Overview

Module content may include (but is not limited to): - An introduction to public international law - The relationship between international and domestic law - Sources of international law (including customary law and treaty law) - Statehood (i.e. how are States created) - Acquisition of territory - The law of global commons - Jurisdiction and immunities - The use of force

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -C- to C+ Displays ability within a specialized area of knowledge and skills, employing appropriate skills to conduct research. Work at threshold quality demonstrates an adequate knowledge and understanding of current issues in this field of study. It shows a critical awareness of current problems, some of which is informed by thinking at the forefront of the academic discipline. Work at this level shows a developing understanding of techniques applicable to the student’s own research. It shows an ability to apply knowledge in an original way, and to use established techniques of research and enquiry to interpret knowledge in the discipline. The conceptual understanding evidenced by the work indicates that the student can evaluate scholarship in the field. -good -B- to B+ Displays accomplished ability within a specialized area of knowledge and skills, employing good quality skills to conduct research. Good work in this module will demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of current issues in this field of study. It shows a critical awareness of current problems, much of which is at, or informed by thinking at, the forefront of the academic discipline. Work at this level shows a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to the student’s own research. It shows an ability to apply knowledge in an original way, and to use established techniques of research and enquiry to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. The conceptual understanding evidenced in the work indicates that the student can evaluate advanced scholarship in the discipline. The work shows an ability to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them, and, where, appropriate, propose hypotheses. -excellent -A- to A*Displays mastery of a complex and specialized area of knowledge and skills, employing advanced skills to conduct research. Excellent work in this module will contain the qualities recognized in good work, but will show them in a more consistent way, and at all points. It will demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of current issues in this field of study. It shows a critical awareness of current problems, much of which is at the forefront of this academic discipline. Work at this level shows a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to the student’s own research or to advanced scholarship. It shows throughout an ability to apply knowledge in an original way, and to use established techniques of research and enquiry to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. The conceptual understanding evidenced in the work indicates that the student can critically evaluate advanced scholarship in the discipline, and do so in a consistent manner. The work shows an ability to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them, and, where, appropriate, propose hypotheses.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically assess areas of legal controversy and competing interpretations of international law.

• Critically evaluate and analyse the rules of Public International Law, and apply them appropriately to solve problems of an international nature (legal reasoning).

• Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of global affairs and the critical role of States and international organisations, such as the United Nations and the International Court of Justice.

• Demonstrate an advanced conceptual understanding of what Public International Law is, whom or what it affects, the system within which it operates, and how that differs to the domestic regime.

• Develop and employ enhanced independent research and writing skills, including creative and critical thinking and postgraduate level writing.

• Master the foundational concepts, principles and fundamental rules of Public International Law, and be able to put these into the context of contemporary international challenges.