LW3IL-International Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Prof James Green

Email: J.A.Green@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module provides an introduction to public international law.

Aims:

This module aims to provide a grounding in basic concepts and general principles of international law. Students will be encouraged to examine the legal basis of international law, the sources of international law and the relationship between international law and municipal law. The module will examine recent developments and matters of controversy in international law. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will be expected to have grasped the basic principles and practice of international law. They will be aware of the role of law in the international community and will have an awareness of how international law relates to municipal law and how international law fits with traditional understanding of the nature of law. They will be able to identify difficulties and benefits arising out of the international legal system.

Additional outcomes:

In addition to those listed in the School’s ‘core skills statement’, the module aims to further develop written and oral communication skills and will rely heavily on the reading and critical evaluation of both primary and secondary source material.

Outline content:

• Nature of International Law

• Subjects of International Law

• Sources of International Law

• The Law of Treaties

• International Humanitarian Law

• International Criminal Law

• Territory

• Jurisdiction

• State Responsibility

• Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

• The Use of Force in International Law

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

24 hours of lectures in the Autumn Term and six small-group tutorials in the Spring Term for which students will be expected to prepare topics for group discussion. One non-assessed essay. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	24
Tutorials		6
Guided independent study:	76	94
Total hours by term	100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One three-hour examination paper. Three questions to be answered from a selection of 7 questions.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

A mock take-home exam paper in the Spring Term, to be sat under exam conditions (three-hour examination paper, three questions to be answered from a selection of 7 questions).  Students will be given a mark and written feedback on this paper.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
See School Guide (Programme Assessment).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 4 April 2020