INTERNATIONAL LAW

The course is included in the degree program in "Languages, civilizations and language sciences". It provides students with the fundamental knowledge of public international law, with particular emphasis on the subjects of international law, the sources of international law, the functioning of international organizations, and the law of international responsibility. The course also aims to develop students' ability to understand and critically analyse the main legal issues arising in the international sphere, providing them with the conceptual tools needed to interpret political, cultural and social phenomena from a global perspective.

1. Knowledge and understanding
Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of public international law, the structure of the international community, the subjects of international law, the sources of international law, and the law of international responsibility.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to interpret the main sources of international law and to apply the fundamental concepts of the discipline to the analysis of legal issues and practical cases, using appropriate legal terminology.

3. Making judgements
Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to develop independent legal assessments of the main issues addressed during the course, through the critical interpretation of international legal rules, State practice, and international case law.

4. Communication skills
Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to present the fundamental concepts of international law clearly and effectively, using appropriate legal terminology and supporting their conclusions with well-reasoned legal arguments.

5. Learning skills
Students are expected to demonstrate that they have acquired an appropriate method for identifying, consulting, and using the main normative, judicial, and scholarly sources of international law, enabling them to critically analyse and address the principal legal issues arising within the discipline.

A basic knowledge of law might be useful, although not compulsory.

1. The Main Features of the International Legal Order;
2. The Historical Evolution of the International Community;
3. The State and Statehood;
4. The Territorial Dimension of State Sovereignty;
5. Other Subjects of International Law: Insurgents and National Liberation Movements;
6. International Organizations and the United Nations;
7. Individuals and Other Non-State Actors;
8. Customary International Law and General Principles of Law;
9. Treaties;
10. Jus Cogens;
11. International Law and Domestic Legal Systems;
12. The Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes;
13. Internationally Wrongful Acts and State Responsibility;
14. The United Nations Collective Security System and Self-Defence.

One textbook to be chosen from the following:
- A. Cassese, Diritto internazionale, edited by M. Frulli, 4th ed., Bologna, Il Mulino, 2021.
- D. Carreau, F. Marrella, Diritto internazionale, 5th ed., Milan, Giuffrè Francis Lefebvre, 2025, excluding Chapters V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, XVIII, XIX, XXIII and XXV.

One compulsory supplementary reading, to be chosen from the following:
- M. Frulli, Il diritto internazionale è carta straccia, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2026, Chapters 4 and 5.
- S. De Vido, V. Lorubbio, Il diritto internazionale delle emergenze, Pisa, Pacini Giuridica, 2026, Chapters 6 and 7.

The exam consists of a written examination comprising a multiple-choice section and an open-ended question section. The multiple-choice questions are designed to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and institutions of public international law. The open-ended questions are intended to assess students' ability to analyse and apply the concepts covered during the course, develop coherent legal arguments, and use appropriate legal terminology.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

Fail: The student demonstrates serious conceptual misunderstandings, little or no understanding of the topics covered, an inability to apply the acquired knowledge, significant gaps in preparation, and a lack of independent judgement.

18–22: The student demonstrates a basic knowledge of the topics covered, although with some inaccuracies, and is able to address only straightforward legal issues, showing a basic level of independence.

23–25: The student demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the topics covered and is able to apply the acquired knowledge correctly to familiar legal issues and develop coherent legal arguments, although with some inaccuracies.

26–28: The student demonstrates a good or very good understanding of the subject, with the ability to connect the main concepts of international law, critically analyse the issues addressed during the course, and develop legal arguments independently, accurately, and effectively.

29–30 with Honours: The student demonstrates comprehensive, in-depth, and well-structured knowledge of the subject, together with the ability to analyse and resolve complex legal issues independently, rigorously, and critically, using accurate and appropriate legal terminology. Honours are awarded to examinations that stand out for their exceptional quality, rigour of legal reasoning, and critical insight, exceeding the standard learning outcomes expected for the course.

Lectures. Interaction in class is warmly encouraged.

Students attending the course will be provided with some additional materials for reflection and discussion (judgments, resolutions, legal documents).

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion.
Students with disabilities and/or SLD may contact the Inclusivity Service (inclusione@unive.it) to benefit from specific services (i.e., alternate accessible testing, readers, etc).

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