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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title The Role of International Law in International Relations
Module Code LG134 (ITS) / LAW1086 (Banner)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School Law & Government
Module Co-ordinatorAdam Mcauley
Module TeachersDonnacha Ó Beacháin
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Description

The purpose of this modile is to introduce students to public international law. In this module, students will learn to:- identify the sources, principles and subjects of public international law; understand how public international law and international bodies regulate the behaviour of State and non-State actors; and apply public international law to hypothetical and actual case studies. Students are expected to attend lectures, contribute in tutorials, and to engage in online learning activities on a regular basis.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define international law and identify sources of international law
2. Interpret the relationship between international law and international relations
3. Illustrate the application of international law to international relations events
4. Question the role of States and international institutions in the development and application of international law
5. Determine what changes are necessary to improve the effectiveness of international law



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture242 one hour lectures per week where class discussion is expected
Independent Study98Reading, research and exam preparation
Total Workload: 122

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

International law as 'law'
prescription and enforcement.Development of international law: historical and contemporary influences.Sources of international law: general principles; custom; treaties and Conventions; judicial decisions; academic writers; international organisations; codification of international law.Subjects of International Law: Defining the State; Recognition of States and Governments; The principle of self-determination; Non-State actors; International Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, Individuals, Groups and Corporate entities. The General Principles of Public International Law: Development and values.Land, Sea, Air and Space: Jurisdiction: Acquisition and Succession.Jurisdiction of the State over natural persons and juridical bodies.State ResponsibilityThe Use of Force and the War on Terror.An introduction to contemporary issues: Human Rights, International Trade, the Environment and International Criminal Law

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Assignmentn/a100%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Cassese: 2005, International Law, 2nd, Oxford University Press,
  • Shaw: 2008, International Law, 6th, Cambridge University Press,
  • Kaczorowska, Alina: 2010, Public International Law, 4th,
Other Resources

None

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