Students
IRPG857 – International Law and Institutions
2018 – S1 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Dr Lavina Lee
Contact via email
Level 2, Australian Hearing Hub, 16 University Avenue
Friday 1-2pm
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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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 institutions have increasingly become instruments of choice for states in solving common problems and expressing common values. We focus first on the nature of international law and institutions, the historical and political context in they have developed and major theoretical approaches. 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 in international law and institutions as well as issues of legitimacy and global governance.
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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:
- The development of a body of knowledge about: the nature and sources of international law; international law with respect to the use of force, terrorism, the sea, international crimes, 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 the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, Kyoto Protocol, and the ICC.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to reflect upon the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- The ability to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important issues regarding international law and institutions.
- The ability to undertake independent research and analysis.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.
- The ability to express critical judgment about underlying theories, concepts, assumptions and arguments in the field.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1 - Online Participation | 15% | No | Ongoing |
| Task 2 - Mid-Semester Test | 15% | No | 28 March 2018, 7.30 pm |
| Task 2 - Research Essay | 40% | No | Monday 30 April 2018 |
| Task 4 - Final Exam | 30% | No | Saturday 9 June 2018 |
Task 1 - Online Participation
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%
A discussion board has been set up on ilearn as a forum to facilitate on-line discussion of the course material. Discussion will centre on specific questions which will be uploaded onto the board from week to week. There may also be debates, case studies and scenarios that will require prior preparation. At the end of session, students will be assessed on their contributions to the discussion board throughout the semester.
To encourage regular participation, contributions to the discussion board made on a particular topic will not be assessed unless it is made within a two week period after the relevant lecture. For example, contributions related to the topic discussed in week 2 should be made by the date of the lecture in week 4 at the latest. As a minimum, you should make at least 8 contributions to the discussion board throughout the semester – however, more frequent participation is encouraged. Further, at least four contributions must be made to a topic in weeks 1-7, and four for a topic in weeks 8-12. Comments should be around 150 words in length. Longer contributions are welcome.
Assessment of participation in the discussion board is based on the quality of your contributions rather than the quantity of contributions. The quality of your contributions will be significantly enhanced by the amount of preparation you do each week. It is also important that the contributions made by students acknowledge previous points of view and provide constructive follow-on comments. That is, there should be an attempt to respond to the comments previously made on a topic. Participants should avoid making unconnected statements unless they wish to start a new thread (raise a new issue).
Remember also to be courteous to other participants.
Contributions to the discussion board made after week 13 will not be assessed.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- The development of a body of knowledge about: the nature and sources of international law; international law with respect to the use of force, terrorism, the sea, international crimes, 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 the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, Kyoto Protocol, and the ICC.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to reflect upon the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.
- The ability to express critical judgment about underlying theories, concepts, assumptions and arguments in the field.
Task 2 - Mid-Semester Test
Due: 28 March 2018, 7.30 pm
Weighting: 15%
The mid-semester test will be a 1 hour online examination administered through ilearn. It will be released on ilearn on Wednesday 28 March at 7.30 pm. You have until 9 am on Thursday 29 March to log in and take the test. It will consist of a mixture of multiple choice and short-answer questions drawn from the material covered in weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the course.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- The development of a body of knowledge about: the nature and sources of international law; international law with respect to the use of force, terrorism, the sea, international crimes, 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 the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, Kyoto Protocol, and the ICC.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to reflect upon the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to express critical judgment about underlying theories, concepts, assumptions and arguments in the field.
Task 2 - Research Essay
Due: Monday 30 April 2018
Weighting: 40%
Students are required to submit a research paper of 2,000 words in length. Essays which are 10% or more over this word limit will be penalised. A list of essay questions will be posted on ilearn in week 1.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- The development of a body of knowledge about: the nature and sources of international law; international law with respect to the use of force, terrorism, the sea, international crimes, 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 the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, Kyoto Protocol, and the ICC.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to reflect upon the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- The ability to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important issues regarding international law and institutions.
- The ability to undertake independent research and analysis.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to express critical judgment about underlying theories, concepts, assumptions and arguments in the field.
Task 4 - Final Exam
Due: Saturday 9 June 2018
Weighting: 30%
This is 1 day open book examination. The final examination paper will be released onto ilearn on Saturday 9 June 2018 at 9.30 am and is due for submission by 9.30 am on Sunday 10 June 2018. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have access to ilearn to download the paper and to re-submit it. The paper will cover material discussed in weeks 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- The development of a body of knowledge about: the nature and sources of international law; international law with respect to the use of force, terrorism, the sea, international crimes, 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 the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, Kyoto Protocol, and the ICC.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to reflect upon the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- The ability to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important issues regarding international law and institutions.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to express critical judgment about underlying theories, concepts, assumptions and arguments in the field.
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 text are likely to be available. Please 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 in ilearn. Students will require reliable internet access and a computer.
Tutoring Staff
TBA
Unit Schedule
Week 1
Introduction to course; Evolution of International Law
2 March – First Lecture (but no seminar/tutorial)
See ilearn materials
Week 2
The Nature of International Law; Sources of International Law
9 March - First seminar/tutorial
Week 3
Sources of International Law; Theoretical Approaches Part 1
16 March
Week 4
Theoretical Approaches Part 2
23 March
Week 5
No classes - Easter Friday Public Holiday 30 March
Mid-Semester Test - Paper released Wednesday 28 March 7.30 pm
Week 6
The Use of Force
6 April
Week 7
Terrorism
13 April
MID SEMESTER BREAK
Monday 16 April to Friday 27 April
Week 8
International Humanitarian Law
4 May
Research Essay due Monday 30 April
Week 9
International Crimes and the ICC
11 May
Week 10
International Trade and the WTO
18 May
Week 11
The Environment
25 May
Week 12
The Law of the Sea and Great Power Politics
1 June
Week 13
Study Week
No Lecture or Tutorials
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Final Examination – One day take home paper
Released on ilearn at 9.30 am on Saturday 9 June and due for submission on Sunday 10 June at 9.30 am
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). 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 (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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.
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 IRPG 857, 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. Please consult with your tutor before handing in any assessment task if you have any questions. 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.
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
- The ability to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important issues regarding international law and institutions.
- The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.
Assessment task
- Task 2 - Research Essay
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
- The development of a body of knowledge about: the nature and sources of international law; international law with respect to the use of force, terrorism, the sea, international crimes, 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 the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, Kyoto Protocol, and the ICC.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to reflect upon the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- The ability to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important issues regarding international law and institutions.
- The ability to express critical judgment about underlying theories, concepts, assumptions and arguments in the field.
Assessment tasks
- Task 1 - Online Participation
- Task 2 - Mid-Semester Test
- Task 2 - Research Essay
- Task 4 - Final Exam
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
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to reflect upon the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
- The ability to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important issues regarding international law and institutions.
- The ability to express critical judgment about underlying theories, concepts, assumptions and arguments in the field.
Assessment tasks
- Task 1 - Online Participation
- Task 2 - Mid-Semester Test
- Task 2 - Research Essay
- Task 4 - Final Exam
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
- The ability to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important issues regarding international law and institutions.
- The ability to undertake independent research and analysis.
Assessment tasks
- Task 2 - Mid-Semester Test
- Task 2 - Research Essay
- Task 4 - Final Exam
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
- The ability to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important issues regarding international law and institutions.
- The ability to 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.
- The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.
Assessment tasks
- Task 1 - Online Participation
- Task 2 - Mid-Semester Test
- Task 2 - Research Essay
- Task 4 - Final Exam
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 outcome
- The ability to reflect upon the ethical, political and cultural context which informs and influences the operation of international law and institutions.
Assessment task
- Task 1 - Online Participation