https://courseoutline.auckland.ac.nz/dco/course/LAWHONS/736A/1213

LAWHONS 736A/B : Topics in International Law

Law

2021 Semester One (1213) / Semester Two (1215) (20 POINTS)

Course Prescription

An in-depth analysis of selected topics in historical and contemporary international law, the aim of which is to provide students with a deeper appreciation of the theoretical debates in the discipline, as well as a broader understanding of the topics being studied.

Course Overview

My aim in this seminar to foster in students a critical understanding of the theories, structures, institutions and doctrines of public international law and my ambition is that when students do have that critical understanding of the system, that they don't throw their hands up in despair and walk away to a more comfortable life, intellectually speaking, in commercial litigation! In working to develop this critical understanding of the system, I build on the undergraduate international law course (which is why it is a co-requisite), and the seminar format allows us to  do some "deep dives" into particular topics of international law as well as to start to understand, reflect on, and discuss broader themes and systemic issues in international law. In that sense, this seminar is both "doctrinal" (you will learn the rules) and "theoretical" (you will grapple with the meaning of life - or at least the meaning - if there is one - of international law).

More practically, the first semester will cover a range of topics and in doing so we will ask such questions as: Is today’s United Nations the best we can do? What are the ways in which international law is changing and are these changes problematic or to be welcomed? How might we hold contemporary global governance structures to account for their decisions (or lack of decisions if we think about Covid-19)? What is the role of non-state actors in international law making and implementation? I will lead us through these broader questions through the lens of specific issues: Covid is a must in these times; New Zealand's involvement in Afghanistan is an important contemporary issue here at home (the Burnham Inquiry report released last year); the role of the United Nations in the colonisation of the Pacific, and other contemporary and historical issues. 

The second semester will be devoted to students presenting their work on their own research papers - those topics can be drawn from any area of international law (with my prior approval); and the presentations are an opportunity for the student in question to develop their communication skills and convey information and analysis on a particular topic and an opportunity for the rest of the class to learn a new topic and to be able to engage critically with a presentation through discussions and questions. 

Course Requirements

Corequisite: LAW 435 or LAWPUBL 402 To complete this course students must enrol in LAWHONS 736 A and B

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Understand the nature and parameters of debates on selected contemporary and historical issues in international law (Capability 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.3 and 4.1)
  2. Develop and demonstrate an ability to independently research and write (Capability 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 5.1 and 5.2)
  3. Communicate the results of research by means of a class presentation (Capability 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1 and 5.2)
  4. Critically evaluate one particular area of law in independent project (Capability 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2 and 6.3)
  5. Critically evaluate a range of legal topics covered in the course (Capability 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 4.3, 6.2 and 6.3)
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of the debates about the nature, function, history and impacts of international law (Capability 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.3, 5.2, 6.2 and 6.3)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Research 80% Individual Coursework
Presentation 10% Individual Coursework
Discussions 10% Individual Coursework
3 types 100%
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6
Research
Presentation
Discussions

Workload Expectations

Attendance is required at all seminars of 2 hours per week.
Reading in advance is expected so that students can participate in class discussions. I would anticipate that readings will take 2-3 hours before each class. For the second semester, when students are presenting their papers, there will be no advance reading required.
The main work for students is preparing their own research paper, and presentation, which they will work on throughout the year. 

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance in seminars, scheduled for Tuesdays 10am - noon, is compulsory (a roll will be taken and you must email me in advance to excuse attendance, failure to do so will impact on your participation/discussion grade.

The first semester will consist of lecturer-led discussions on set readings covering a range of topics. In this way, students will be exposed to concrete issues in international law, as well as developing a more critical appreciation of the international legal system. There will also be classes devoted to assisting students in selecting research topics and managing their writing project. In addition to seminar meetings, students will be expected to meet with me individually to discuss their research plans. The second semester will be a series of student-led seminars on their chosen topics, which can be in any area of international law, subject to my approval.

Learning Resources

reading materials will be available on Canvas. There is no required text book. 

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course director, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a Student Academic and Support Adviser as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 11/02/2021 02:44 p.m.