Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

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Co Requisite Comment

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Aims

The module, 'International Environmental Law', provides a comprehensive exploration of the legal framework
that governs environmental concerns on a global scale. This curriculum is meticulously designed to offer an in-depth understanding of the various aspects of this complex and evolving field of law. The module commences with an introduction to International Environmental Law, offering an overview of its principles, sources, and implementation. This foundation is then built upon with an analysis of the role of law in Sustainable Development, examining the interplay between environmental protection, economic development, and social equity. Next, we delve into the State Responsibility, Compliance and Liability aspect, scrutinizing the obligations and accountability of states within the international environmental legal framework. The Rights for the Environment segment examines the legal recognition and protection of environmental rights, while the Human Rights and International Environmental Law unit explores the intersection between human rights and environmental conservation. In the Trade and Environment section, students will learn about the interaction between international trade laws and environmental regulations, followed by an exploration of Financing, Investment, and Environmental Law, which unravels the legal aspects of funding and investing in environmental projects. The module also addresses the pressing issue of Forced Migration and the Environment, dissecting the legal implications of environmental displacement. The Armed Conflict, Post Conflict, and the Environment unit offers a critical perspective on the environmental impact of war and post-war reconstruction. Finally, the course concludes with a study on International Environmental Law, Climate Law, and the new Frontier, investigating
emerging issues and challenges in the face of climate change.

This module offers not only theoretical knowledge but also encourages critical thinking and analysis, preparing
students for practical application in the real world. Examples are used from around the world on a wide range of
environmental topics. Role playing and understanding multiple perspective are a core aspect of the course. It is
recommended for those with an interest in law, policy-making, or environmental, resource, climate
management.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introducing International Environmental Law

International Institutions on the Environment

Sustainable Development and Law

State Responsibility, Compliance and Liability

Rights for the Environment

Human Rights and International Environmental Law

Trade and the Environment

Financing, Investment and Environmental Law

Forced Migration and the Environment

Armed Conflict, Post Conflict, and the Environment

International Environmental Law, Climate Law and the new Frontier

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

* Comprehend the foundations of International Environmental Law (KO1): By the end of this course, students are expected to have a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles and frameworks of international environmental law. This includes knowledge of its sources, implementation mechanisms, and the role it plays in balancing environmental protection with economic development.

* Evaluate state responsibility and compliance (KO2): Students should be able to critically assess the
obligations and accountabilities of various states within the international environmental legal framework. This
involves an analysis of state compliance, liability, and the consequences of non-compliance.

* Analyse the intersection of human rights and environmental law (KO3): The course aims to equip students with the ability to explore and analyse the intersection between human rights and environmental conservation. They should be able to understand and evaluate how these two areas influence and impact each other.

* Understand the implications of trade and investment on the environment (KO4): Students should be adept at investigating the interaction between international trade laws, financing, investment, and environmental regulations. They should also be capable of analysing the legal aspects of funding and investing in environmental projects.

* Critically examine emerging challenges in environmental law (KO5): The final intended outcome is for students to be able to critically examine and evaluate emerging trends and challenges in international environmental law, particularly in the context of climate change. They should be poised to engage with new frontiers in this field and contribute to its ongoing evolution.

Intended Skill Outcomes

* How to critically analyse international legal texts that relate to the environment (SO1): Students will gain
the ability to examine and interpret international legal documents, treaties, and regulations with a focus on
environmental issues. They will learn to assess the purpose, effectiveness, and potential shortcomings of these
legal instruments. Critical analysis also involves evaluating the broader political, economic, and social context in which these laws exist.

* Apply problem-solving (SO2): students will learn to apply problem-solving skills to tackle complex, real-world environmental issues that are often multi-jurisdictional in nature. This includes identifying the problem,
researching its context, brainstorming potential solutions, evaluating these solutions based on practicality and
impact, and then implementing the chosen solution.

* Engage in evidential reasoning (SO3): Students will be trained to base their arguments and decisions on solid evidence. This involves examining data, facts, and precedents, interpreting them correctly, and using them to support their positions. They will learn to distinguish between different types of evidence, assess their
reliability, and present them effectively in both written and oral forms.

* Navigate complex environmental negotiation and international role-playing (SO4): Students will participate in role-playing exercises to simulate international environmental negotiations, allowing them to understand the dynamics and challenges involved. They will learn to articulate their positions, negotiate effectively, build consensus, and manage conflicts.

* Develop advanced drafting skills (SO5): Drafting is a key part of law practice, and this skill is even more
critical in the international arena where language precision matters greatly. Students will learn to draft
assignments with a focus on clarity, conciseness, and persuasiveness.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The overall rationale is to inspire and motivate with co-created knowledge in small group teaching and structured readings to then expand knowledge further through partially structured and independent learning. More specific details on each activity are outlined below.

Small group teaching (KO1, SO1)* – 22 hours

Two one-hour sessions per week focused on student interaction with short, targeted lectures throughout the
module. The purpose is to establish a common grounding for all students on the origins, theory, and concepts of
international environmental law. The central sessions will involve students building their own insights on different environmental issues in class.

Scheduled on-line contact time (KO1) – 6 hours

Q&A sessions spread throughout module structured around breakfast or lunch catchups, on-line most likely. The
purpose is to offer a space for students to interact with each other and the teacher as a shared reflection point on the core aspects of the course.

Structured research and reading activities (KO3, KO4, SO4, SO5) – 40 hours

Preparation for class by covering set readings for each seminar, first class will have no set reading. These readings are a structured opportunity for students to explore in more depth than in class, how to identify the ways in which international environmental law is designed and implemented.

Assessment preparation and completion (primarily KO2, KO4, KO5, SO2, SO3, SO4, SO5) – 60 hours

Individual research, skills development, preparation, and completion of formative and summative assessments. The
formative assessments (oral and written) and summative assessment challenges students to develop a more in-depth knowledge and exploration of all topics.

Directed research and reading (KO3, SO4, SO5) – 32 hours

Preparation for class by covering furthering readings for each seminar, which will include suggested journals,
YouTube channels, podcasts to check. These are more targeted to the practical aspects of the course

Independent study (filling personal gaps on KO1-5, SO1-5) – 40 hours

Reading, researching, viewing, reflecting, and synthesising material for each topic that goes beyond the set or
further reading materials. This is expected to be different for each student, where the student is encouraged to use this time to fill gaps of knowledge or skills development.

*Please note that KO = Knowledge Outcome and SO = Skills Outcome

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge of scenario planning and
how to achieve a just transition. All assessments require critical judgement and engagement with a wide range of
primary and relevant sources. Each individual assessment is outlined in further detail below.

Formative Assessments

• Essay, 500 words on the foundations and key principles of international environmental law (KO 1-2, SO 1-2)*
The first formative assignment is placed in the first half of the module to help students understand where they
should further develop knowledge on the core concepts of international environmental law. This assessment is
designed to give the student an idea of their current trajectory with regards to the foundational knowledge and
skills outcomes of the course.

Summative Assessment

• Report, 3,500 word limit to critically assess the impact and effectiveness of a selected international
environmental law or treaty through a comprehensive case study from the perspective of an international
organisation or state. (All KOs and SOs)

The summative assignment is at the end of the module. This assignment involves a critical examination of an
international environmental law or treaty of the student's choice, evaluating its impact and effectiveness through a comprehensive case study. Students are expected to delve into the background context, analyse the
implementation challenges, assess the impact, and critically evaluate the law's strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of an international organisation or state.

*Please note that KO = Knowledge Outcome and SO = Skills Outcome

General Notes

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