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Course description
The overall objective of the module is to familiarise students with the key legal instruments, concepts and issues pertaining to international law as they relate to humanitarian action and to enable them to apply this learning to concrete cases. Relevant bodies of international law addressed by the module include international humanitarian law, international human rights law, refugee law and disaster law.
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Main themes
Introduction to Legal Methodology and International Law
International Human Rights Law
International Humanitarian Law
Legal Regime of Humanitarian Action in Armed Conflict
Forced Displacement and International Law
Legal Regime of Humanitarian Action in Natural/Technological Disaster Settings
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Learning outcomes
a) A good understanding of the basic concepts of International Law.
b) An ability to identify different aspects of International Law and their implications for humanitarian action.
c) An ability to apply key legal instruments.
d) The principal skills for applying mechanisms of dispute settlement.
e) The ability to convince as far as legal argumentation in HA is concerned.
f) A clear understanding of the possibilities and limits to the applicability and enforcement of International Law.
g) The capacity to introduce personal responsibility.
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Teaching and learning methodology
The module will employ a combination of lectures and problem-based learning to achieve the learning outcomes identified. Students are expected to attend each lecture/seminar having read the advance reading assigned. The problem-based learning aspects of the module will centre around hypothetical case studies. Students will be expected to work collaboratively to address the questions posed by each of the case studies and to present their findings orally.
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Assessment methods and criteria
Assessment will be based on a two-hour unseen written examination.
