00230 - International Law

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, the student will: - have a fundamental understanding of the legal concepts essential for comprehending international law issues (including the nature and formation of norms, treaty-making, and international organizations); - has a thorough understanding of the institutional structure of the European Union and has explored in depth the topics of the use of force and the security system established by the United Nations; - identifies the legal foundations of the most significant measures adopted by States and international organizations within the international relations system; - understands and contextualizes documents such as the charters of major international organizations and international conventions; - is able of discussing the topics covered in the course from a legal perspective.

 

Course contents

The course is structured into two modules.

The first module, titled "General Part," consists of lectures aimed at providing students with the fundamental concepts of international law.

The second module, titled "International Law through International Adjudication," includes lectures, seminars, and group presentations that analyze the jurisprudence of international courts and quasi-judicial bodies, enhancing the understanding of the topics covered during the course. Students will be actively involved in the preparation and delivery of the classes. This section aims to equip students with the legal categories necessary to understand and analyze current geopolitical issues in light of international law.

The course content can be summarized as follows:

A) First Module: "General Part"

1. Historical evolution and current characteristics of the international legal order.
2. Subjects of the international legal order.
3. Sources of international law.
4. Domestic application of international law.
5. International responsibility.
6. International dispute resolution.

B) Second Module: "International Law through International Adjudication"

This module involves an analysis of the jurisprudence of international courts and quasi-judicial bodies on contemporary issues. The cases will be chosen and communicated to the students during the course.

 

Readings/Bibliography

A. Tanzi, Introduzione al diritto internazionale contemporaneo, 2023.

Additional documents and texts will be indicated at the beginning of the course.

For both modules, it is recommended to consult a Code of International Law and Organizations (available in the Library).

Teaching methods

The course will be primarily conducted through lectures given by the professor. Active student participation will be strongly encouraged through discussions and debates.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be conducted through two written exams, held during the course period, which may include multiple-choice or open-ended questions. The final grade will be determined by the average of the scores from these written assessments.

Students who fail to take or do not pass at least one of the two written exams will be required to undergo an oral examination.

Please note, in accordance with Article 25.2 of the University Code of Ethics, that "During examinations and final assessments, students must refrain from behavior that disturbs, obstructs, or is detrimental and/or dishonest towards other students and the institution. The principles of this Code are violated by plagiarism, copying of others' work, or any other behavior that may hinder a fair evaluation of the assessment.

Teaching tools

MS Teams, Zoom, Virtuale, EOL. Additional teaching tools will be specified during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Sardu