Syllabus

Title
4693 Principles of International Law
Instructors
Univ.Prof. Dr.Dr.Dr.h.c. Christoph Grabenwarter, Dr. Peter Thalmann, M.Jur.(Oxford)
Contact details
peter.thalmann@wu.ac.at
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
02/17/17 to 02/24/17
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Master Programs
Principles of International Law
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Wednesday 03/15/17 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM D3.0.225
Wednesday 03/22/17 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM D3.0.225
Wednesday 03/29/17 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM D3.0.225
Wednesday 04/05/17 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM D3.0.225
Wednesday 05/03/17 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.5.13
Wednesday 05/10/17 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.4.03
Wednesday 05/17/17 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM D3.0.225
Wednesday 05/24/17 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.5.15
Wednesday 05/31/17 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM TC.5.15
Wednesday 06/07/17 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM D3.0.225
Wednesday 06/14/17 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM D3.0.225

On this page:

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Contents

Topics discussed in this course include: (1) the nature of international law and the international system, (2) the sources of international law, (3) specifically the law of treaties, (4) international law and national law, (5) personality, statehood and recognition, (6) international organizations, (7) jurisdiction and sovereignty, (8) immunities from national jurisdiction, (9) state responsibility (including 'diplomatic protection' of nationals), (10) the peaceful settlement of disputes, (11) use of force, collective security, and peacekeeping, and (12) international human rights law.

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Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course students will be able:

• to autonomously analyse and assess cases governed by public international law in areas covered by the course (see above);
• in particular, to properly apply the acquired knowledge to case solutions;
• and to understand and assess the implications of both current and future developments in the field of international law.

Moreover, this course promotes students' skills:

• to autonomously identify and effectively synthesise problems, both orally and in writing, and to provide for adequate solutions;
• to apply acquired knowledge in practice;
• and to independently develop acquired knowledge further, thereby allowing them to effectively keep pace with new legal developments.
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Teaching/learning method(s)
Lecture, case studies, guided self-study of selected textbook chapters.
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Assessment

Student performance will be assessed on the basis of two written one-hour exams (20 points each), a short oral presentation (5 points) as well as active participation in class (5 points).

Grading will be as follows: 26-32,5 points Genügend, 33-38,5 points Befriedigend, 39-44,5 points Gut, 45-50 points Sehr gut.

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Readings
1 Author: Dixon
Title: Textbook on International Law

Publisher: Oxford University Press
Edition: 7th edition
Remarks: Alternativ kann auch das deutschsprachige Lehrbuch von Kempen/Hillgruber (siehe unten) als Lernunterlage verwendet werden.
Year: 2013
Content relevant for class examination: Yes
Recommendation: Essential reading for all students
Type: Book
2 Author: Crawford
Title: Brownlie's Principles of Public International Law

Publisher: Oxford University Press
Edition: 8th edition
Year: 2012
Content relevant for class examination: Yes
Recommendation: Reference literature
Type: Book
3 Author: Kempen/Hillgruber
Title: Völkerrecht

Publisher: C.H. Beck
Edition: 2. Auflage
Year: 2012
Content relevant for class examination: Yes
Recommendation: Reference literature
Type: Book
4 Author: Reinisch (Hrsg)
Title: Österreichisches Handbuch des Völkerrechts

Publisher: Manz
Edition: 5. Auflage
Remarks: 2 Bände (Text- und Materialienteil)
Year: 2013
Content relevant for class examination: Yes
Recommendation: Reference literature
Type: Book
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Recommended previous knowledge and skills

Please note that this course is aimed primarily at students of law. Participants are expected to have a solid knowledge of law in general, and of (Austrian) public law and EU law in particular.

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Availability of lecturer(s)
Directly in class, anytime via e-mail (see above).
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Other

The language of instruction throughout the course will be English. Attendance is compulsory.

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Unit details
Unit Date Contents
1 15.03.2017 The nature of international law and the international system / The sources of international law
2 22.03.2017 The law of treaties I
3 29.03.2017 The law of treaties II / International law and national law
4 05.04.2017 Personality, statehood and recognition / International organisations
5 03.05.2017 Jurisdiction and sovereignty / Immunities from national jurisdiction
6 10.05.2017 First exam
7 17.05.2017 State responsibility (including 'diplomatic protection' of nationals)
8 24.05.2017 Peaceful settlement of disputes
9 31.05.2017 Use of force, collective security and peacekeeping
10 07.06.2017 International human rights law
11 14.06.2017 Second exam
Last edited: 2016-11-16



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