Overview

The ocean, a critical resource for humanity, regulates climate, sustains life, and fuels the global economy. Its multiple uses and diverse values make ocean governance both vital and complex, from addressing climate change to preventing pirate attacks. An understanding of the international law of the sea, a body of public international law, is therefore more important than ever.

In this module, students will be introduced to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (LOSC) as a backbone of the law of the sea. In the first part, students will study the various maritime zones set out in the LOSC to understand the rights and obligations of states in different areas of the ocean.

In the second part, students will begin to identify and explore some of the contemporary challenges facing the ocean, which may include issues relating to the environment (e.g., climate change, marine pollution), marine resources (e.g., biodiversity, underwater heritage), and maritime security (e.g., piracy, transportation of weapons). Students will be introduced to other relevant international agreements in this respect.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- to D+ (40-49%) An answer which, while predominantly correct in its presentation of material, contains a significant level of error and is therefore not entirely reliable.

-good -Good: B- to B+ (60-69%) High Standard: A comprehensive answer, containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in an argument which, while clear, logical and critical, leaves room for improvement in its construction and presentation. An answer which shows complete competence in the subject.

-excellent -Excellent: A- to A* (70+%) An outstanding answer, containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in a clear, logical, critical argument with little room for improvement. An answer which demonstrates a complete mastery of the subject.

-another level-C- to C+ (50-59%) An answer which, while always in the main accurate and correct, fails to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material and is lacking in criticism. An answer which while reliable with regard to correctness is either not comprehensive or not entirely pertinent.

Learning Outcomes

• Accurately describe, critically analyse, comment on, and evaluate contemporary regulatory issues in relation to the law of the sea. This includes making links with other areas of law, e.g. climate law or human rights law.

• Communicate reasoned legal arguments in relation to the law of the sea and contemporary regulatory issues, in formative and summative assessments.

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the maritime zones as set out in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and critically analyse the relationship of these zones to contemporary regulatory issues.

• Identify, critically analyse and apply relevant primary and secondary sources in relation to the law of the sea.

• Undertake independent and original legal research in relation to the law of the sea and contemporary regulatory issues.