Module: Public International Law

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Public International Law
Module Code	LAW1004 (ITS: LG120)
Faculty	Law & Government	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 one hour lectures per week where class discussion is expected
Independent Study	98	Reading, research and exam preparation
Tutorial	3	3 one hour tutorials during the semester where students explore a number of international law topics
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20591	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Andrew Forde	Module Teacher	David Keane

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None