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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL/LAW 320-1"
COURSE NAME: "Public International Law"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2020
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Lyal Sunga
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 11:30-12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course examines the basic concepts of public international law, to enable students to critically evaluate the interplay between legal claims and power relations. Starting with a theoretical overview of the character, development and sources of international law, the course examines such law-generating and law-implementing institutions as the United Nations, international arbitration and adjudication, international criminal tribunals, national systems and regional organizations. Such substantive areas as the law of war (the use of force and humanitarian law), international criminal law, human rights, and environmental law will be given special attention.

[Course cross-listed as of Fall 2019]
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:


1.    The nature of international law and the international system
2.    The sources of international law
3.    The law of treaties
4.    International law and domestic law
5.    Personality, statehood and recognition
6.    Jurisdiction and sovereignty
7.    Immunities from national jurisdiction
8.    Self-determination and the rights of minorities
9.    International criminal law and the International Criminal Court
10.    State responsibility
11.    Use of force in international relations
12.    The peaceful settlement of disputes
13.    Interrelationship among human rights, refugee law, humanitarian law and international criminal law
14.    Review
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1.    Solid introductory level knowledge of the development, principles and application of public international law
2.    Appreciation of political factors that condition international law implementation
3.    Enhanced capacity to identify and analyze current public international law situations
4.    Understanding of strengths and weaknesses of public international law and institutions
5.    Development of analytical and argumentation skills on current international law issues
    TEXTBOOK:
    Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
    Textbook on International Law: 7th Ed. Martin DixonOxford Univ. Press9780199574452     
    REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
    NONE

    RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
    NONE
    GRADING POLICY
    -ASSESSMENT METHODS:
    AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
    Class ParticipationCome to class prepared, pay attention, take notes and engage in discussion!5%
    Research OutlineTimely Submission of Concept, Topic, Outline and List of Some Sources for the Research Paper - (2-3 pages) Tuesday 17 March 202010%
    Research Paper10 to 12-page paper on a human rights issue (approved by the instructor by e-mail) of around 4000 words Tuesday 21 April 202030%
    Final Examination2½ hour comprehensive exam with essay questions – exam period: 4-8 May 202035%
    Mid-Term exam75-minute exam comprising several essay questions, possibly with some multiple-choice questions – Tuesday 17 March 202020%

    -ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
    AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
    BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
    CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
    DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
    FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
    -ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
    ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
    You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until 4-8 May 2020.
    ACADEMIC HONESTY
    As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
    STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
    John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
    SCHEDULE

    Week

    Class Topic

    1

    The nature of international law and the international system

    2

    Nature of international law continued

    3

    The sources of international law

    4

    The law of treaties

    5

    International law and domestic law

    6

    Personality, statehood and recognition

    7

    Jurisdiction and sovereignty

    8

    Mid-term and library research session

    9

    Self-Determination and the Rights of Minorities

    10

    International Criminal Law and the International Criminal Court

    11

    State responsibility

    12

    The Use of Force

    13

    The peaceful settlement of disputes

    14

    Interrelationship among human rights, refugee law, humanitarian law and international criminal law relate to one another

    15

    Review Class