Public International Law 2751-IP-S2-1-PIL

Apart from the information contained in the brief description the lecture will focus on the following topics:
1. Introduction – definition, characteristic features of PIL.
2. Sources of PIL.
3. Subjects of PIL.
4. Territory, including the law of the sea, population and jurisdiction in PIL.
5. Breaches of PIL and State responsibility.
6. Peaceful settlements of disputes, use of force.

Total student workload

Participation in classes – 15 h; Direct preparation for classes (including consultations and feedback) – 10 h; Reading literature – 15 h; Preparing a speech and multimedia presentation – 10 h Total: 50 h (2 ECTS)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

K1: The student knows the concepts, principles, and objectives of public international law (K_W03); K2: The student understands the mechanisms through which international law operates (K_W03); K3: The student knows and understands the role of international law in contemporary international relations (K_W03).

Learning outcomes - skills

S1: The student uses concepts and terminology in the field of public international law (K_U01). S2: The student interprets legal texts relating to public international law (K_U01, K_U10).

Learning outcomes - social competencies

SC1: The student is able to work as part of a team (K_K04). SC2: The student thinks independently, presents their own views, and supports them with reasoned arguments (K_K05). SC3: The student is aware of the need for continued self-education (K_K02).

Course coordinators

Agnieszka Szpak

Teaching methods

The lecture is delivered primarily by the academic teacher and is occasionally supplemented by discussion with students. Students are encouraged to participate actively by asking questions and proposing topics for discussion.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of legal concepts.

Assessment criteria

The lecture concludes with a written descriptive examination or, if necessary, an oral examination. Students may choose between a traditional examination and solving a case study.

Requirements for passing the examination

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)

Case study:

The case study must be solved correctly. Minor errors that do not affect the final conclusion will not result in failure, although they may lead to a lower grade. The number and seriousness of such errors will determine the extent to which the grade is reduced.

An incorrect solution will result in a failing grade (2.0). A failing grade will also be awarded where the final conclusion is correct but the reasoning leading to it is flawed—for example, where inappropriate legal provisions have been applied—as this demonstrates insufficient understanding of the subject matter covered by the examination.

Bibliography

1. Cançado Trindade, A. A., International Law for Humankind: Towards a New Jus Gentium, The Hague 2013.
2. Cassese, A., International Law, Oxford 2005 (or other editions).
3. Dixon, M., Cases & Materials on International Law, Oxford 2023.
4. Evans, M. D., International Law, Oxford 2024.
5. González Hauck, S., Kunz, R. and Milas, M. (eds.), Public International Law: A Multi-Perspective Approach, Routledge, London–New York 2024.
6. Hernandez, G., International Law, Oxford 2022.
7. Klabbers, J., International Law, Cambridge 2023.
8. Shaw, M. N., International Law, Cambridge 2008 (or other editions).

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-PIL in USOSweb