Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor, lecturer, tutor Joanna Mitchell joanna.mitchell@mq.edu.au Contact via Email is the best method to contact me. If the matter cannot be resolved over email, arrangements can be made to discuss the matter in person. Wednesdays, 2pm, W3A-339
Credit points	Credit points 4
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to MIntLawGovPP or MIntEnvLaw or MIntTrdeComLaw or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or LLM or 42cp in LAW or LAWS units at 400 or 500 level or (admission to JD and 24cp in LAW or LAWS units at 800 level including LAWS601)
Corequisites	Corequisites LAW891
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit examines global, regional and issue-specific inter-governmental organisations and their impact on a range of international issues. It considers issues common to all these organisations, such as their rights, responsibilities, membership and financing. As well, it analyses their operation in specific areas, such as peace and security, the environment and the law of the sea. Students are exposed to the specific rules regulating the conduct of international organisations. They will examine how these rules have operated in a variety of case studies. A key theme is the tension between the independent existence of the organisation and the powers of the member states.

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:

Demonstrate an understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
Reflect on past and present international developments related to international organisations, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments taking into account legal and political factors.
Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.
Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.

General Assessment Information

Submission of assessments

All written assessments in the unit are to be submitted electronically (via turnitin). Plagiarism detection software is used in this unit. Students need access to a secure and reliable server for access to iLearn and submission of assessment tasks.

In the absence of a successful application for special consideration due to a disruption to studies, 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.

All written work should be referenced in accordance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (AGLC3) available here.

Moderation

Detailed marking rubrics are available on iLearn. Failed papers will be double marked.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Research Paper	50%	No	5pm, Friday 5 May 2017
Online quiz	20%	No	10pm, Monday 5 June 2017
Reflective Analysis	30%	No	5pm, Friday 9 June 2017

Research Paper

Due: 5pm, Friday 5 May 2017
Weighting: 50%

You are required to submit a written research paper of no more than 3,000 words (excluding footnotes). Substantive commentary is not to be included in footnotes. A bibliography is not required.

A list of topics will be posted on the course iLearn page during Week 1 from which you are to select one topic for the research paper.

The research paper requires independent legal research, critical analytical ability, and coherent legal writing and presentation skill. Papers will be assessed against the rubric posted on iLearn page.

The research paper is to be submitted via Turnitin.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
Reflect on past and present international developments related to international organisations, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments taking into account legal and political factors.
Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.
Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.

Online quiz

Due: 10pm, Monday 5 June 2017
Weighting: 20%

The online quiz comprises 40 multiple choice questions. Each question is worth 0.5 marks. The questions may cover all course material.

You have one hour to complete the quiz. The quiz is timed and cannot be paused.

The quiz will be available for students to complete any time between 5pm and 10pm on Monday 5 June 2017.

Note: the deadline for completion is 10pm on Monday 5 June 2017. Therefore, you should allow sufficient time to complete the quiz prior to the deadline.

A practice quiz will be available earlier in the semester so you can familiarise with navigation and operations of the quiz.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.

Reflective Analysis

Due: 5pm, Friday 9 June 2017
Weighting: 30%

You will be asked in the On Campus Session to create a hypothetical international organisation in response to a current global issue. The group will discuss throughout the On Campus Session the development of the hypothetical international organisation with reference to topics 1-12.

You will be required to prepare a reflective analysis of the tutorial discussion with reference to the law of international organisations. The reflective analysis is your response to the discussion in the On Campus Session within the context of the course materials and contemporary issues arising in the law of international organisations. You will need to actively participate in the On Campus Session throughout the semester to maximise your ability to complete this assessment task.

A guide to reflective writing is available on learn and submissions will be assessed against the rubric on iLearn.

The reflective analysis is to be no more than 2,000 words (excluding footnotes). Substantive commentary is not to be included in footnotes. A bibliography is not required.

The reflective analysis is to be submitted via Turnitin.

Note: you are encouraged to work on this assessment task throughout the semester. It should be largely complete by the conclusion of tutorials in week 12.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
Reflect on past and present international developments related to international organisations, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments taking into account legal and political factors.
Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.
Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.

Delivery and Resources

Technology Used

Lectures are available on Echo via iLearn. Students are not required to attend a lecture in person.

An iLearn page will be available for this unit.

Delivery

External students are required to attend a two day on campus session.

The location and time of classes available for the on campus session is provided in the University's Timetable.

Required Textbook

Jan Klabbers, An Introduction to International Organizations Law (3rd ed., 2015)

Recommended Texts

The following are useful texts that students are encouraged to consult during the course of the unit. Copies are on Reserve in the Library:

P. Sands & P. Klein, Bowett’s International Law of International Institutions (6th ed., 2009)
C.F. Amerasinghe, Principles of the International Law of International Organizations (2nd ed., 2005)
J. Alvarez, International Organizations as Law-Makers (2005)

Unit Schedule

The following schedule is indicative only and may be subject to change:

Introduction and international legal structures
Personality and Powers
International organisations and the law of treaties
Institutional structures of international organisations
Membership and financing
Law on privileges and Immunities
Internal legal functioning of an international organisation
Law making and treaty making functions of international organisations
Decision-Making and Judicial Review
Dispute Settlement functions of international organisations
Responsibility of international organisations
Liabilities and duties of members

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.

Macquarie Law School Assessment Policy

Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limit will not be marked.

All assessments in the unit are to be submitted electronically. Plagiarism detection software is used in this unit.

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 - 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

Demonstrate an understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
Reflect on past and present international developments related to international organisations, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments taking into account legal and political factors.
Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.
Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.

Assessment tasks

Research Paper
Online quiz
Reflective Analysis

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

Demonstrate an understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
Reflect on past and present international developments related to international organisations, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments taking into account legal and political factors.
Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.
Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.

Assessment tasks

Research Paper
Online quiz
Reflective Analysis

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

Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
Reflect on past and present international developments related to international organisations, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments taking into account legal and political factors.
Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.

Assessment tasks

Research Paper
Online quiz
Reflective Analysis

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 outcome

Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.

Assessment tasks

Research Paper
Reflective Analysis

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

Demonstrate an understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.

Assessment tasks

Research Paper
Online quiz
Reflective Analysis

Changes from Previous Offering

Changes to assessment:

In class quizzes throughout the session replaced by one online quiz at the end of the session
No assessment of tutorial participation in current offering.
Reflective analysis assessment task introduced.

Changes since First Published

Date	Description
28/01/2017	The Unit Guide for the external offering was updated to clarify that external students are required to attend an on campus session.