Module Catalogue 2024/25

LAW8146 : Foundations of Public International Law

LAW8146 : Foundations of Public International Law

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Elena Katselli
  • Lecturer: Dr Elliot Winter
  • Owning School: Newcastle Law School
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

n/a

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

n/a

Aims

This module aims to provide an advanced understanding of the international legal order and the legal norms and principles that regulate the behaviour of and interaction between states and other actors and to critically reflect on the effectiveness and adequacy of the system in a contemporary setting.


To equip students with comprehensive knowledge on the nature and function of the international legal order and the principles upon which it is founded;

To enable student understanding on the inter-relationship between the international and national legal orders;

To advance student understanding on the mechanisms of international norm creation and the subjects of international law;

To enable students to reflect critically on the strengths and weaknesses of the international legal system;

To familiarise students with the secondary norms that are generated as soon as primary norms of international law are breached;

To examine the mechanisms under the United Nations for safeguarding international peace and security and for the peaceful resolution of international disputes;

To provide an in-depth understanding of selected substantive issues such as the circumstances under which states can resort to the use of armed force.

Outline Of Syllabus

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

* History, Nature and Function of International Law and its Relation with National Law
* Sources of International Law
* Law of Treaties
* The Subjects of International Law / Recognition
* Secession / Self-determination
* International Responsibility of States and Enforcement of International Law
* Jurisdiction and Immunities from Jurisdiction
* The United Nations System and International Dispute Settlement Procedures: The UN System
* The United Nations System and International Dispute Settlement Procedures: International Court of Justice
* Use of Force and the Law of Armed Conflict: Security Council and self-defence
* Humanitarian intervention
* International Human Rights

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

These include equipping students with a solid understanding of key legal issues concerning the nature and function of the international legal order and some of the challenges that it is currently faced with. This will be achieved through the use of contemporary examples and developments demonstrating in this way the relevance of the current module to day to day realities.

Intended Skill Outcomes

These include the ability:

- to comprehend a wide range of primary and secondary resources;
- to critically evaluate and to articulate well-substantiated legal arguments and opinions;
- to reflect on key issues and to develop independent thinking;
- to engage in theoretical debates and to put their knowledge to test;
- to write and talk clearly, concisely and coherently;
- to engage in independent research;
- to develop their problem-solving skills.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion601:0060:00Combination of own reading and revision of substantive module content, with directed reading
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching122:0024:00Synchronous/non-synchronous seminars
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1161:00116:00Combination of own reading and revision of substantive module content, with directed reading
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The seminars will be interactive and will require advance preparation on identified issues. This method of teaching is appropriate at post-graduate level where students are called to engage in in-depth critical engagement on identified issues. Seminars provide an opportunity to strengthen student understanding of key issues through discussion and active student engagement through advanced reading and preparation on selected issues.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1351A67Written in-house exam. 3 out of 6 questions.
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1M332000 words
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam provides an opportunity to develop student critical analytical and problem-solving skills in a focused manner on a wider range of topics. The essay provides an opportunity to develop student independent research skills and in-depth critical evaluation. Students need to demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of relevant debates on set topic and advance legal arguments in a clear and coherent way.

Alternative assessment for exam: if the exam cannot take place due to public health circumstances, it will be replaced with a 24 hour take home exam.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.