Advanced Course on Public International Law

Academic year: 2010-2011 Course code module MREC0110 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): Practice/Exercises(hours): 45,00 Other (hours): Part-time program: Instructor(s) Koen De Feyter Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 1st semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties General requirements of admission to master degree. *Sequentiality International Law and the Law of International Organisations (2BREC-19) 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) In depth understanding of  international law. Mastering of oral discussion and presentation skills; ability to prepare a group project. A successful student is able to think and write critically about the capacity of international law to deal with current day challenges. 3. Course content This year the main theme of the course is “Protecting the common interest in international law”. Traditionally, international law was perceived as being  purely contractual in nature:  States are only bound by international law if they explicitly consent to an obligation.   Today, however, many issues are defined as being ‘of common concern’ to the global community.  Such issues include the global environment, common areas (such as the high seas or outer space), cultural heritage, serious violations of human rights and so on.   The current challenge then is to see whether international law can develop techniques that go beyond the contractual in dealing with issues of common concern.  These new developments in international law are the main focus of the course.   The course will also look at different responsibilities of developing and developed countries with respect to issues of common concern, as this is the main focus of the researhg group on law and development to which the lecturer belongs.   4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures Exercise sessions Skills training Personal work: Exercises Assignments - individual Assignments - in group Paper - individual Project-based work - in group 5. Assessment method Continuous assessment: Exercises Assignments Written assignment: With oral presentation 6. Compulsory reading – study material A reader is provided, to which students add materials through their own research. 7. Recommended reading - study material 8. Tutoring laatste aanpassing: last update: 02/06/2011 15:51 koen.defeyter