LWMIIA-Introduction to International Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring (Double presentation)
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Marko Milanovic
Email: m.milanovic@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Introduction to International Law teaches the basics of international law succinctly, but to an advanced level. The module is designed to provide a starting point for students entering the LLM programme who do not already have a background in international law. The module covers the key features of the international legal system, such as the nature of the international law, treaties and other sources of international law, the subjects of the international legal system, dispute settlement and the establishment of state responsibility.  It also gives students the opportunity to put some of the mechanisms of the international legal system into practice, through interactive group exercises.

This module is taught twice to two different cohorts of students, one in the Autumn term and one in the Spring term.  The contact hours are listed for the first iteration of teaching in the Autumn term and these same contact hours are repeated for the second iteration of teaching in the Spring term.

Aims:

The module aims to expose students to the core ‘building blocks’ of international law.  As this is an introductory module, unlike most taught postgraduate modules, it largely is taught through a short series of targeted lectures. It aims to provide both a descriptive account of international law as well as offering students the elements to begin analysis and critique of the key features of the system. The module provides a starting point to give students core knowledge applicable to more specialised taught postgraduate modules in international law and to underpin the work on their dissertation.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students will be expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate a substantive knowledge of international law gained through lectures and independent reading.


• Debate the relative merits of legal claims made by states and other international legal actors.


• Demonstrate an ability to engage with the processes of the international legal system, through interactive group exercises.

Additional outcomes:

Those skills listed in the School's ‘Core Skills Statement’.

Outline content:

The module will cover topics such as:

• What is International Law?


• The Sources of International Law, including the Law of Treaties


• The Subjects of International Law 


• State Responsibility


• International Dispute Settlement

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module involves 10 hours of targeted lectures, introducing the key topics of international law.  It also involves two innovative tutorial-based interactive group exercises, relating to treaty negotiation and dispute settlement.  

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Tutorials	2
Guided independent study:	88
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The module is assessed by an essay of 8 pages (formatted in accordance with the School of Law’s Assessed Work Rules).

Formative assessment methods:

Work which provides opportunities to improve performance (e.g. through feedback provided) but which does not necessarily always contribute towards the overall module mark:

Optional non-assessed essay (4 pages), feedback on group exercises.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

See School of Law PGT Programme Handbook.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 6 February 2024