INTERNATIONAL LAW

The main objectives of the Course are the development of the students’ understanding and knowledge of international law, and the strengthening of their ability to interact at the required levels (research, study, professional work) on the main subject-matters of the discipline, which permeates the evolution of contemporary international relations.

Knowledge and understanding:
This course covers the foundations (historical evolution and nature, sources and subjects), implementation mechanisms (international responsibility, dispute settlement and enforcement) and specialized regulation (use of force, economic relations, environment and outer space) of international relations.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
The course will provide students with a critical knowledge of the structure of the international community and the foundation of contemporary international law. They will also be able to frame the current developments of international law in legally appropriate terms.
Making judgements:
Through the acquisition and application of the international legal tools, the course will provide students with an autonomous capacity of analysis and problem solving from both a theoretical and practical perspectives.
Communications Skills:
As the course is delivered in English, students will gain a specific language proficiency. They are also required to develop legally correct contents by making reference to the foundations of international law.
Learning skills:
The course encourages students to critically assess the functioning of the international legal order and to apply their knowledge to the current legal issues. This will be also assessed through the final exam.

Some basic knowledge of Law is useful but it is not compulsory.

This course covers the foundations (historical evolution and nature, sources and subjects), implementation mechanisms (international responsibility, dispute settlement and enforcement) and specialized regulation (use of force, economic relations, environment and outer space) of international relations under a legal perspective. The focus is on both enduring foundational concepts and current developments, analysing the latter in the light of the former.

Martin Dixon, Robert McCorquodale, Sarah Williams, Cases & Materials on International Law, 7th ed., Oxford, OUP, 2024.

Final written exam. A combination of multiple choice questions with an essay question. Each correct answer is worth 1 point for a total of 20 while the essay question will have a weight of 10 points out of a total of 30.

written

The grades given are Fail (F), and the passing grades Pass (A), Pass with credit (B) and Pass with distinction (A).

The teaching methods is based on classroom-taught lectures, with didactic supports and students interaction. This method generates a good level of involvement, fostering interest from the students. The course does not impose compulsory attendance, but the active participation of students is very useful for the preparation of the exam.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "International cooperation" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development