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PUL813Law3 Unitsintermediate

International Environmental Law I

This course introduces the fundamental principles and applications of International Environmental Law (IEL). It explores the conceptual definition, historical development, and sources of IEL, including treaty law and customary international law. Key principles, concepts of pollution, and the roles of international organizations are examined. The course also addresses current environmental concerns such as global warming, climate change, ozone depletion, desertification, deforestation, and environmental dispute resolution.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
International LawEnvironmental LawTreaty LawPollutionSustainability

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

History of IEL

2

Sources of IEL

3

Principles of IEL

4

Environmental Pollution

5

Treaty Law

6

Environmental Dispute Resolution

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 (2 methods)

seminar paper

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

Environmental Lawyer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sustainability Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Compliance Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Government AgenciesEnvironmental OrganizationsLaw FirmsConsulting FirmsMultinational Corporations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

MODULE 1: History, Nature and Concept of International Environmental Law

4h

Unit 1: History, Nature and Concept of IEL

4 study hours
  • Read the introduction to environmental law.
  • Understand the historical context and evolution of IEL.
  • Define key concepts related to environmental protection.
Week
2

MODULE 1: History, Nature and Concept of International Environmental Law

4h

Unit 2: Sources of IEL

4 study hours
  • Identify and analyze the various sources of IEL.
  • Differentiate between treaties, customary laws, and general principles.
  • Understand the role of judicial decisions and academic commentaries.
Week
3

MODULE 2: Basic Principles of Environmental Law

4h

Unit 1: Emerging Principles of IEL--I

4 study hours
  • Examine the principle of state cooperation in environmental protection.
  • Understand the implications of the precautionary principle.
  • Analyze the polluter pays principle (PPP).
Week
4

MODULE 2: Basic Principles of Environmental Law

4h

Unit 2: Emerging Principles of IEL--II

4 study hours
  • Understand the principle of common but differentiated responsibility (CBDR).
  • Analyze the principle of sustainable development.
  • Discuss the principle of integration and interdependence.
Week
5

MODULE 2: Basic Principles of Environmental Law

4h

Unit 3: Emerging Principles of IEL--III

4 study hours
  • Understand the principle of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
  • Explain the principle of Inter- and Intra-generational Equity.
  • Discuss the Principles of prior notice.
Week
6

MODULE 3: The Challenge of Integrated Environmental Protection

4h

Unit One

4 study hours
  • Explain the challenges associated with an integrated approach to environmental protection at the global and national levels.
  • Discuss the economic and environmental interdependencies and their implications for environmental regulation.
Week
7

MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection

4h

Unit One: The concept of environmental pollution

4 study hours
  • Understand the rapid degradation of the environment through different forms of environmental pollution.
  • Explain the ways to protect the environment through stringent environmental legislation in Nigeria.
  • Study the international treaties on air pollution.
Week
8

MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection

4h

Unit Two: European Union and Pollution

4 study hours
  • Understand the EU legislation and approaches to the management of pollution.
  • Compare the EU and Nigerian approaches to pollution control.
  • Study the EU's Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).
Week
9

MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection

4h

Unit Three: Treaty Law and Protection of the Marine Environment

4 study hours
  • Understand the differences between treaties, protocols, and other agreements.
  • Analyze the process of treaty ratification.
  • Study the treaty-making process.
Week
10

MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection

4h

Unit Four: Customary International Law

4 study hours
  • Discuss the importance of customary international law.
  • Understand the factors influencing the growth of international custom.
  • Explain the elements of customary international law.
Week
11

MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection

4h

Unit Five: Activities of International Organisations

4 study hours
  • Discuss the key international organizations and their roles under IEL.
  • Understand the activities of UNEP, WCED, CSD, ICJ, OECD, World Bank, and WTO.
  • Analyze the role of international organizations in shaping and implementing environmental treaties.
Week
12

MODULE 5: Current Concerns about Environmental Degradation and Environmental Disputes

12h

Unit One

4 study hours
  • Discuss key environmental issues like desertification, deforestation, and flooding.
  • Study the international and national policy responses to tackle these issues.
  • Understand the conservation measures to prevent further environmental degradation.

Unit 2: Concerns on Deforestation and Flooding

4 study hours
  • Discuss the causes and the impact of deforestation on the environment.
  • Discuss possible solutions to the impact of deforestation.
  • Understand the National Environmental (Soil Erosion and Flood Control) Regulations 2011 and NESREA with regards to flood control in Nigeria

Unit 3: Environmental Dispute Resolution

4 study hours
  • Discuss the meaning of ADR.
  • Discuss the various forms of ADR mechanism and their benefits.
  • Discuss the limitations of ADR.
Week
13

MODULE 5: Current Concerns about Environmental Degradation and Environmental Disputes

6h

Final Revision

6 study hours
  • Review all modules and units.
  • Focus on key concepts and principles.
  • Prepare for the final examination.

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.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a study schedule and stick to it.

2

Review all study units and self-assessment exercises.

3

Focus on key concepts and principles of IEL.

4

Practice answering exam questions from previous years.

5

Participate in online forums and discussions to clarify doubts.

6

Pay close attention to the seminar paper topics and feedback from the facilitator.

7

Understand the legal frameworks and regulations discussed in each unit.

8

Create concept maps linking different principles and concepts.

9

Review case studies and examples provided in the course materials.

10

Allocate sufficient time for revision and exam preparation.

11

Understand the roles of key international organizations and their contributions to IEL.

12

Focus on the practical application of IEL principles in real-world scenarios.

13

Ensure a thorough understanding of the international treaties and conventions discussed in the course.

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