The purpose of this course is to explore the place of international law in global affairs. It asks questions such as: What kind of law is international law and what needs does it fulfill? Where do particular legal rules come from and how do we know what they precisely mean? What role does international law play, and how does the interplay between law and politics operate in the actual decision-making of policymakers and international organizations? Can the world be changed and improved through it?
Upon successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of the reasoning inherent in international law and exhibit the ability to apply this comprehension to the analysis of real-world cases. Additionally, they will develop the skills to critically analyze some of the most significant and contentious issues in contemporary international law.
This course does not require any textbooks or other materials.
The final grade for this course is based on six components: attendance accounts for 10%, discussion of assigned readings contributes 20%, midterm 1 and midterm 2 each make up 20%, the presentation contributes 20%, and the final exam represents 10% of the overall grade.
Students are expected to attend all classes. Up to three absences are permitted without penalty.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Social Sciences area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
· How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
· Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social, or geographic relationships develop, persist, or change.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
· Intercultural Competence
· Perspective-Taking
· Persuasion