Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2021 - 2022
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Description The purpose of this module is introduce students to public international law. In this module, students will discover the origins of international law, the development of international law, the different sources of international law, the bodies regulated by international law and important areas of public international law such as diplomatic protection, use of force and human rights. Students will learn about the relationship between public international law, international relations and domestic politics. Finally, students will learn to apply public international law to hypothetical and actual situations. We discuss topical areas of public international law such as the use of force against non-State actors and if the principle of self-determination contains an international legal right to secession. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Discover the origins and evolution of public international law 2. Define public international law and identify sources of public international law 3. Question the role of States and international institutions in the development and application of public international law 4. Consider ways to reform public international law & the public international legal system 5. Assess the relationship between public international law and international relations 6. Apply public international law to a historical, current, or fictional international situation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Defining Law & Public International LawWe define law and public international law before discussing the relationship between international relations and public international law.Origins & Development of Public International LawWe discuss the origins and development of public international law to date in order to understand the nature of public international law and where it may go in the future.Sources of Public International LawWe consider the different sources of public international law such as treaty, custom and general principles of public international law. We consider the role of international institutions in devising public international law.International Legal PersonalityWe identify the entities that are recognised in the public international legal system, such as States, international institutions, human beings and national liberation movements. We also consider why certain entities are not granted international legal personality.Principles of Public International LawWe consider the general principles of public international law and how these regulate the relationships between States and international institutions.Relationship between Public International Law & National LawWe explore the relationship between public international law and national law by examining Ireland's legal system.Jurisdiction & ImmunityWe discuss how public international law regulates a State's control over its jurisdiction and the limitations imposed by diplomatic and State immunities.TerritoryWe discuss the public international legal principles used to determine State ownership and control over territory.State ResponsibilityWe identify and discuss the public international rules concerning State and individual responsibility for breaches of international law.Peaceful Settlement of DisputesWe evaluate the diplomatic and legal methods employed by States and international institutions to resolve disputes between States.Use of ForceWe consider the role of the United Nations Security Council in authorising the collective use of force before considering a State's inherent right of self-defence and other justifications for the unilateral use of force.International Human RightsWe evaluate the evolution of international human rights, the different types of human rights and a regional human rights treaty. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes |
GCIR | Grad Cert in International Relations |
GDIR | Grad Dip in International Relations |
LLM | LLM |
MIR | MA in International Relations |
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