Module manager: Dr Amrita Mukherjee
Email: A.Mukherjee@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
| LAW2147 | Foundations of International Law |
LAW2145 International Law
This module is not approved as a discovery module
International law concerns all aspects of contemporary global problems. Its structures and rules are developed and applied by States, international organizations (and to some extent non-state actors) to create peaceful co-existence. However, this distinct system of law needs to contend with constantly evolving challenges and forces which question international law’s authority, legitimacy and values. In particular, the decolonisation of international law, contests many of its assumptions and Eurocentric focus which have disadvantaged so many. This module will explore a diverse range of subjects. We will study together the laws that decide independent statehood, whether and how the ocean floor should be exploited and when states are allowed to use military force against other states. These are some of the major issues that the module explores with a view to analysing the significant role of the international legal order.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- demonstrate an awareness of international law as a legal system distinct from national legal systems;
- demonstrate knowledge in depth of substantive areas of international law studied within the module;
- analyse international disputes in terms of applicable legal rules and propose arguable solutions to concrete problems (actual or hypothetical) in the light of such analysis;
- synthesise relevant primary and secondary sources, bringing together materials from a variety of sources and make critical judgements on the merits of particular arguments and propose a reasoned choice between alternative solutions;
- make written presentations in this field of study which are coherent, cogent and logically structured.
- Reinforcement of discipline-specific skills in learning to 'think like a lawyer', including finding, understanding, using and applying legal principles and rules.
- Development of intellectual skills and expertise in analysis, synthesis, critical judgment and evaluation, logical argument, organisation of information, oral and written communication and presentation of materials.
Nature and purpose of international law
The sources of international law
Territory and self-determination
Decolonising International Law
Use of Force
Jurisdiction
Law of the Sea.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1.5 | 7.5 |
| Private study hours | 176.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The online learning element is broken down into 15 minute tasks, there will be 20 x 15 minute tasks overall.
A formative assessment opportunity will be provided.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 x 3,500 word essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/29/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team