Students
LAW 891 – Advanced International Law
2017 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Dora Shipley
Contact via Email
TBC
Via email
Natalie Klein
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GradDipIntRel or JD or MIntEnvLaw or MIntTrdeComLaw or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or MIntLawGovPP or LLM or MIntPubDip or 42cp in LAW or LAWS units at 400 or 500 level
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
International Law affords an understanding of legal principles, rules, norms, and practices. The unit analyses the contribution of these elements to the progressive development of international law. The theory is applied to contemporary international events and crises to test and evaluate its operational adequacy and effectiveness in keeping pace with the changing nature and shared expectation of the international community. The unit examines the ongoing transformation of the structure of international law in terms of its expanding frontiers, new actors, and reorientation to appreciate its continuing dynamism and relevance in the twenty-first century.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- 1. Articulate and critique the general characteristics and principles of public international law and the relationship of law and politics in international relations and global governance.
- 2. Connect international law doctrine and theory to international law actors (groups, practitioners, advocates) to acquire cross-border and multi-jurisdictional expertise and experience.
- 3. Research, analyse, synthesise, interpret and derive legal principles from international legal sources.
- 4. Evaluate past and present international developments, and analyse, interpret and critique such developments from an international law perspective.
- 5. Evaluate and apply theoretical frameworks to understanding of international law principles and to contemporary global issues.
- 6. Display effective communication and interpersonal skills to articulate and present views with legally subsumable reasoning and questioning respectfully and courteously to audiences with diverse views.
- 7. Apply mature and considered approaches to written communication including plain English principles and legal citation methods.
General Assessment Information
All three modes of assignment are compulsory and substantive academic requirements for all students to pass the Unit.
In the absence of a successful application for special consideration, any assessment task submitted after its published deadline will not be graded and will receive a mark of zero. Applications for a Disruption to Studies are made electronically via ask.mq.edu.au and should be accompanied by supporting documentation.
Students should refer to the Disruption to Studies policy for complete details of the policy and a description of the supporting documentation required.
Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limit will not be marked. Footnotes are only to be used for referencing. Substantive material in footnotes will not be marked. All assessments in the unit are to be submitted electronically via Turnitin. Plagiarism detection software is used in this unit. All assessments must be appropriately referenced, applying the AGLC3 for all citation.
Special Consideration Policy:
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Participation | 10% | Yes | Ongoing |
| Take-home Legal Opinion | 30% | No | 27/04/2017 |
| Research Paper | 60% | No | 11/06/2017 |
Class Participation
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
(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 and general discussion in the lectures. Students will also be assessed on the basis of their understanding and ability to critically analyse issues in the iLearn forums under each topic. Students should generally be prepared to talk about the assigned readings, provide their own assessment of those readings, and contribute to the discussion of questions and problems set in relation to these readings. 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
Attendance at tutorials is compulsory. Students are required to attend tutorials for each of the 12 weeks that the unit runs during the semester. However, students will be permitted a maximum of two unexplained absences from attendance at tutorials. Students with more than two unexplained absences will get a zero mark for class participation, and, irrespective of marks gained in other assessment items, will be awarded a ‘Fail’ grade.
Students must apply for disruption to studies in relation to tutorial absences only after they have missed two tutorials and not 'in advance'. The process for this will be made available via iLearn.
(c) Assessment value of class participation
Lectures will commence from week 1; Tutorials will commence from week 2. Class participation will count for 10% of a student’s final mark in the subject.
External students will be assessed on their participation at the compulsory on-campus session on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of April. Attendance to any possible optional third day is not compulsory. However, external students may wish to attend to boost class participation marks.
Students will be awarded a Pass or Fail mark. Class participation marks for all students will be posted on the unit webpage at the end of the semester.
Students will be provided feedback in relation to their participation at the end of weeks 3, 6 and 10.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Articulate and critique the general characteristics and principles of public international law and the relationship of law and politics in international relations and global governance.
- 2. Connect international law doctrine and theory to international law actors (groups, practitioners, advocates) to acquire cross-border and multi-jurisdictional expertise and experience.
- 4. Evaluate past and present international developments, and analyse, interpret and critique such developments from an international law perspective.
- 6. Display effective communication and interpersonal skills to articulate and present views with legally subsumable reasoning and questioning respectfully and courteously to audiences with diverse views.
Take-home Legal Opinion
Due: 27/04/2017
Weighting: 30%
The take-home legal opinion is intended to provide students with an opportunity to develop independent understanding of legal rules and principles and their application in a given factual or hypothetical situation, and enhance their writing abilities through explanation, analysis, and argument. Students will then be in a position to understand how international law operates in the world today, and how it may develop in the future.
The maximum word limit for the take-home legal opinion will be 2500 words, which will be strictly adhered to, and anything beyond 2500 words will not be read. Footnotes are excluded from the word count (but substantive text in footnotes will be counted).
The take-home legal opinion should be submitted by 11.59pm 27 April 2017.
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 using the IRAC or HIRAC method.
Detailed marking rubrics will be made available on iLearn.
Format
The following requirements as to presentation of the research paper must be complied with:
- All word limits, as specified above, must be strictly adhered to.
- Footnotes should be consistent with the Australian Guide to Legal Citations, which can be downloaded at http://www.law.unimelb.edu.au/go/aglc. Hard copies may be purchased from the Co-op Bookshop.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Articulate and critique the general characteristics and principles of public international law and the relationship of law and politics in international relations and global governance.
- 2. Connect international law doctrine and theory to international law actors (groups, practitioners, advocates) to acquire cross-border and multi-jurisdictional expertise and experience.
- 3. Research, analyse, synthesise, interpret and derive legal principles from international legal sources.
- 4. Evaluate past and present international developments, and analyse, interpret and critique such developments from an international law perspective.
- 5. Evaluate and apply theoretical frameworks to understanding of international law principles and to contemporary global issues.
- 7. Apply mature and considered approaches to written communication including plain English principles and legal citation methods.
Research Paper
Due: 11/06/2017
Weighting: 60%
Students are required to submit a research paper that critically analyses a current issue or development in international law of special interest. The question for research must be approved by the convenor and should be submitted by 9pm 01 June 2017 via email for approval. 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.
Detailed marking rubrics will be made available on iLearn.
Format
The following requirements as to presentation of the research paper must be complied with:
- All word limits, as specified above, must be strictly adhered to.
- Footnotes should be consistent with the Australian Guide to Legal Citations, which can be downloaded at http://www.law.unimelb.edu.au/go/aglc. Hard copies may be purchased from the Co-op Bookshop.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Articulate and critique the general characteristics and principles of public international law and the relationship of law and politics in international relations and global governance.
- 2. Connect international law doctrine and theory to international law actors (groups, practitioners, advocates) to acquire cross-border and multi-jurisdictional expertise and experience.
- 3. Research, analyse, synthesise, interpret and derive legal principles from international legal sources.
- 4. Evaluate past and present international developments, and analyse, interpret and critique such developments from an international law perspective.
- 5. Evaluate and apply theoretical frameworks to understanding of international law principles and to contemporary global issues.
- 7. Apply mature and considered approaches to written communication including plain English principles and legal citation methods.
Delivery and Resources
Delivery
For internal students: there will be a weekly 2 hour lecture for this unit, which will be followed by a 1 hour tutorial on the topic for internal students and
For external students: there will be on campus sessions.
As class participation will be assessed in this unit, tutorial and OCS attendance is compulsory. Lectures will commence from week 1. Tutorials will commence from week 2.
Required Readings
There is no required text for the unit, readings for each topic will be made available via ilearn and e-reserve. Students are expected to have read the required readings for each topic on a regular basis and apply these readings to their class discussion. Students may need to consult more than one text for the better understanding of some issues. For advanced knowledge and better performance in the assignments, some scholarly articles have been prescribed in lecture/tutorial sessions.
Recommended Readings
All students, but especially those with no prior experience with international law are strongly encourage to obtain (or find access to) one or more of the following books:
- James Crawford, Brownlie's Principles of Public International Law (Oxford University Press, 8th ed, 2013)
- M Rafiqul Islam, International Law: Current Concepts and Future Directions (LexisNexis Australia, 2014).
- Dixon, M, McCorquodale, R, and Williams, S, Cases and Materials on International Law (OUP, 5th ed, 2011)
- J Crawford and M Koskenniemi, The Cambridge Companion to International Law, (Cambridge University Press, 6th ed, 2012)
- Gillian Triggs, International Law: Contemporary Principles and Practices, (LexisNexis Butterworths, 2nd ed, 2010)
Other recommended readings per topic will be provided on iLearn.
All Unit requirements and a weekly teaching schedule are outlined in iLearn.
All assessments are to be submitted electronically via Turnitin.
Unit Schedule
The schedule of topics is outlined in the iLearn site for this unit, along with related activities for each topic.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 3. Research, analyse, synthesise, interpret and derive legal principles from international legal sources.
- 6. Display effective communication and interpersonal skills to articulate and present views with legally subsumable reasoning and questioning respectfully and courteously to audiences with diverse views.
- 7. Apply mature and considered approaches to written communication including plain English principles and legal citation methods.
Assessment task
- Class Participation
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Articulate and critique the general characteristics and principles of public international law and the relationship of law and politics in international relations and global governance.
- 2. Connect international law doctrine and theory to international law actors (groups, practitioners, advocates) to acquire cross-border and multi-jurisdictional expertise and experience.
- 3. Research, analyse, synthesise, interpret and derive legal principles from international legal sources.
- 4. Evaluate past and present international developments, and analyse, interpret and critique such developments from an international law perspective.
- 5. Evaluate and apply theoretical frameworks to understanding of international law principles and to contemporary global issues.
- 6. Display effective communication and interpersonal skills to articulate and present views with legally subsumable reasoning and questioning respectfully and courteously to audiences with diverse views.
- 7. Apply mature and considered approaches to written communication including plain English principles and legal citation methods.
Assessment tasks
- Class Participation
- Take-home Legal Opinion
- Research Paper
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Articulate and critique the general characteristics and principles of public international law and the relationship of law and politics in international relations and global governance.
- 2. Connect international law doctrine and theory to international law actors (groups, practitioners, advocates) to acquire cross-border and multi-jurisdictional expertise and experience.
- 3. Research, analyse, synthesise, interpret and derive legal principles from international legal sources.
- 4. Evaluate past and present international developments, and analyse, interpret and critique such developments from an international law perspective.
- 5. Evaluate and apply theoretical frameworks to understanding of international law principles and to contemporary global issues.
Assessment tasks
- Class Participation
- Take-home Legal Opinion
- Research Paper
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Articulate and critique the general characteristics and principles of public international law and the relationship of law and politics in international relations and global governance.
- 2. Connect international law doctrine and theory to international law actors (groups, practitioners, advocates) to acquire cross-border and multi-jurisdictional expertise and experience.
- 3. Research, analyse, synthesise, interpret and derive legal principles from international legal sources.
- 4. Evaluate past and present international developments, and analyse, interpret and critique such developments from an international law perspective.
- 5. Evaluate and apply theoretical frameworks to understanding of international law principles and to contemporary global issues.
Assessment tasks
- Take-home Legal Opinion
- Research Paper
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Articulate and critique the general characteristics and principles of public international law and the relationship of law and politics in international relations and global governance.
- 2. Connect international law doctrine and theory to international law actors (groups, practitioners, advocates) to acquire cross-border and multi-jurisdictional expertise and experience.
- 3. Research, analyse, synthesise, interpret and derive legal principles from international legal sources.
- 4. Evaluate past and present international developments, and analyse, interpret and critique such developments from an international law perspective.
- 5. Evaluate and apply theoretical frameworks to understanding of international law principles and to contemporary global issues.
- 6. Display effective communication and interpersonal skills to articulate and present views with legally subsumable reasoning and questioning respectfully and courteously to audiences with diverse views.
- 7. Apply mature and considered approaches to written communication including plain English principles and legal citation methods.
Assessment tasks
- Class Participation
- Take-home Legal Opinion
- Research Paper
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 3. Research, analyse, synthesise, interpret and derive legal principles from international legal sources.
- 6. Display effective communication and interpersonal skills to articulate and present views with legally subsumable reasoning and questioning respectfully and courteously to audiences with diverse views.
- 7. Apply mature and considered approaches to written communication including plain English principles and legal citation methods.
Assessment task
- Class Participation