LWMIGG-International Organisations and Global Governance

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Registered for a postgraduate programme in Law or selected MA programmes or with permission of the Director of PGT Studies in Law.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Vicky Kapogianni
Email: v.kapogianni@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module identifies, examines, and critically evaluates a number of key international organisations as well as interdisciplinary content on their role in global governance. The module covers relevant legal principles, ranging from the creation of an international organisation with separate legal personality, its outputs and role in the global order, its legal obligations and dispute settlement, recognising the historical, political and economic context in which organisations operate and interact with other subjects of the international legal order. The module is taught through a focus on different international organisations as case studies throughout the module, and with the development of thematic understanding throughout the module.

Aims:

The module focuses on international organisations and global governance. Traditionally, states have been the primary actors within the international legal order. However, and particularly since the creation of the United Nations (UN) in 1945, the roles and influences of international organisations have steadily grown, with the consequence that they have become significant legal actors in their own rights. The nature and scope of these organisations vary, ranging from universal organisations such as the UN, to regional ones like the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), to intergovernmental ones that focus on specific thematic issues areas, like NATO does in relation to peace and security and the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to trade. Each of those organisations plays a different role in global governance and the global order. This module identifies, examines, and critically evaluates a number of key international organisations. The module covers relevant legal principles, ranging from the creation of an international organisation with separate legal personality, its outputs and role in the global order, its legal obligations and dispute settlement, recognising the historical, political and economic context in which organisations operate and interact with other subjects of the international legal order. The module is taught through a focus on different international organisations as case studies throughout the module, and with the development of thematic understanding throughout the module. The module aims to develop students’ key skillsets, including by engaging in discussion, independent research and creativity required for the podcast, and through the written assessment. At the same time, the module aims to encourage students new to the field to analyse the political and legal framework in which states and other subjects of international law agree on their political and legal commitments and "enforce" each other’s international legal obligations.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students will be expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate a sound substantive knowledge of international organisations and global governance, including many of the principal underpinning principles and laws, gained through both class participation and self-study.


• Critically analyse and assess the activities, outputs, and influences of international organisations, particularly in terms of their law-making contributions as well as related responsibilities and accountability under international law.

 

Additional outcomes:

Given the fact that the module is orientated towards seminar teaching and independent study, it will encourage autonomy with regard to reflective critical analysis and debate of the legal and policy topics examined, as well as high-level oral and written communication skills.

These outcomes are in addition to those listed in the School's ‘core skills statement'.

Outline content:

The module will explore different international organisations, with a case study focus on each one. It will be team taught, drawing upon the expertise that different members of staff have on different parts of the global order. The students will be introduced to basic principles of international law relevant to all international organisations, and will learn about the development of such organisations drawing upon legal history, political science, and international relations. The module willexpose students to a broad range of organisations, including but not limited to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, regional organisations, peace and security organisations, and development organisations, Throughout the module students will develop an understanding of the roles such organisations play in the global order, their interactions with other key actors including states, their strengths and limitations for addressing societal challenges, and issues arising in relation to dispute settlement and accountability. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching in this module is designed to provide students with a range of resources on which they can draw in their learning. The main elements are:

• A list of required and recommended readings, with notes and questions that will be used to guide class discussion and reflection.


• Ten weekly seminar classes of 2 hours each, which are discussion based classes..


• Students will be given two independent research assignments in the form of creating a podcast and undertaking a written assessment relevant to one or more topics examined during the module.

Where there are other School of Law or University seminars relevant to the area then students in the module will be encouraged to attend and given the opportunity to discuss the issues with visiting academic presenters.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	50
Wider reading (directed)	60
Preparation for presentations	25
Preparation for seminars	20
Essay preparation	25
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Oral assessment and presentation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• One assessed essay of 8 pages formatted in accordance with the School of Law’s Assessed Work Rules)


• One assessed podcast

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have the opportunity to make an oral presentation during one of the seminars (individually or in groups) on a topic relevant to the module for which they will receive written feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

See School of Law PGT Programme Handbook.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required textbooks:

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: 6 November 2023