a Subject of International Law · 4 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 4Module 1: Understanding International Law
Unit 4: Relationship between International Law and Municipal Law · 4 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 5Module 1: Understanding International Law
Unit 5: Topical Issues in International Law · 4 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 6Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law
Unit 1: International Law of Treaties · 4 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 7Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law
Unit 2: International Law of the Seas · 4 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 8Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law
Unit 3: International Environmental Law · 4 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 9Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law
Unit 4: International Criminal Law · 4 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 10Module 2: Fundamentals of International Law
Unit 5: International Humanitarian Law · 4 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 11Module 3: Evolution and Development of International Organisations
Unit 1: History of International Organisations · 4 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 12Module 3: Evolution and Development of International Organisations
Unit 2: Approaches to the Study of International Organisations · 4 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 13Module 3: Evolution and Development of International Organisations
Unit 3: Nature and Character of International Organisations · 4 hours
Discuss the various types of international organizations.. Explain the functions and roles of international organizations.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..
Preparing for the exam
- Review key definitions and concepts from each unit.
- Create summaries of major international treaties and conventions.
- Practice answering essay questions on the relationship between international law and state sovereignty.
- Focus on understanding the roles and functions of major international organizations.
- Study case studies of international disputes and their resolution.
Questions students ask about this course
What is POL452 about?
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.
How many units does POL452 have?
POL452, International Law & Organization, has 25 units across 5 modules, over 179 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is POL452?
POL452 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Social Sciences.
Is POL452 hard?
POL452 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does POL452 take to study?
About 130 hours of study, spread across its 25 units.
How is POL452 assessed?
POL452 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with POL452?
Diplomat, International Lawyer, Policy Analyst, International Relations Officer and Legal Advisor.