GI7009 - International Relations and the Legal Regulation of Conflict (2016/17)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2016/17 | ||||||||||
| Module status | DELETED (This module is no longer running) | ||||||||||
| Module title | International Relations and the Legal Regulation of Conflict | ||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 172 | ||||||||||
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| Running in 2016/17(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This core module introduces students to the systematic study of International Law in an international relations context.
Prior learning requirements
None
Module aims
The module is designed to enable students to explore the substance and roles of international law in international relations in such a way that they have a firm grasp of the institutional dimensions of international law and understand its roles in contemporary conflicts. It seeks to achieve these aims by ensuring that students engage in close study of the roles and modes of functioning of the UN and its agencies, and international judicial bodies (e.g. the International Court of Justice); and it uses case studies of the operations of these bodies (eg, in Korea, Nicaragua, Israel/Palestine, Iraq, Serbia, Afghanistan…). As far as possible, the teaching materials reflect developing contemporary situations.
Syllabus
At the beginning of the module, students are introduced to some fundamental concepts of international law – sources of law, self-determination, state recognition, regional organisations, terrorism, the relation between international and domestic law. They are also familiarised with central institutions in the field of international law. On the basis of what has by then been absorbed, students explore a series of case studies – former Yugoslavia, Israel/Palestine, Russia and Chechnya – so as to apply the concepts now at their disposal. Finally, one or more challenging classes explore the tension between international law theory and international relations theory. In addition to regular tutors, outside speakers and lecturers frequently make a contribution.
Learning and teaching
The module is taught through lectures, seminars and tutorials. It is also supported by a weblearn site that provides students with reading materials to support seminars. It also offers guidance to further in support of independent study.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
1. articulate and explain the fundamental sources and concepts of public international law, in the contemporary context
2. demonstrate a knowledge and critical analysis of the main international institutions and mechanisms for regulating conflicts and their capacity and effectiveness
3. evaluate the relationship between international law and international relations, on the basis of in-depth studies of contemporary conflicts.
Assessment strategy
Students are required to choose a long, 5,000 word essay. This essay title must be chosen from a list provided by the module tutor. This will enable students to pursue in great detail key ideas and debates introduced in lectures and seminars.
Bibliography
Antonio Cassese International Law (Oxford, 2003)
www.oup.com/uk/best.textbooks/law/cassese - its excellent accompanying website
Rosalyn Higgins Problems and Process: International Law and How We Use It (Oxford, 1995)
Jack Donnelly Realism and International Relations (Cambridge 2000)
Michael Byers Custom, Power and the Power of Rules: International Relations and Customary International Law (Cambridge, 1999) Part 1 "An interdisciplinary perspective" pp.3-52
Gerry Simpson "Review Article: The Situation on the International Legal Theory Front: The Power of Rules and the Rule of Power" (2000) European Journal of International Law Vol 11, pp.439-464
Philippe Cullet "Differential Treatment in International Law: Towards a New Paradigm of Inter-State Relations" (1999) European Journal of International Law Vol 10, pp.549-582
Antonio Cassese Self-Determination of Peoples: A Legal Reappraisal (Cambridge, 1995) Chapter 9 "East Timor" pp.223-229
Ernst-Ulrich Petersmann "Time for a United Nations 'Global Compact' for Integrating Human Rights into the Law of Worldwide Organisations: Lessons from European Integration" (2002) 13 European Journal of International Law pp.621-650
Robert Howse "Human Rights in the WTO: whose Rights, What Humanity? Comment on Petersman" (2002) 13 European Journal of International Law pp.651-660
Ratner, Steven R., "Does International Law Matter in Preventing Ethnic Conflict?", (2000) New York University Journal of International Law and Politics Vol.32, No.3, pp. 591-698.
Packer, John, "Making International Law Matter in Preventing Ethnic Conflict: A Practitioner's Perspective", (2000) Vol.32, No.3, pp. 715-724.