International Law, An Introduction

Catalogue number	3554INT4KY
Credits	6
Language of the course	English
Year	The seminars in this course are only taught in the first semester. Students that are required to amend their deficiency in international law in the second semester prepare for the exam through self-study.
Time period(s)	Sem. 1 Sem. 2 Students that are required to amend their deficiency in international law in the second semester prepare for the exam through self-study.
Educational institute	Amsterdam Graduate Law School
Organised by	Department of Public International and European Law
Lecturer(s)	Dr. H.E. Kjos (co-ordinator)
Information	Secr. Dept. of Public International Law and European Law Oudemanhuispoort 4-6 kamer E301 +31 20 5252632
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Objectives

After the completion of this module, students are able to:

• understand core concepts of public international law and the workings of the international legal system;
• relate current events to public international rules and principles; and
• follow more advanced courses in the area of public international law.

Contents

This course offers students new to the subject, a concise and focused introduction to the essential topics of international law. It guides students through the legal principles and areas of controversy, bringing the subject to life with the use of topical examples to illustrate key concepts. The course provides a succinct but well-rounded insight into public international law, the system of rules governing relations between states, states and international organisations, and individuals and the international community.

The main subjects include: (1) the definition, nature and development of international law; (2) the sources of international law and their relation to national law; (3) international personality (including statehood); (4) state responsibility; (5) settlement of disputes; (6) international criminal law and the use of force; and (7) international human rights law.

The course may include an excursion to one of the international criminal tribunals in The Hague.

Format

Seminar (2 hours per week)

The seminars in this course are only taught in the firstsemester. Students that are required to amend their deficiency in international law in the second semester prepare for the exam through self-study.

Contacthours

Time

Day-time

Study materials

• Rebecca Wallace and Olga Martin-Ortega, “International Law”. 7^th edition, Sweet & Maxwell, London. The book can be ordered through the website of Sweet & Maxwell. http://www.sweetandmaxwell.co.uk/Catalogue/ProductDetails.aspx?productid=526381&recordid=5367.
• Online material available on the Blackboard site at http://blackboard.uva.nl

Assessment

1st semester: Written exam of 3 hours. There are also short, non-graded, assignments to be discussed in class.

2nd semester: Oral exam

Remarks

Please note carefully that the seminars in this course are only offered in semester 1. In semester 2 students may prepare for the exam through self-study. For further information see the Blackboard site at http://blackboard.uva.nl