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History and Theory of International Law - LAWS8084
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Faculty: Faculty of Law
 
 
School:  Faculty of Law
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Postgraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 2
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: Academic Program must be either 9200, 9210, 9230, 9240, 5740, or 5760
 
 
CSS Contribution Charge:Band 3 (more info)
 
 
Tuition Fee:See Tuition Fee Schedule
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

This course aims to examine some of the fundamental issues underlying international law, against the background of its history. Attention will be paid both to classical analyses of the nature of international law (positivism and its alternatives) and to some of the recent critiques of international law from perspectives such as critical legal studies, feminist legal theory, international relations theory, etc. Particular topics to be examined will be chosen having regard to the interests of students taking the course.

LLM Specialisations

Please note:

This entry is a 6 UOC version which will be effective from Semester 1, 2010. If you are enrolled in Summer 2009/2010 as an 8 UOC law elective LAWS4084, please refer to the 2009 Online Handbook for information – Link to LAWS4084

Recommended Prior Knowledge

LAWS4080 Principles of International Law or its equivalent is a pre- or co-requisite for this course. A general knowledge of the main areas of international law and legal theory will be assumed.

Course Objectives

This course aims to:
  • Introduce you to the development of the international legal system as a basis for regulating conduct between States
  • Examine the function and purpose of international law, in particular the concept of State sovereignty
  • Provide you with a solid conceptual understanding of international law
  • Help you to appreciate the dynamic and evolving nature of international law
At the end of this course, you should be able to:
  • Understand the sources, principles, procedures and institutions of international law
  • Recall the origins and evolution of those principles, procedures and institutions
  • Explain the meaning of the legal concepts, doctrines and principles you studied
  • Demonstrate your ability to think critically, to justify your ideas in a reasoned manner, and to evaluate legal theories, in part through a research essay
  • Communicate (orally and in writing) in an effective and scholarly way

Main Topics

  • The Development of International Legal Structures
  • Theoretical Problems of Ascertaining and Applying International Law
  • Theories of International Law
  • International Law in the Inter-Disciplinary Context

Assessment

Class participation Preparation and engagement in class 20%
Research essay 5,000 - 6,000 words 80%
 

Course Texts

Prescribed

A detailed Course Outline, Reading Guide and volume of Reading Materials will be prepared once the topic areas have been selected. These materials will be available to students from the UNSW Bookshop.

Recommended
Refer to Course Outline and Reading Guide provided by lecturer at the beginning of session.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.