This course aims at equipping students with the tools to understand and critically appraise today’s international society and the international legal norms that regulate relations at the global level. The aim is for students to become familiar with the foundations of the international legal system, including the key features of the international legal regime, the subjects of international law, as well as the procedures for creating international norms, their application and enforcement. 

In addition, the course examines the international regulation of specific topical matters in today’s globalized world. In particular, the legal instruments and international institutions that govern armed conflict, the promotion and protection of human rights, and the non-proliferation and disarmament regime.

No previous legal background is necessary and an interdisciplinary approach will be followed.

Delivery will take the form of interactive seminars, whereby students are expected to have prepared the ‘compulsory readings’ indicated in the syllabus and any pre-session tasks as set by the course instructors, coming prepared to participate in in-class discussions and debates.

Assessment

The total scores of each component of the assessment portfolio of the course are:

• 10% Attendance and in-class participation 

• 40% two activities aimed at discussing documents or practical cases 

• 50% Final exam

Competences, learning outcomes and teaching activities (PDF)