Description
This module is one of the two compulsory modules which are offered in the first semester of studies in the area of public international law. This course concentrates on a discussion of fundamental principles and institutions of international law and their place in the international legal order, covering subjects such as international law-making and sources, law of treaties and State responsibility.
Objectives
The course aims to provide an in-depth and critical study of fundamental legal concepts of international law, through both theory and jurisprudence. Upon completion, students will be able to:
· understand the theoretical foundations and institutional structure of the international legal system
· critically discuss and assess key issues examined forming the core of international law
· gain insight on methodology in international law
Contents
Analysis of core issues regarding in particular the law of treaties and the law of State responsibility. The course revisits fundamental principles of treaty law, with an emphasis on interpretation, and issues of state responsibility. By critically approaching aspects of these issues as well as relevant case law, students gain an understanding in the relationship of these two areas.
Academic Requirements
Participants are expected to have basic previous knowledge of Public International Law.
Teaching method
Teaching will be conducted through interactive, discussion-based seminars and student participation in the lectures will be required. Basic and further reading lists will be circulated prior to the classes. Weekly tutorials will be organized to discuss both substantive issues and methodology.
Lecturers
Lecturer Anastasios Gourgourinis
Teaching Assistant Dr. Nikolaos Voulgaris
Assessment and testing
· Final written exam, essay questions - 2 hours (50%)
· Mid-term written exam, essay questions - 2 hours (30%)
· Class participation (10 %). Students submit one paper for feedback during the semester.
· Students are expected to work on a collective research spanning both semesters, on a specific research area, related to the coursework (10%).