Students
POIR8570 – International Law and Global Governance
2024 – Session 1, Online-flexible
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer in Politics and International Relations
Umut Ozguc
By appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntRel or MSecStrategicStud or MCrim or MIntell or MCyberSecAnalysis or MCTerrorism or MPPP or MPASR or GradCertPPP or PGDipIntRel or GradDipIntRel or MIntPubDip.
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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 is a critical area in International Relations theory and practice. This unit explores the connections between these fields. It introduces the principles, foundations and evolution of international law and applies these to global challenges in the 21st century. Students will analyse a range of issues such as the use of force, humanitarian international law, international human rights law, refugee protection, genocide and crimes against humanity, and the law of the sea. Overall, the unit provides students with critical knowledge of international law and its role in contemporary debates around global governance and international politics. |
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
Late Submission: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all non-timed written assessments (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc) is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams/quizzes, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
To check detailed information on this unit, visit the unit iLearn site.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Essay | 50% | No | 12/04/2024 11:55 pm |
| Policy report | 40% | No | 30/05/2024 11:55pm |
| Discussion Board Participation | 10% | No | From Week 1 to Week 13 |
Research Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 48 hours
Due: 12/04/2024 11:55 pm
Weighting: 50%
2500 word 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.
Policy report
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 30/05/2024 11:55pm
Weighting: 40%
2000 word report on a contemporary policy issue
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.
Discussion Board Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: From Week 1 to Week 13
Weighting: 10%
Discussion Board Participation
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.
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
For on-campus lecture and tutorial times, please check the timetable. Tutorials start in Week 1.
To check detailed information on the unit, visit the unit Ilearn site.
Unit Schedule
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PART 1: Foundations, principles, and sources of international law
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Week 1 (19 February 2024) |
Introduction: What is International (Public) Law?
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Week 2 (26 February 2024) |
The Evolution of International Law
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Week 3 (4 March 2024) |
The Main Subjects of International Law: Formation and Recognition of States |
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Week 4 (11 March 2024) |
International Legal Personality and International Organisations |
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Week 5 (18 March 2024) |
The Main Sources of International Law
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**Week 5 (18 March)
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** Online essay writing support – Essay writing workshop on zoom on 18h March at 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (for both on-campus and online students). Students are expected to watch ‘essay writing video’ before this workshop. I will talk about essay writing, academic expectations and referencing. You will have plenty of time to ask questions. This workshop will be recorded. ** Zoom details will be provided later in the semester. |
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PART 2: International Law and Global Challenges in the 21st Century
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Week 6 (25 March) |
International Law and Use of Force
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Week 7 (1 April) |
Public Holiday – No classes |
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Week 8 (8 April) |
International Humanitarian Law
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Research Essays are due on 12 April 2024 11:55 pm. |
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15 April – 28 April |
Mid-semester Break |
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Week 9 (29 April) |
International Human Rights Law
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** Week 9 (29 April) |
** Online report writing support – Report writing workshop on zoom on 29th April at 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (for both on-campus and online students). Students are expected to watch ‘report writing video’ before this workshop. I will talk about report writing, academic expectations and referencing. You will have plenty of time to ask questions. This workshop will be recorded. ** Zoom details will be provided later in the semester.
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Week 10 (6 May) |
International Criminal Law: Genocide as the crime of all crimes
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Week 11 (13 May) |
International Law and Refugee Protection
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Week 12 (20 May) |
The Law of the Sea
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Week 13 (27 May) |
Conclusions and reflections: International Law and Global Justice |
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Policy reports are due on 30 May 2024 11:55 pm |
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
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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 2024.02 of the Handbook