International Humanitarian Law 2751-IP-S2-1-IHL

During lectures the following topics will be discussed:

IHL- lecture
1. Introduction – definitions, name, goals, principles, protection of the wounded and sick
2. Prisoners of war/civilians – status and treatment
3. Civilian objects and military objectives, including protection of cultural property and of the environment
4. Prohibited means and methods of warfare
5. Implementation of IHL and international criminal courts and tribunals
6. Non-international armed conflicts/IHL and IHRL relations
7. Exam

Total student workload

Participation in lectures – 15 hours In-person and online consultations, as well as email correspondence with the course instructor – 5 hours Reading the required literature – 15 hours Preparation for the examination – 15 hours Total: 50 hours (2 ECTS credits)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

K1. A student knows the terminology, aims and principles of international humanitarian law (K_W03); K2. A student knows the currently binding international humanitarian law regulations (K_W03); K3. A student knows mechanisms of application and interpretation of international humanitarian law (K-W03).

Learning outcomes - skills

S1. A student uses the terminology of international humanitarian law (K_U01); S2. A student interprets legal texts of the international humanitarian law (K_U01).

Learning outcomes - social competencies

SC1. A student can think and put arguments on his/her own and in an independent manner (K_K01; K_K05); SC2. A student is aware of the necessity of self-education and self-development (K_K02).

Course coordinators

Agnieszka Szpak

Teaching methods

The lecture is a classical lecture when the academic teacher gives lectures. From time to time a discussion with the students is possible. Teaching methods: conventional lecture and discussion.

Expository teaching methods

- informative (conventional) lecture
- discussion

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of public international law and ability to speak English.

Assessment criteria

The lecture concludes with a written, essay-based examination or, where necessary, an oral examination.

Requirements for passing the written examination:

Question 1 – 3 points
Question 2 – 3 points
Question 3 – 1 point.

Grading scale:

7 points – very good (5.0)
6 points – good plus (4.5)
5 points – good (4.0)
4 points – satisfactory plus (3.5)
3 points – satisfactory (3.0)

Practical placement

Not applicable.

Bibliography

1. Dinstein, Y., The Conduct of Hostilities under the Law of International Armed Conflict, Cambridge University Press, 2004.
2. Dinstein, Y., “Humanitarian Law on the Conflict in Afghanistan”, ASIL Proceedings, 2002.
3. Dinstein, Y., “Unlawful Combatancy”, Israel Yearbook on Human Rights, No. 32, 2002.
4. Emanuelli, C., International Humanitarian Law, Éditions Yvon Blais, Québec 2009.
5. Fleck, D. (ed.), The Handbook of International Humanitarian Law, Oxford University Press, 2021.
6. Henckaerts, J.-M., Doswald-Beck, L., Customary International Humanitarian Law, Volume I: Rules, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2005.
7. Kalshoven, F., The Law of Warfare: A Summary of Its Recent History and Trends in Development, Geneva 1973.
8. Kalshoven, F., Zegveld, L., Constraints on the Waging of War: An Introduction to International Humanitarian Law, Geneva 2001.
9. Levie, H. S., “Enforcing the Third Geneva Convention on the Humanitarian Treatment of Prisoners of War”, Journal of Legal Studies, No. 7, 1996–1997.
10. Levie, H. S., Prisoners of War in International Armed Conflict, International Law Studies, Vol. 59, Naval War College Press, Newport 1979.
11. Mulinen, de F., Handbook on the Law of War for Armed Forces, ICRC, Geneva 1987.
12. Rosas, A., The Legal Status of Prisoners of War: A Study in International Humanitarian Law Applicable in Armed Conflicts, Helsinki 1976.
13. Rose, D., Guantanamo: America’s War on Human Rights, London 2004.
14. Saul, B., Akande, D. (eds.), The Oxford Guide to International Humanitarian Law, 2020.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2751-IP-S2-1-IHL in USOSweb