Availabilities:

LocationDomesticInternational
OnlineN/A

Unit description

Introduces the basic concepts of public international law which regulate relations between nations. Examines the nature, origins, structure, functions, sources and subjects of international law. These issues are examined in respect of political and social context. Emphasis is placed upon examining Australian foreign policy and upon international legal questions that particularly relevant for Australia.

Unit content

1. The nature of the international legal system

2. Sources of international law

3. Law of treaties

4. International law and national law

5. Personality and recognition

6. State responsibility

7. Sovereignty over territory

8. The use of force and collective security

9. Peaceful settlement of international disputes

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1describe the structure, institutions, principles, theories and sources of international law
2evaluate the nature and functions of the international legal system in contrast to domestic law, and the relationship between the international and national legal systems
3identify and apply international legal principles that relate to a number of areas of international law, such as international personality, sovereignty over territory, state responsibility, the use of force
4identify and analyse the workings of the United Nations system and its role in dispute resolution, particularly the International Court of Justice.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. describe the structure, institutions, principles, theories and sources of international law
  2. evaluate the nature and functions of the international legal system in contrast to domestic law, and the relationship between the international and national legal systems
  3. identify and apply international legal principles that relate to a number of areas of international law, such as international personality, sovereignty over territory, state responsibility, the use of force
  4. identify and analyse the workings of the United Nations system and its role in dispute resolution, particularly the International Court of Justice.

Prescribed Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts
  • Prescribed text information is not currently available.
Prescribed Resources/Equipment
  • Prescribed resources/equipment information is not currently available.
Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)
Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)
Assessment
Quiz10%
Letter of Advice30%
Essay60%
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every teaching period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the teaching period.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

+