You are required to develop and submit a research question and proposal for your research essay. The proposal must clearly set out the research question you are proposing to answer and the basic proposed approach to the question. It should include a draft structure of the paper (headings and subheadings in a table of contents format).

The proposal must clearly indicate what current issue you are intending to consider, why the issue is worthy of consideration, and the relevance of the analysis to the general principles of international law (including how the topic will address one of the 5 broad areas available for research). The proposal should not exceed 2 A4 pages.

Students are required to submit a research paper, based on the research paper proposal, that critically analyses a current issue or development in international law of special interest, that falls within the guidelines listed below. The maximum word limit for the research paper will be 3500 words, which will be strictly adhered to, and anything beyond 3500 words will not be read. Footnotes are excluded from the word count (but substantive text in footnotes will be counted).

Students will be assessed on their understanding, explanation and analysis of the legal issues presented, the depth of their research as well as their critical evaluation of the relevant issues.  Research should extend beyond the prescribed  books  and  course  materials  (the  recommended  books  and  journals provide   a   starting   point   for   further   research).    Clarity   of   expression, presentation  of  argument, use of legal sources and  correct  and consistent reference style will also be taken into account. The paper should be appropriately structured, with sub-headings included, a clear introduction and conclusion, and a clear central thesis. 

Students should choose a narrow topic of interest to them, but this topic should address the broader issues related to one of the following categories:

1. The Role of Non-State Actors in International Law

2. The Humanisation of International Law

3. The Intersection of Areas of International Law (eg  the intersection of international humanitarian law and human rights law or the intersection of international criminal law and international environmental law)

4. The North-South Divide, and the challenges for developing countries under general international law

5. Theoretical Perspectives on International Law

If uncertain whether a desired topic of exploration adequately addresses any of these broad topics, please contact the convenor for advice.

(a) Substantive requirements in relation to class participation

Students will be assessed on the basis of their knowledge, understanding and ability critically to evaluate the issues raised in each topic, as demonstrated through participation in class discussions and responses to assigned questions in the tutorials or oncampus session. Students will be expected to lead discussion on set tutorial questions. Students should generally be prepared to talk about the assigned readings, provide their own assessment of those readings and lecture content, and contribute to the discussion of questions and problems set in relation to assigned readings and lectures. Students are also encouraged to participate in discussions that extend beyond these set questions and readings through their own evaluation of the issues raised.

(b) Formal requirements in relation to class participation

Participation for this unit will constitute a mix of in class participation during the 3-day intensive session (attendance for all 3 days mandatory to meet this requirement) and online participation. Online participation will comprise a combination of answering online quizzes, participating in discussion forums with peers and in response to questions posted from teaching staff. It will be expected that each student contributes substantively to each topic of the unit in this online discussion. The deadline for online participation will be immediately prior to the 3 day intensive session.

Students will elect a chosen topic from those covered in the unit via ilearn. Each group of students will form a panel during the intensive (the schedule will be posted on ilearn) and be expected to answer questions on their chosen topic. In preparation students will need to familiarise themselves well with the required readings, to be able to discuss the topic in depth.

Students will be assessed on their communication skills, their understanding of the law and related issues, and their ability to respond to questions.