Students will examine key areas of public international law, including the use of force, the right of self-defense, and the legal rules governing the protection of civilians and participants in armed conflicts. The course analyzes real-world cases arising from recent hostilities, including the war in Ukraine. It also explores the work of the International Court of Justice, which adjudicates disputes between states, and the role of the International Criminal Court, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes, aggression, genocide, and crimes against humanity. Additional topics include diplomatic privileges and immunities, the recognition of states and governments, and the structure and functions of the United Nations.
By the end of the semester, students will understand how international law shapes cooperation, accountability, and conflict resolution in the contemporary international system.
All course materials will be provided by the instructor and will be accessible in the Files tab on Canvas.
The final grade for this course is based on six components: attendance (10%); discussion of assigned readings (25%); presentation (25%); Test 1 (15%); Test 2 (15%); and final exam (10%).
Up to three absences are permitted without penalty. This policy is designed to accommodate any reason for missing class.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. 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