Students
POIR8570 – International Law and Global Governance
2021 – Session 1, Special circumstances, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Dr Lavina Lee
Contact via by email or during consultation hours
Faculty of Arts Level 2, The Australian Hearing Hub, 16 University Avenue, Macquarie University
Wednesdays 1-2 pm
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| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntRel or PGDipIntRel or GradDipIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or MTransInterMIntRel or MIntPubDip or GradCertIntRel or MPlan or MPPPMIntRel
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines why international law and global governance institutions have increasingly become instruments of choice for states as they attempt to solve common problems and express common values. Difficult questions will be addressed, including: is international law really law? Can the use of force between states really be constrained by either law or institutions? Can an impartial international court exist in the absence of a world government? Can states collectively agree on rules that accommodate divergent interests in areas such as climate change, world trade and international crime? Are powerful states above the law? To answer these questions, we first explore the sources of international law, the nature of international law and institutions, the historical and political context in which they have developed, and the role of law and global governance institutions in core theories of international relations. We then look at substantive issue areas including the use of force and the UN collective security system; terrorism; international crimes; international trade; and international environmental institutions. Finally, we examine the impact of unequal power relations on international law and global governance institutions as well as the problem of legitimacy.
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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:
- ULO1: Reflect upon and analyse the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- ULO2: Understand and critically evaluate the theoretical approaches to international law and international relations within the IR discipline and to reflect upon the role of power on the formation and effective operation of international law.
- ULO3: Formulate and defend policy recommendations on important issues regarding international law and institutions.
- ULO4: Apply skills required to conduct independent research and analysis.
- ULO5: Understand fundamental rules and concepts on: the nature and sources of international law; international law with respect to the use of force, terrorism, war, international crimes, the sea, international trade and the environment; the historical development of international law; and the specific core charters, functions, decision-making and dispute settlement procedures and processes of international organisations with responsibility for collective security, world trade, the environment, and the prosecution of international crimes.
- ULO6: Communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise relevant information and to formulate persuasive, coherent and critical arguments.
General Assessment Information
The Mid-Semester Test is in the form of a 1 hour online quiz. The quiz will be open for a 24 hour period from the start time.
The Final Exam paper will need to be completed in a 24 hour period (see due dates). Further details will be provided on ilearn.
Essays will be FAILED for the following reasons
1. Plagiarism – for example, where sentences or paragraphs are taken word-for-word or nearly word-for-word from another source and presented as original expression. See the University's Academic Honesty Policy (link below) for an in-depth explanation of what constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism is taken very seriously by the Convenor and the Department generally and will result in a range of penalties, including a zero grade for an assessment task. Serious instances of plagiarism will be reported to the Faculty Discipline Committee.
2. Excessive use of direct quotes may result in a fail grade. As a general rule, no more than 10% of your overall word length should appear in direct quotes. You must try to express your ideas and arguments in your own words as much as possible. This demonstrates true understanding.
3. Identical or nearly identical essays will all fail – regardless of the original authorship.
4. Work that is significantly below the required word length.
5. Essays written with poor English grammar and expression may be failed if the marker is unable to understand the argument(s) raised.
6. Work that has been previously submitted and assessed in other units that is then re-submitted for assessment in POIR8570, in whole or part, will receive a fail grade. This is defined as 'self-plagiarism' under the Academic Honesty Policy.
Examination
The only exception to sitting an examination at the designated time (above) is where a student has experienced 'unexpected, unavoidable and serious circumstances' that prevented them from taking the exam, which can be documented. In these circumstances, the student should consider applying for 'Special Consideration'. Consult the Special Consideration Policy (below) for further information about what criteria must be met.
If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process, the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period.
You are advised that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester, that is the final day of the official examination period.
Extensions
Any student seeking an extension of time to submit their research essay must apply formally for 'special consideration' using the ask.mq.edu.au system. Applications should be made before the due date for the assignment.
Whilst we do understand that many or most students support themselves through paid employment, extensions cannot be granted on this basis alone. Students must manage their time and workloads accordingly. Essay topics will be made available early in the semester leaving sufficient time for essay preparation. Meeting deadlines for assignments is treated very seriously in this course. Accordingly, the penalties for late submission are high.
Penalties for Late Submission
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved:
(a) a penalty for lateness will apply - two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date;
(b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline;
(c) No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments - e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Assignment Submission
Hard copy submission of assignments will not be required for this course. All assignments are to be submitted online using the ilearn website for this unit. A Turnitin link for submission for the research essay and quiz will be set up there. Comments and grades will also be available online.
Turn-it-in
All written work in this course is required to be uploaded using the Turnitin link provided on the ilearn website for this unit. Turnitin is a type of anti-plagiarism software used by the university. Work that is not uploaded using the Turnitin link on ilearn will not be graded and will receive a mark of zero.
Re-submission of assessment tasks
Re-submission of assessment tasks is not possible in this unit. If you have any questions about an assessment task, please consult with your tutor or the Convenor before handing it in. Also, see the section below titled 'student support' for details about workshops on research skills, essay writing, and plagiarism available to all students in the first weeks of the semester.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial Participation | 10% | No | Ongoing |
| Mid-Semester Test | 20% | No | 25 March at 7.30 pm (open for 24 hours) |
| Research Essay | 40% | No | 5 May by 5 pm |
| Final Examination online | 30% | No | Sat 12 June at 9.30 am to Sun 13 June at 9.30 am |
Tutorial Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 36 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
In class tutorial participation will be assessed. Details will be provided on ilearn. Zoom classes may be offered depending on university Covid safe policy at the time the unit is taught.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Reflect upon and analyse the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- Understand and critically evaluate the theoretical approaches to international law and international relations within the IR discipline and to reflect upon the role of power on the formation and effective operation of international law.
- Formulate and defend policy recommendations on important issues regarding international law and institutions.
- Understand fundamental rules and concepts on: the nature and sources of international law; international law with respect to the use of force, terrorism, war, international crimes, the sea, international trade and the environment; the historical development of international law; and the specific core charters, functions, decision-making and dispute settlement procedures and processes of international organisations with responsibility for collective security, world trade, the environment, and the prosecution of international crimes.
- Communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise relevant information and to formulate persuasive, coherent and critical arguments.
Mid-Semester Test
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 16 hours
Due: 25 March at 7.30 pm (open for 24 hours)
Weighting: 20%
Mid-Semester Test
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Reflect upon and analyse the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- Understand fundamental rules and concepts on: the nature and sources of international law; international law with respect to the use of force, terrorism, war, international crimes, the sea, international trade and the environment; the historical development of international law; and the specific core charters, functions, decision-making and dispute settlement procedures and processes of international organisations with responsibility for collective security, world trade, the environment, and the prosecution of international crimes.
Research Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 31 hours
Due: 5 May by 5 pm
Weighting: 40%
Research Essay
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Reflect upon and analyse the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- Understand and critically evaluate the theoretical approaches to international law and international relations within the IR discipline and to reflect upon the role of power on the formation and effective operation of international law.
- Formulate and defend policy recommendations on important issues regarding international law and institutions.
- Apply skills required to conduct independent research and analysis.
- Understand fundamental rules and concepts on: the nature and sources of international law; international law with respect to the use of force, terrorism, war, international crimes, the sea, international trade and the environment; the historical development of international law; and the specific core charters, functions, decision-making and dispute settlement procedures and processes of international organisations with responsibility for collective security, world trade, the environment, and the prosecution of international crimes.
- Communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise relevant information and to formulate persuasive, coherent and critical arguments.
Final Examination online
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 31 hours
Due: Sat 12 June at 9.30 am to Sun 13 June at 9.30 am
Weighting: 30%
Final Examination online
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Reflect upon and analyse the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- Understand and critically evaluate the theoretical approaches to international law and international relations within the IR discipline and to reflect upon the role of power on the formation and effective operation of international law.
- Understand fundamental rules and concepts on: the nature and sources of international law; international law with respect to the use of force, terrorism, war, international crimes, the sea, international trade and the environment; the historical development of international law; and the specific core charters, functions, decision-making and dispute settlement procedures and processes of international organisations with responsibility for collective security, world trade, the environment, and the prosecution of international crimes.
- Communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise relevant information and to formulate persuasive, coherent and critical arguments.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Required Reading
We will be using the following textbook: David Armstrong, Theo Farrell and Helene Lambert, International Law and International Relations (Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press 2012).
Second-hand copies of this textbook are likely to be available. Please ensure that you buy the 2012 edition.
In addition from week to week additional journal articles, news articles etc will be set as required reading and posted on ilearn.
Technologies Used
This unit has an online presence in ilearn. Students will require reliable internet access and a computer.
Lectures will be pre-recorded whilst COVID restrictions remain. Tutorials are on campus and/or via zoom depending on enrolment levels.
Unit Schedule
Week 1
Introduction to the course; Evolution of International Law
22 February – First Lecture and Tutorials
See ilearn materials
Week 2
The Nature of International Law; Sources of International Law
1 March
Week 3
Sources of International Law; Theoretical Approaches Part 1
8 March
Week 4
Theoretical Approaches Part 2
15 March
Week 5
The Use of Force
22 March
Mid-Semester Test - Paper released Thursday 25 March 7.30 pm
Week 6
Terrorism
29 March
MID SEMESTER BREAK
Monday 5 April to Friday 16 April 2019
Week 7
International Humanitarian Law
19 April
Week 8
International Crimes and the ICC
26 April
Week 9
Research Essay due Wednesday 5 May at 5 pm
No Lectures or Classes
Week 10
International Trade and the WTO
10 May
Week 11
The Environment
17 May
Week 12
The Law of the Sea and Great Power Politics
24 May
Week 13
Study Week
No Lecture or Tutorials
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Final Examination – One-day online paper
The exam paper will be released on ilearn at 9.30 am on Saturday 12 June 2020 and is due for submission on Sunday 13 June 2020 at 9.30 am
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook