LO1 Understand and critically engage with the wider historical and geo-political context within which public international law exists.

Module Handbook 2025/26

Public International Law & Contemporary Global Challenges

Module Code: LAW778 (80241)

Programme(s): LLM Human Rights & Transitional Justice

LLM Gender & Human Rights

LLM Human Rights 

School of Law / Transitional Justice Institute

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Notice

Please be aware the information provided within the module handbook is subject to change.

  1. Table of Contents

Welcome

1. Module Overview and Communication

2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs) in your module

3. Aim and Learning Outcomes

4. Assessment and Feedback

Coursework 1

Coursework 2

5. Learning Resources

Library’s Support Services

Blackboard Learning Support

IT Support

6. Organisation and Management

Seminars and Attendance

Teaching and Learning Plan

7. Student Voice and Support Services

UUSU Advice Bureau Service

UU Student Wellbeing Service

UU Student Success Centre

1. Module Overview and Communication

Module Details

Postgraduate Law Module

Module Title

Public International Law & Contemporary Global Challenges

Module Code

LAW778

Module Level

7

Credit points

20

Module Status

Optional

Semester

2

Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face

Contact Details and Communication Methods

General Information, Queries and Consultations

If you require advice on any aspect of the module, please read the guidance provided here, in the Module Handbook. For General Queries, please utilise the class Discussion Board (if one has been made available in Blackboard Ultra). For Specific Queries or studies advice, you can avail of the ‘Drop-in Hours.’ Please contact me if you have questions relating to the module or wish to schedule an appointment. Please note, we aim to respond to emails within 48 hours during the working week.

 

Module Announcements

Key announcements will be presented during tutor-led activities. Out of class communication including notifications, reminders, etc will be distributed via the Blackboard Announcement tool. You will receive a duplication of the announcement direct to your student email inbox. It is essential that you check your emails and Blackboard Ultra regularly for new announcements. Blackboard is mobile responsive and will work on your phone browser, you can also download the ‘Blackboard’ App as an alternative to access these announcements, notifications and reminders as well as content.

2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs) in your module

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The UN SDGs are a comprehensive set of global goals to end poverty, protect our planet and improve living conditions of the Global Population. You are encouraged to think critically and reflect on SDGs in the context of this module.

The following SDGs are relevant in the context of this module:

 

Graduate Attributes (GAs)

Ulster University’s Graduate Attributes are a high-level set of competencies, developing universal understandings, skills, qualities, and values. 

As a result of engaging with this module you will have opportunities to develop and practise the following selected attributes:  

Thriving Individual

D

A

 

Engaged Learner

D

A

Enhancing Potential

Confidence and Resilience

Well-being

Growth Mindset

   

 

Subject Specialist

Creative Problem Solver

Researcher

Critical Thinker

   

Collaborative Professional

D

A

 

Active Citizen

D

A

Responsible Team Player

Effective Communicator

Enterprising Innovator

Digital Fluent Professional

   

 

Citizen with Integrity

Inclusive Citizen

Sustainable Citizen

Future Thinker

   

KEY:

D = Developed

A = Assessed

3. Aim and Learning Outcomes

Module Rationale

Students completing LLM programmes frequently engage with public international law across all of the substantive modules in the programme. As such, this module is intended to provide a strong foundation in the theory, sources, and critiques of public international law more broadly, as well as how it operates in the context of some key contemporary global challenges, including conflict, use of force, accountability for serious crimes, migration, and climate change.

Module Aim

The aims are to ensure that students understand the various applicable sources and regimes of public international law. This will assist students consolidate their knowledge and understanding across other modules in the programme, and will provide a helpful basis for those who wish to engage with public international law in dissertations, or further research and work. The module will: equip students with the ability to locate relevant legal instruments, cases and soft law documents; and introduce students to key debates and critiques within public international law literature, scholarship, and practice. Further, the aim is to enable students to further develop a range of additional skills, including oral and written legal skills and research skills. Upon completion, students will have a broad understanding of the theory and sources of public international law as well as selected specialised international law regimes.

Learning Outcomes

  What you should be able to do by the end of this module?

Successful participants will be able to:

1. Understand and critically engage with the wider historical and geo-political context within which public international law exists.

2. Explain and critically reflect upon key public international law concepts and processes, including international law-making, state sovereignty, international legal personality, and enforcement of international law.  

3. Identify relevant sources of international law, and be able to explain and analyse their content, both generally and within the specific regimes in focus.

4. Critically engage with current public international law debates through effective academic written and oral communication, in seminars and assessments.

Using Gen AI Tools in this Module

Ulster University encourages the thoughtful and ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligent (Gen AI) tools to enhance your learning and assessment while maintaining academic integrity. Ethical use means being transparent about when and how AI is used and never submitting AI-generated work as your own. Misuse of AI is considered a breach of Ulster’s academic integrity policies.

All use of AI must align with Ulster University’s guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI in education and comply with the specific expectations set out for this module. If you are unsure about what is permitted, always speak with your module coordinator. For full details, refer to the University’s Guidance on the Use of AI.

How to Acknowledge the Use of Generative AI

Comprehensive guidance on the use of AI tools in learning and assessment, including how to appropriately acknowledge, reference, or cite Generative AI in assessments, is available on the Guidance on use of AI for students

4. Assessment and Feedback 

  What you need to do to demonstrate achievement of learning?

Summary Assessment Information

This module will be assessed via two items of assessment

Type

Assessment method

Submission date, time and submission method

Percentage (%) and word count equivalent

Feedback due date

Coursework 1

 

1,000-word Reflective Abstract

DATE: MON 23rd MARCH 2026

TIME: By 12PM (NOON)

Submit via Blackboard

AND

8-min Presentation of Your Reflective Summary (for marks confirmation)

DATE: FRI 27th MARCH 2026

TIME: In-person during Wk9 class (order to be arranged)

25%

20 working days post submission date (via Blackboard Ultra)

Coursework 2 

 

3,000-word Essay (topic chosen from the list below)

DATE: FRI 15th MAY 2026

TIME: By 12PM (NOON)

Submit via Blackboard

75%

20 working days post submission date (via Blackboard Ultra)

Assessment Guidance

1) Word count includes the title and contents pages, but excludes footnote referencing, bibliography, tables and appendices.

1) Your work should include references to journal articles and other relevant publications and should be properly laid out using the OSCOLA system of referencing. This is through the use of footnotes followed by a bibliography and guidance will be provided throughout the module. More detailed guidance is available in the Subject Guides. We encourage you to make good use of all the support services offered by your Campus Librarian, further details are in the Learning Support Services Section.

2) You should refer to the assessment criteria to provide fuller details of the marking criteria for each classification band.

3) In addition, you should refer to the standard assessment guidelines as presented in your Programme Handbook/Support Area, this includes guidance and policies on referencing style, plagiarism, etc.

4) Coursework must be submitted by the dates specified. Coursework submitted after the deadline, without prior approval, will not be accepted. For further guidance on the late submission of coursework, please see the Programme handbook.

5) Assessments must be submitted as per the assessment brief.

 Please note: Words in excess of +10% of the word count will not be marked.

Coursework 1

Assessment Task

1,000-word Reflective Abstract (you must complete both tasks A and B as outlined below)

Coursework 1 – BRIEF

Task A: Select an essay question from the list outlined below under Coursework 2. Submit your chosen question along with a 700-word abstract, a short indicative bibliography of your key sources and a 300-word reflective summary (see below).

Task B: In order to confirm the marks awarded for your reflective abstract and to provide you with an opportunity to explain your research/analytical position on the topic in more detail. You must also prepare an 8-minute (max) presentation which you will deliver in-person during our week 9 class (see below).

NB: Only the Task A written element will be marked however, your Task B presentation is compulsorary to confirm this mark for contribution to your overall module grade.

1) The abstract element should clearly state: a brief introduction to your topic; the primary research problem under investigation; the methods you will use; your anticipated findings and overarching conclusions. Your abstract should be referenced in the usual way. NB: The word count excludes the question itself, the indicative bibliography and all footnote referencing.

2) Your indicative bibliography (in full OSCOLA format) should include the primary and secondary sources that you see as key to answering your question and that you plan to cite in your essay. Within this list you should aim to include at least 5 relevant academic journal articles.

3) Your reflective summary is a chance for you to demonstrate your understanding of the research problem you are investigating and your particular approach to addressing this within your final essay. Your reflection should focus on your reasoning, scope, and methodological choices rather than summarising substantive law. You may wish to consider some of the following questions in your summary:

  • Why did you chose this particular topic and essay question? What aspects of public international law does this question allow you to explore that you find most engaging?
  • Is your interest in the topic driven by personal experiences, recent events, legal developments, academic debates or ethical considerations? If so, explain.
  • What do you understand the question to be asking you to do? Are there multiple ways the question could be interpreted? If so, which interpretation will you adopt and why?
  • Do you intend to refine the focus and scope of your question? If so, why and how?
  • Will you use any real-world examples or case studies to avoid over-generalising? If so, which ones and why?
  • What will be your primary approach to answering the question?
  • What is the central argument or research position your essay will defend? And why do you take this position?
  • How will you structure your analysis to respond directly to the question and shape your overarching argument/position?
  • Which legal, policy and academic sources do you expect to rely on most heavily, and why? How will you use these sources to support your argument?
  • What do you anticipate will be the most challenging aspect of researching or answering this question? How do you plan to address these challenges?
  • What do you hope to demonstrate about your understanding of the topic, and public international law more broadly, through your final essay?

4) Your 8-minute presentation should include a brief overview of your chosen question, abstract and key sources but focus on expanding upon your reflective summary to clearly explain and justify your primary approach to the question you have selected and the central research argument/position you intend to take. Your presentation should set out the how and why of your approach rather than what you will write about. Your presentation will be delivered in-person during our week 9 class. As this element is not marked a written component is not necessary but it might be useful to include a handout, slides or other visual aids.

a) Detailed assessment guidance will be made available in your Blackboard Module Assessment Folder.

b) This coursework accounts for 25% of the overall module assessment.

c) Completed assignments must be submitted in .doc or .docx Word format via your Blackboard Module Area by the specified date and time outlined in the Summary Assessment Information table above.

d) All submitted assignments should have the file name:

i) "SurnameFirstNameBNumber"

ii) e.g. BrownJohnB00001234_AssignmentOne.

Coursework 1 – FEEDBACK

Written feedback on the assessment will be provided via Blackboard 20 working days post-submission.

COURSEWORK 1 – PIL  AND CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL CHALLENGES – ASSESSMENT CRITERIA – QUALITATIVE –BASED WORK – LEVEL 7

Classification

% Range

 

Understand and critically engage with the wider historical and geo-political context within which public international law exists

 

Identify relevant sources of international law, and be able to explain and analyse their content, both generally and within the specific regimes in focus

Reading, Referencing and Bibliography

Presentation, Grammar and Spelling

High Distinction

80 – 100

Exceptional critical insight, knowledge and conceptual understanding of complex and/or specialised principles, and exceptional awareness of the wider context within which the applicable law exists.

Excellent reflective summary demonstrating a strong and effective research approach and position.

Comprehensive evidence of identification of applicable norms, advanced knowledge of their interpretation, along with insightful applications and understanding, informed extensively by current research and practice or other appropriate/relevant authority.

 

Comprehensive evidence of advanced research. Outstanding referencing and bibliography.

Exceptional, well-directed presentation, logically and coherently structured, using correct grammar, spelling and citation.

 

Distinction

70 – 79

Wide-ranging critical insight, knowledge and conceptual understanding of complex and/or specialised principles, and comprehensive awareness of the wider context within which the applicable law exists.

Vey good reflective summary demonstrarting an effective research approach and position.

Wide-ranging evidence of identification of applicable norms, advanced knowledge of their interpretation, along with advanced applications and understanding, informed extensively by current research and practice or other appropriate/relevant authority.

Extensive evidence of advanced research. Excellent referencing and bibliography.

Excellent, well-directed presentation, logically and coherently structured, using correct grammar, spelling and citation.

Commendation

60 – 69

Considerable critical evaluation and synthesis of complex issues and materials, and demonstrable awareness of the wider context within which the applicable law exists.

Good reflective summary demonstrating a very good research approach and position.

Very good evidence of identification of applicable norms, considerable knowledge of their interpretation, along with highly relevant applications and understanding, informed by current research and practice or other appropriate/relevant authority.

 

Considerable evidence of advanced research. Very good referencing and bibliography.

 

Very good presentation, logically structured, using correct grammar and citation.

Pass

50 – 59

Satisfactory evaluation and synthesis of relevant/key issues and material, and some awareness of the wider context within which the applicable law exists.

Satisfactory reflective summary demonstrating an acceptable research approach and position.

Adequate evidence of identification of applicable norms, reasonable knowledge of their interpretation, along with satisfactory and relevant applications and understanding, reasonably informed by current research and practice or other appropriate/relevant authority.

 

Satisfactory evidence of research. Adequate referencing and bibliography

Adequate presentation, clear structure and acceptable grammar and spelling.

Fail

(Marginal)

40 – 49

Some evaluation and synthesis of relevant/key issues and materials. Insecure grasp of assessment parameters, and imperfect understanding of the wider context within which the applicable law exists.

Poor reflective summary demonstrating a basic research approach and position.

Some evidence of identification of applicable norms, some knowledge of their interpretation, along with imperfect applications and understanding, minimally informed by current research and practice or other appropriate/relevant authority.

 

Limited evidence of research. Limited referencing and bibliography.

Reasonable presentation and structure, grammar, spelling and citation

Fail

0 – 39

Limited or no evaluation and synthesis of issues and materials. Minimal grasp of assessment parameters, and limited or no awareness of the wider context within which the applicable law exists.

Very poor reflective summary demonstrating an insufficient research approach and position.

Limited or no evidence of identification of applicable norms, minimal knowledge of their interpretation, near-absence of relevant applications and understanding. Limited or no reference to current research and practice or other appropriate/relevant authority.

Minimal or no evidence of research. Inadequate referencing and bibliography.

Poor presentation and structure, grammar, spelling and citation.

Coursework 2

Assessment Task

3,000 Word Essay

Please chose an essay question from the list outlined below. These have been sorted by topic to help you find your subject of interest. Variations of the listed questions may be accepted but this will require prior approval from the module coordinator no later than the end of week 4. Failure to seek prior approval for any modified question (or any question not on the list below) will result in the assessment not being graded.

All essays must:

  • Be 3,000 words in length (excluding footnotes and bibliography).
  • Be clearly structured using headings and well constructed paragraphs; and offer well reasoned arguments informed by relevant legal, policy and academic sources, supported through accurate footnote referencing.
  • Be accompanied by a bibliography (at the end of the work) listing all sources used.
  • Students MUST use accurate OSCOLA referencing for both the bibliography and all footnote citations. 

Essay Questions

You must chose from the following list of questions for Coursework 2, all questions correspond to topics covered within the module.

 

Topic

 

Essay Question Options

Foundations of Public International Law

 

  1. Public International Law is not possible without the concept of sovereignty and states. Critically discuss.
  1. Critically discuss the ‘Austinian’ critique and whether Public International Law is law properly so-called.

Law of Treaties

 

  1. What is the ‘fragmentation’ of international law? Critically analyse potential solutions to this dilemma (e.g., the ILC approach, constitutionalism, etc.).
  1. ‘…A treaty is disagreement reduced to writing’. Critically discuss this statement in light of contemporary challenges within the law of treaties.

Customary International Law

 

  1. What is ‘rapidly emerging’ customary international law? What conceptual difficulties arise in terms of its legality?
  1. How significant is customary international law in terms of modern international law? Is article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice outdated?

Statehood and Recognition

 

  1. Is the law of recognition biased? Critically reflect on this statement in light of the declaratory and constitutive theories of state recognition.
  1. How significant is customary international law in terms of modern international law? Is article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice outdated?

International Organisations Law

 

  1. Is the theory of functionalism or theory of constitutionalism more accurately descriptive of modern international organisations?
  1. Critically discuss the positive and/or negative roles of international organisations in global governance and international law.

International Dispute Settlement

 

  1. Critically discuss the role of advisory opinions of international courts and tribunals in contemporary international law.
  1. Critically analyse the ICJ’s jurisdiction, its effectiveness, and challenges in resolving disputes between states, particularly in light of recent cases.

Use of Force

 

  1. Does article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations work? Has it ever worked?
  1. Critically discuss the phrase ‘prohibited use of force’. Does this imply there are ‘permitted’ uses of force in contemporary international law?

International Humanitarian Law

 

  1. Critically discuss how international humanitarian law legally distinguishes between civilians, combatants, and ‘civilians directly participating in hostilities’ / ‘unlawful combatants’.
  1. Can war be effectively restrained by law? Critically reflect on International Humanitarian Law’s role in at least one contemporary conflict.

International Criminal Law

 

  1. Critically reflect on the International Criminal Court. Has it achieved its mission? What obstacles and/or criticisms has it faced?
  1. Critically analyse on the legal and ethical dilemmas regarding international immunities in International Criminal Law.

State

Sovereignty

 

  1. With reference to at least one example and the concept of equality between sovereign states: Criticall discuss the use defensive relativism to erode the normative foundations of the international legal order.
  1. Critically analysis the legal and ethical dilemmas that arise in attempts to reconcile modern concepts of state sovereignty with the concept of universalism under public international law

International Law and Critical Thought

 

  1. International Law was originally conceived as and remains an imperial institution. Critically discuss.
  1. Select a mode/approach of critical thought in PIL (e.g., TWAIL, Feminism, Marxism, CLS). Analyse its critiques of PIL and critically reflect on that approach’s own limitations.

Coursework 2 – BRIEF

a) The assignment must take the form of an individual word-processed essay.

e) Detailed assessment guidance will be made available in your Blackboard Module Assessment Folder.

f) This coursework accounts for 75% of the overall module assessment.

g) Completed assignments must be submitted in .doc or .docx Word format via your Blackboard Module Area by the specified date and time outlined in the Summary Assessment Information table above.

h) All submitted assignments should have the file name:

i) "SurnameFirstNameBNumber"

ii) e.g. BrownJohnB00001234_AssignmentTwo.

Coursework 2 – FEEDBACK

Written feedback on the assessment will be provided via Blackboard 20 working days post-submission.

ASSESSMENT 2 – Essay-  RUBRIC/MARKING PROFORMA

Classification

% Range

 

Explain and critically reflect upon key public international law concepts and processes, including international law-making, state sovereignty, international legal personality, and enforcement of international law

Critically engage with current public international law debates through effective academic written and oral communication, in seminars and assessments

Reading, Referencing and Bibliography

Presentation, Grammar and Spelling

High Distinction

80 – 100

Exceptional description, critical insight, knowledge, and conceptual understanding of complex and/or specialised PIL principles and topics. Demonstrates probable ability to pursue research at doctoral level.

 

Comprehensive evidence of  critical argument that is sustained throughout the essay. Claims are effectively explained and supported with a range of references. Comprehensive evidence of advanced applications and understanding, informed extensively by current research and practice or other appropriate/relevant authority.

Comprehensive evidence of advanced research. Outstanding referencing and bibliography.

Exceptional, well-directed presentation, logically and coherently structured, using correct grammar, spelling and citation.

 

Distinction

70 – 79

Wide-ranging description, critical insight, knowledge, and conceptual understanding of complex and/or specialised PIL principles or topics. Demonstrates potential to pursue research at doctoral level.

Wide-ranging evidence of  critical argument that is sustained throughout the essay. Claims are effectively explained and supported with a range of references. Wide-ranging evidence of advanced applications and understanding, informed extensively by current research and practice or other appropriate/relevant authority.

Extensive evidence of advanced research. Excellent referencing and bibliography.

Outstanding, well-directed presentation, logically and coherently structured, using correct grammar, spelling and citation

Commendation

60 – 69

Considerable description, critical evaluation, and synthesis of complex issues and materials in PIL.

Very good evidence of  critical argument that is reasonably sustained throughout the essay. Claims are mostly explained and supported with a range of references. Considerable evidence of relevant applications and understanding, mostly informed by current research and practice or other appropriate/relevant authority.

Considerable evidence of advanced research. Very good referencing and bibliography.

 

Very good presentation, logically structured, using correct grammar and citation

Pass

50 – 59

Satisfactory description, evaluation, and synthesis of relevant/key issues and materials in PIL.

Adequate evidence of  critical argument that is sustained (albeit inconsistently) throughout the essay. Claims are frequently explained and supported with a range of references. Satisfactory evidence of relevant applications and understanding, satisfactorily informed by current research and practice or other appropriate/relevant authority.

 

Satisfactory evidence of research. Adequate referencing and bibliography

Adequate presentation, clear structure and acceptable grammar and spelling

Fail

(Marginal)

40 – 49

Some (albeit insecure) description, evaluation, and synthesis of relevant/key issues and material in PIL.

 

Some evidence of relevant applications and understanding. Claims were minimally informed by adequate references, current research and practice, or other appropriate/relevant authority.

 

Limited evidence of research. Limited referencing and bibliography

Reasonable presentation and structure, grammar, spelling and citation

Fail

0 – 39

Limited or no evaluation and synthesis of issues and materials in PIL.

 

Limited or no evidence of relevant applications and understanding. Limited or no use to adequate references, current research and practice, or other appropriate/relevant authority.

 

Minimal or no evidence of research, referencing, or bibliography.

Poor presentation and structure, grammar, spelling and citation

5. Learning Resources

A list of current learning resources specifically chosen to build your knowledge and understanding for this module

Reading List  Also available online via Key Links: https://ulster.keylinks.org/new-ui/ 

Books/Journal Article/Publications Required Reading (Must read)

Core / Background Reading:

James Crawford, Brownlie`s Principles of Public International Law, (9th ed, OUP, 2019) (OUP Lawtrove) (link)

Jan Klabbers, International Law (4th ed, CUP, 2023) (link)

Books/Journal Article/Publications Recommended Reading (Should read/Could read)

Additional useful reading:

M Dixon, R McCorquodale, and S Williams, Cases & Materials on International Law (7th ed, OUP, 2024) (link)

Paola Gaeta, Jorge E. Viñuales, and Salvatore Zappalá, Cassese’s International Law (3rd ed, OUP, 2020) (link)

Erin Pobjie, Prohibited Force: The Meaning of the ‘Use of Force’ in International Law (CUP, 2024) (link)

Alan Boyle & Catherine Redgwell, Birnie, Boyle, and Redgwell’s International Law and the Environment (4th ed, 2021, OUP) (link)

Useful Journals

To support and inform your arguments, it is important that you consult, as often as possible, the leading academic legal journals such as:

- Cambridge Law Journal (CLJ);

- Law Quarterly Review (LQR);

- Modern Law Review (MLR); and

- Northern Ireland Legal Quarterly (NILQ)

A complete list of full-text electronic journal titles available to University of Ulster students can be accessed at: http://library.ulster.ac.uk/electronic/fulltextejsa.htm

Useful Library Databases and Websites

Students will be strongly encouraged to use electronic means of information retrieval as part of the learning and teaching process and to assist and inform independent study and research. This can be done, for example, by consulting the various webpages containing relevant documentation and references. In particular students will be recommended to make use of the databases to be found on the UU Library website at https://library.ulster.ac.uk/electronic/. These sources will include transcripts of all cases on the WestLaw and Lexis databases, the Weekly Law Reports (accessible through Athens), and Casetrack.

It is especially recommended you become familiar with how to use Westlaw UK and LexisNexis.

Library’s Support Services

The Library is here to support you throughout your academic journey; at the start of the year, you will be invited to introductory presentations and guided tours to help you get familiar with our space’s services and resources. Your Subject Campus Librarian Team works closely with Faculty to deliver specialist workshops to help you effectively utilise Library services and information resources to complete your assignments.

You can schedule individual appointments with your Subject Librarian via email or our online booking system for personalised assistance. Our detailed Subject Guides are available from the Library Homepage to help you locate and access high-quality learning resources specific to your module of study. Whether you need guidance on referencing, assignment planning or improving your research skills, the library is here to help!

Blackboard Learning Support

6. Organisation and Management

  Types of learning activities that will make up your weekly timetable

LAW778 is a 20-credit point module, this requires approximately 200 hours of your commitment, distributed through the following learning and teaching activities over the 15-week semester. For a description of the nature of the learning activities please refer to your Programme handbook.

Summary of Learning Activities

Learning Activities: Week 1-12

Indicative Weekly Hours  

Total Hours (200 hours)

Lecture/Seminar and Class Activities

3 hours

36

Independent Study: Week 1-15

Indicative Guide  

 

Independent Study – including assigned reading, seminar preparation and assessment preparation

13.66 hours

164

The teaching and learning plan provides a more detailed overview of content on a weekly basis.

Module delivery will typically consist of a two-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar discussion although format may vary slightly between weeks/sessions.

Classes will be held on Friday mornings from 10:15-13:15 in BC-03-109. Please note this could be subject to change, it is your responsibility to regularly check your Timetable via PUBLISH.

Seminars and Attendance

Please refer to the Teaching and Learning Plan below for details of seminar topics. Attendance at seminars is essential and will be monitored.

All students are expected to download the SEAtS Student Attendance App via the App Store or Google Play to register their attendance when they arrive for each class. Regular check-ins using the app help you stay on track with your studies and maintain an accurate attendance record.

You can find everything you need to know about checking into your classes—including user guides, video demonstrations, and FAQs—on the SEAtS attendance information page

Teaching and Learning Plan 

The teaching plan/order of weekly topics is subject to change. The list below provides an outline summary of weekly activities and further information is available on Blackboard Ultra in the relevant week’s folder. Students will be expected to engage in all prescribed activities that contribute towards final assessment.

Week/L&T Methods

Curriculum Content/Topic Title

Independent/Directed Study, includes: Required Reading, Seminar Preparation, and/or Assessment Preparation and due dates

Week 1

CM & CMcB

 

Module Welcome & Introduction to PIL

You will be introduced to the module and provided with an overview of teaching and assessments.

You will then be introduced to public international law, its history, formal sources, main regimes, and some of the main critiques of the field/discipline. We will also introduce some key legal-theoretical perspectives needed for navigating the module.

Seminar structure:

  1. Module Welcome (CM)
  2. Introduction to PIL (CMcB)
  3. Case Study Discussion – Is International Law really ‘law’? (i.e., responding to the Austinian Critique) (CMcB)

Required Reading

James Crawford, Brownlie`s Principles of Public International Law, (9th ed, OUP, 2019) (available via OUP Lawtrove) (link), Ch 1, 3.

OR

Jan Klabbers, International Law (4th ed, CUP, 2023) (available in hardcopy in BT Library – link) Ch 1.

AND

David Kennedy, ‘My Talk at the ASIL: What is New Thinking in International Law?’ (2000) 94 Proceedings of the American Society of International Law 104 (link).

PDF of Extracts on Blackboard Ultra [to be used in seminar].

 

Week 2

CMcB

 

Sources Part 1 (Treaties)

This session will introduce the substantive law of treaties as primarily contained in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT). It will first introduce how treaties are formed, executed, and extinguished. It will then focus on treaty interpretation and the resolution of interpretative conflicts between international courts.

Seminar structure:

  1. Fundamentals of Treaty Law – Introduction to topic
  2. Case Study Discussion – The Stakes of Treaty Interpretation: Treaty Conflicts & Fragmentation

Required Reading

James Crawford, Brownlie`s Principles of Public International Law, (9th ed, OUP, 2019) (available via OUP Lawtrove) (link), Ch 2, 16.

OR

Jan Klabbers, International Law (4th ed, CUP, 2023) (available in hardcopy in BT Library – link) Ch 3.

AND

Fragmentation of International Law: Difficulties arising from the Diversification and Expansion of International Law – Report of the Study Group of the International Law Commission (finalised by Martti Koskenniemi) (UN DOC A/CN.4/L.682) (13 April 2006),  ‘General Conclusions;, pp98-103 (link).

Michael Waibel, ‘Demystifying the Art of Interpretation’ (2011) 22(2) European Journal of International Law 571 (link).

PDF of Extracts on Blackboard Ultra [to be used in seminar].

 

Week 3

CMcB

 

Sources Part 2 (Customary International Law)

This session will introduce the substantive rules regarding customary international law: how customary IL is formed in theory (through the combination of state practice and opinio juris); and how that theory has been practically appled by international courts (and states).

Seminar structure:

  1. Introduction to the topic
  2. Case study discussion - TBC

Required Reading

James Crawford, Brownlie`s Principles of Public International Law, (9th ed, OUP, 2019) (available via OUP Lawtrove) (link), Ch 2 (re-read parts regarding customary IL).

Paola Gaeta, Jorge E. Viñuales, and Salvatore Zappalá, Cassese’s International Law (3rd ed, OUP, 2020) (link), Ch 9, 11.

AND

‘Draft Conclusions on Identification of Customary International Law’ (2018) 2 Yearbook of the International Law Commission 89, 90-112 (link).

PDF of Extracts on Blackboard Ultra [to be used in seminar].

 

Week 4

CMcB

 

Statehood & Recognition

This session critically examines the fundamental unit(s) of PIL, which are states. The session first introduces the doctrine of recognition (the means by which states are received/created into PIL), including the customary formal criteria for statehood as well as the declarative and constitutive theories of recognition.

The session then critically reflects on these concepts, particularly through their relationship to the `standard of civilisation` and IL’s interactions with imperialism.

Seminar structure:

  1. Introduction to topic
  2. Case Study Discussion – Is Palestine a ‘legal’ state?

 

Required reading

James Crawford, Brownlie`s Principles of Public International Law, (9th ed, OUP, 2019) (available via OUP Lawtrove) (link), Ch 5-6.

OR

Jan Klabbers, International Law (4th ed, CUP, 2023) (available in hardcopy in BT Library – link) Ch 4.

AND

PDF of Extracts on Blackboard Ultra [to be used in seminar].

 

Week 5

CM

 

State Sovereignty & The Rise of Defensive Relativism

This session introduces the concept of state sovereignty under IL. We will consider the concept of equality between sovereigns and the ways in which states interact with each other and with PIL. This session focuses on the intersection of state sovereignty and the rise of defensive relativism and the significant tensions and challenges that arise in attempts to reconcile modern concepts of state sovereignty with universalism. We will reflect on the increasing shift towards the erosion of universal legal and moral standards and the implications for the future of PIL.

 

Required Reading

James Crawford, Brownlie`s Principles of Public International Law, (9th ed, OUP, 2019) (available via OUP Lawtrove) (link), Ch 20.

AND

Additional readings will be confirmed closer to the time.

 

 

Week 6

READING WEEK – NO CLASSES

Please take the time to work on assessments

Week 7

 

Law of International Organisations & International Dispute Settlement

This session introduces international organisations (IOs), a significant (but secondary) type of actor in PIL. We will consider IOs` role(s) with regard to law-making, enforcement and their role in dispute settlement.

This session will also introduces the dispute settlement process between states when they have a disagreement regarding their mutual rights and duties under PIL. Dispute settlement can take place through general arbitral/court institutions, treaty-specific dispute resolution, or through private arbitration. This session focuses on common issues like jurisdiction, admissibility, choices of law, institutional overlap, and remedies. It also provides a brief introduction to the law of state responsibility.

 

Required reading

On Law of International Organisations:

James Crawford, Brownlie`s Principles of Public International Law, (9th ed, OUP, 2019) (available via OUP Lawtrove) (link), Ch 4, 7.

OR

Jan Klabbers, International Law (4th ed, CUP, 2023) (available in hardcopy in BT Library – link) Ch 4.

AND

Additional readings will be confirmed closer to the time.

 

On International Dispute Settlement:

James Crawford, Brownlie`s Principles of Public International Law, (9th ed, OUP, 2019) (available via OUP Lawtrove) (link), Ch 31-32 (Ch 25-26 are also recommended).

OR

Jan Klabbers, International Law (4th ed, CUP, 2023) (available in hardcopy in BT Library – link) Ch 7, 8.

AND

Additional readings will be confirmed closer to the time.

 

Week 8

CMcB

 

Use of Force

This session introduces the substantive rules regarding jus ad bellum (i.e., the rules justifying resort to armed force). It briefly considers the history of those rules before introducing the substantive law(s) contained in the Charter of the United Nations and associated customary IL, including, for example, self-defence and UNSC authorisation. The session then considers challenges to the traditional UN paradigm on uses of force, such as humanitarian intervention, cyber-attacks, and economic coercion.

Seminar structure:

  1. Introduction to topic
  2. Case Study Discussion.

Required Reading

James Crawford, Brownlie`s Principles of Public International Law, (9th ed, OUP, 2019) (available via OUP Lawtrove) (link), Ch 33.

OR

Jan Klabbers, International Law (4th ed, CUP, 2023) (available in hardcopy in BT Library – link) Ch 10.

AND

Erin Pobjie, Prohibited Force: The Meaning of the ‘Use of Force’ in International Law (CUP, 2024), Ch 8 (link) (whole book is open access).

Marko Milanovic and Michael Schmitt, ‘Israel’s Use of Force Against Syria and the Right of Self-Defense’ EJIL Talk! (12 December 2024) (link).

Anne-Charlotte Martineau, ‘Concerning Violence: A Post-Colonial Reading of the Debate on the Use of Force’ (2016) 29 Leiden Journal of International Law 95 (link).

PDF of Extracts on Blackboard Ultra [to be used in seminar].

 

DEADLINE

ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION DUE – COURSEWORK 1 TASK A DUE MONDAY 23rd MARCH 2026 AT 12NOON

Week 9

CM & CMcB

 

Presentations

This week students will present their reflective approach to their chosen essay topic/question. These will take place in-person during class and the order will be advised closer to the time.

 

No reading required for this week

 

Week 10

CM

 

International Humanitarian Law

In this session, the substantive rules regarding jus in bello (the laws operative within war) are introduced. It will first focus on the underlying rationale of IHL, its core principles, and the rules on conflict classification, exploring the extent to which the current binary distinction between international and non-international armed conflicts is still adequate in the light of the nature of contemporary conflicts. We will then consider the substance of IHL, including rules on distinction, protected persons, and means and methods of warfare. These rules will be explored in the context of contemporary IHL challenges, including autonomous weapons and cyber warfare.

 

Required reading

Jan Klabbers, International Law (4th ed, CUP, 2023) (available in hardcopy in BT Library – link) Ch 11.

OR

Paola Gaeta, Jorge E. Viñuales, and Salvatore Zappalá, Cassese’s International Law (3rd ed, OUP, 2020) (link) Ch 17.

AND

Additional readings will be confirmed closer to the time.

 

Week 11

CM

 

International Criminal Law

This session introduces the institutions and principles related to the punishment and prevention of mass atrocities in PIL. In contrast to other LLM modules which focus on the institutional history and/or transitional justice role(s) of ICL bodies, this session focuses on substantive ICL. In particular, it examines the four `core` categories of crime in ICL: the crime of aggression, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of genocide.

 

Required reading

James Crawford, Brownlie`s Principles of Public International Law, (9th ed, OUP, 2019) (available via OUP Lawtrove) (link), Ch 30.

OR

Jan Klabbers, International Law (4th ed, CUP, 2023) (available in hardcopy in BT Library – link) Ch 12.

AND

Additional readings will be confirmed closer to the time.

 

Week 12

CMcB & CM

 

Re-cap & Critical Approaches to PIL

This session serves two purposes. First, it serves as a summary and re-cap of the entire module, and seeks to entrench knowledge developed previously in the term. Second, through explicitly introducing further critical approaches to PIL, the session will invite students to consider their own topics of interest through alternative lenses and reflect on what these approaches mean for PIL as a wider field / discipline. This session will also provide a briefing for Assessment 2.

 

Required Reading

Ntina Tzouvala, ‘Aggression, Capitalism, and International Law: Missed Opportunities or Structural Constraints?’ (2024) 20 Current Legal Problems 1

B.S. Chimni, ‘Third World Approaches to International Law: A Manifesto’ (2006) 8 International Community Law Review 3

Hilary Charlesworth, ‘Feminist Methods in International Law’ 93(2) American Journal of International Law 379

Diane Otto, ‘Queering International Law’ (2007) 101 Proceedings of the American Society of International Law 119

Martti Koskenniemi, ‘The Politics of International Law – 20 Years Later’ (2009) 20(1) European Journal of International Law 7.

 

Plus two of the following recommended readings:

A. Becker Lorca, ‘A Racist International Law: Domination and Resistance in the Americas of the 19th Century’, forthcoming in  Devon Carbado, Kimberle Crenshaw, Justin Desautels-Stein, and Chantal Thomas (eds), Race, Racism and International Law (Stanford University Press, 2025) (link)

Aoife O’Donoghue, ‘ “The Admixture of Feminine Weakness and Susceptibility”: Gendered Personifications Of The State In International Law’ (2018) 19(1) Melbourne Journal of International Law 1

Akbar Rasulov, ‘A Marxism for International Law: A New Agenda’ (2018) 29(2) European Journal of International Law 631

Diane Otto, ‘Queering Gender [Identity] in International Law (2015) 33(4) Nordic Journal of International Law 299

Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na’im, ‘Globalisation and Jurisprudence: An Islamic Law Perspective’ (2005) 54 Emory Law Journal 25

 

Week 13

Revision Week

 

Week 14-15

Assessment Period

DEADLINE

ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION DUE – COURSEWORK 2 DUE FRIDAY 15th MAY 2026 AT 12NOON

7. Student Voice and Support Services

  How we support you

As a course team, we incorporate the key partnership principles set out in the joint UU & Ulster University Students’ Union Student Voice Guidelines and proactively engage with the democratic election of UUSU academic student reps (Faculty Reps, School/Dept Reps & Course Reps) to ensure that student opinion is heard at Ulster. We respect your views and welcome your honest and constructive feedback on the module.  

There are several ways to do this:  

You can contact your Module Coordinator about any queries related to your learning experiences on the module as/when you have them. 

You can voice your opinions through the formal Staff/Student Consultative Committee process by contacting one of the elected UUSU Course Reps in your class.

You will have the opportunity to give feedback on the module through completing the online Student Module Feedback Survey.  

UUSU Advice Bureau Service

If you are experiencing difficulties that are impacting your studies, you can contact the Advice Bureau in the Students’ Union (UUSU). You can get advice and guidance on issues such as - complaints, appeals, housing problems, disciplinaries, and info on various support providers available. To have a chat with the team, contact UUSU online.

UU Student Wellbeing Service

Ulster University’s Student Wellbeing team is here to help you manage a range of common challenges you may face during your studies. These include stress, academic or relationship issues, and financial or budgeting challenges.

The team also provides support for students who require reasonable academic adjustments due to a disability or specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.

There is no stigma in seeking help. Accessing the right support can make a real difference to your wellbeing and academic success at Ulster University.

UU Student Success Centre

Ulster University’s Student Success team has developed a series of academic and study skills training resources and workshops to help you succeed educationally and develop personally and professionally. You can access these resources via the Student Success website or you can contact the team directly via email.

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