module specification

Historically, warfare has always been subject to customs and principles. International humanitarian law seeks to limit the effect of war and conflict and to set the parameters for engagement as they impact on participants and non-participants of conflict. As a branch of public international law, international humanitarian law involves two broad areas, namely the protection of people no longer taking part in fighting and secondly, restrictions imposed on the methods of warfare, weapons of warfare and military tactics.

Students taking this module will develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and legal issues attached to public international humanitarian law.  This includes the Geneva Convention 1949 and other conventions including the Conventional Weapons Convention, Chemical Weapons Convention and laws relating to anti-personnel mines. Students will also gain an understanding of the categories of warfare and the parties affected by conflict.

Topical issues will be discussed using contemporary issues where relevant to reflect on the recognition and implementation of public international humanitarian law.

MODULE AIMS

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• appreciate the historical context of international humanitarian law and distinction from human rights law;
• understand the framework of international law as it relates to humanitarian law;
• understand and appreciate the role of international organisations in the development of international humanitarian law and principles;
• critically analyse the scope and nature of the legal framework of international humanitarian law including the Geneva Convention and related laws and conventions;
• understand the challenges of implementation and enforcement of international humanitarian law;
• have the opportunity to apply knowledge through a series of practical exercises;
• critically analyse the scope of human rights within the wider political, religious and socio-economic context.

No pre-requisites. Not available for Study Abroad.

Introduction

• What is public international humanitarian law?
• Historical overview and sources of international humanitarian law
• Scope of international humanitarian law – the parameters of humanitarian law and human rights
• Classification of armed conflict - international and non-international armed conflict
• Civilians, refugees, combatants, prisoners of war

Principles of public international humanitarian law and institutions

• Key principles
• Role of the governmental and non-governmental organisations

The legal framework of public international humanitarian law including

• The 1949 Geneva Convention
• The Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict
• The Biological Weapons Convention
• The Conventional Weapons Convention

Implementation, monitoring and enforcement of public international humanitarian law

• Religious, political and economic considerations

Contemporary and topical issues in public international humanitarian law

• Selected case studies – war regions 20 & 21st century
• Terrorism

Overview

Students will be taught by a combination of online lectures, interactive online seminars, one-to-one supervision, and self-study of a comprehensive module, with students encouraged to read from specified case law and legal journals. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss theoretical issues as well as practical problem solving.  Students will be supported in undertaking on-line research using electronic law databases and encouraged to use on line legal resources on a regular basis. There is a virtual learning environment containing handbooks, lecture notes, weblinks, discussion groups, study skills materials and assessment criteria. 

Experiential Learning

Students will be encouraged to respond to realistic case-studies relating to the sector, giving written legal opinions to clients in the style of a professional legal advisor. Students will also be able to participate in the extracurricular experiential learning offered within the Law School, including the Pro Bono Clinic and the Mooting Club.

Study Support

Students will have regular access to module tutors by email and by one-to-one video conferences to support their studies. They will also engage with one formative assessment for each module, which will be marked promptly with opportunities for feedback either by email or individual online discussion.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to do the following:

1. Understand the historical context for the development of public international humanitarian law
2. Comprehend and manage a substantial body of legal knowledge focused on public international humanitarian law.
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the regional and state approaches to public international humanitarian law and the factors influencing implementation and enforcement using contemporary case studies
4. Research and manage legal information from paper and IT resources and present competent legal arguments in writing.
5. Synthesise relevant case law and statute, understand and present conflicting arguments and apply the law to problem scenarios relevant to all aspects of public international humanitarian law.

The module adopts the assessment strategy principles of GSBL which have been developed in the spirit of ESJ. These are:

1. The School is committed to ensuring that each student should not have more no more than 2 assessment points per 20 credit module.
2. We provide balanced forms of assessment, both in terms of its overall volume (measured in terms of assessment points and output required and the types used.
3. Group activities are part of the learning and teaching strategies but assessment is at the level of the individual. Thus, assessment focused on individual reflections and learning from participating in a group activity.
4. Flexibility/choice in assessment methods will be introduced wherever possible in order to facilitate different learning studies and support personalization

Assessment of the module will be by way of a piece of written coursework (3,000 words maximum) giving students a choice of either presenting a critical analysis of contemporary legal issues and/or experiential, employment related practical exercises.

In line with our policy on facilitating formative feedback to students, the assessment strategy is designed to provide formative feedback on the assessment before it is due to be submitted.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/841F5E9F-DDD4-97F9-6A56-8E843C13B26C.html?lang=en-US&login=1