Overview

This module will enhance students’ understanding of the public international context of law. Students will begin with the necessary building blocks to understanding the field of international law by exploring and understanding fundamental principles of public international law and international human rights law. On grasping these core principles students will be well placed to move forward to more sophisticated examinations of some core topics and contemporary issues in international law.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -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, possibly brilliant, 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+: 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

• Analyse fundamental legal principles in public international law and international human rights law in the context of contemporary issues and critically assess these principles.

• Apply knowledge of international law to actual or hypothetical factual scenarios.

• Critically appraise the broader political, cultural and economic contexts in which international law operates.

• Critically evaluate the key sources of international law and how these apply to specific situations

• Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the history, theory and practice of international law