Course coordinator
Dr Caitlin Goss
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Law School
This course provides an introduction to the principles and rules of public international law. As a foundational course, it focuses on the key concepts, sources, actors and dispute resolution mechanisms of the international legal system. It also touches upon some of the substantive areas of international legal regulation, such as conflict and security, the global economy and the environment, and introduces the leading theoretical approaches to international law.
International law has long been used, with some success, to facilitate relations between States. International law has provided States with a common language in which to discuss and resolve matters of mutual concern, and to articulate shared aspirations and plans. Yet international law is not just about States. We live in a global village, where the level of interaction and interdependence between individuals and groups separated by national boundaries is greater than ever before. International law is one of the tools that States have for addressing these transboundary relationships.
Particularly since the end of the Second World War, international law has moved beyond an essentially contractual regime of coexistence and cooperation of States. It has begun to reflect a commitment to certain substantive values (such as human dignity) and mindsets (such as multilateralism). But a chill wind blows. Recent years have seen a rise in scepticism for international law and a retreat from multilateralism. This course seeks to explain the indispensable role that international law plays in international relations, while reflecting upon its limitations and prospects.
In the course, we consider the historical development, nature and sources of international law (treaty, custom, general principles, and related issues). We also consider theoretical critiques of international law; the institutional structures of international law and how international legal disputes can be peacefully resolved. We consider the relationship between international law and national law. We then consider the laws of war (international humanitarian law); international human rights law and international criminal law. Further, we consider the role of states and international organisations in international law. In the final part of the course, we conduct an introductory study of international environmental law; law of the sea, air and outer space; and international economic law.
Course requirements
Restrictions
LLM; LLM(Adv); LLM(16), LLM(24); MICLaw; GCGPP; GDipGPP; MGPP(16); MGPP(24); MGPP(32); GCIR; MIR(16); MIR(24); MIR(32); MIR/MPaCS(32); MIL; MIR/MIL
Quota: minimum of 12 enrolments.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Caitlin Goss
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Teaching Mission Statement
The mission of the TC Beirne School of Law is to educate students in and about the law. We seek to assist you to think critically about the law and to investigate its structures, principles, policies, and values. This is achieved by engaging with you as fellow investigators in a range of critical and intellectual conversations about the law and its place in society. Our role is thus to guide you in your own intellectual journey in the law and to equip you with the necessary skills that will enable you to continue that journey long after you have left the School.
Course Aims
This course aims to provide you a general understanding of international law. The focus is on structural questions of the law, in particular sources, subjects, and dispute resolution and enforcement mechanisms. These constitute the foundation on which you can build specialist knowledge about particular branches of international law.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify, restate, explain and evaluate key rules and principles of international law in their institutional context and the broader context of international relations; and
LO2.
Resolve or provide legitimate solutions to problems arising from the application of the rules and principles of international law to a particular set of circumstances.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination, Quiz |
Multiple Choice Questions
|
20% |
28/03/2025 11:10 am
The quiz will begin at 11:10 on 28 March 2025. Students should make sure they arrive to class at or before 11.00. |
| Essay/ Critique |
Film or Book Review
|
30% |
16/04/2025 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Final written assessment
|
50% |
9/06/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Multiple Choice Questions
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
28/03/2025 11:10 am
The quiz will begin at 11:10 on 28 March 2025. Students should make sure they arrive to class at or before 11.00.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
This assessment consists of a total of 20 multiple choice questions designed to enable students to demonstrate their understanding of the breadth of the material covered in Teaching Weeks 1-4. Students will have one hour in which to complete the quiz. The test will examine knowledge of material covered in class, and in the prescribed readings for Weeks 1-4.
The quiz will be held in class in Week 5 on 28 March 2025. Students should make sure they arrive to class at or before 11.00.
Any paper materials (notes, books, translation dictionaries etc) may be used. Electronic devices of any kind (including phones, computers, tablets) may not be used, including translation devices.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Materials | Any paper materials (notes, books, translation dictionaries etc) may be used. Electronic devices of any kind (including phones, computers, tablets) may not be used, including translation devices. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Film or Book Review
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
16/04/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
This assessment involves writing a review of a film or a book. The purpose is to give you an opportunity to identify and scrutinise international law issues that arise from particular factual scenarios or scholarly discussions.
You are free to choose any film (narrative or documentary) or any book (fiction or non-fiction) that deals with a matter governed by international law. To help you along, a list of suggestions will be provided in class.
The review should provide a very brief overview of the film or book, and then go on to consider some international law issue (or issues) raised in it or by it. The focus of the review should be on the identification, description and assessment of some international law issue/issues. The review should be written in a tenor and style that would make it suitable for publication in a leading international law blog, such as EJIL:Talk?, The ILA Reporter or Opinio Juris.
The maximum length of the review is 1500 words. Footnotes are not included in the word count provided that they only contain citations. The word count must appear on the first page of the review. The Course Coordinator will not assess material in excess of the prescribed essay word limit.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Electronically in a Word document via the online assessment submission link on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
Where an extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered is available, any extension is limited to one week (7 days). In exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted for more than one week, but in no case will an extension exceed four weeks (28 days) in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Final written assessment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
9/06/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
The assessment requires students to respond to a question (either a problem or essay question) relating to issues addressed in the course. The question will be made available on Learn.UQ four weeks prior to the due date. The assessment task will identify certain materials (eg book chapters or articles, which will be made available to students) that must be consulted and used by students in formulating their response.
The maximum length of the paper is 2000 words. Footnotes are not included in the word count provided that they only contain citations. The word count must appear on the first page of the response.The Course Coordinator will not assess material in excess of the prescribed essay word limit.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Electronically in Word via the online assessment submission link on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
Where an extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered is available, any extension is limited to one week (7 days). In exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted for more than one week, but in no case will an extension exceed four weeks (28 days) in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 47 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 48 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Seminar |
1. Introduction to International Law Learning outcomes: L01 |
Seminar |
2. Institutional structures and efficacy International institutional structures and the efficacy of international law Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Seminar |
3. Historical and Theoretical Issues Learning outcomes: L01 |
Seminar |
4. Sources - introduction & customary law Overview of sources in international law, and an introduction to customary international law Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Seminar |
5. The Law of Treaties Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Seminar |
6. Treaties (continued) A focus on the issue of reservations to treaties, with particular reference to human rights treaties Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Seminar |
7. Other sources of international law General Principles of Law, Unilateral Acts, Subsidiary Sources and Soft Law Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Seminar |
8. International Law and National Law Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Seminar |
Multiple Choice Quiz See 'Assessment' for details Learning outcomes: L01 |
Seminar |
9. Laws in War/International Humanitarian Law Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Seminar |
10. International Human Rights Law; International Criminal Law Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Seminar |
11. States, Intergovernmental Organisations and other entities Personality, Territory, Jurisdiction, Responsibility and Immunity under International Law Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Seminar |
12. International Environmental Law Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Seminar |
13. Law of the Sea, Air and Outer Space Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Seminar |
14. International Economic Law Guest lecturer: Professor Anthony Cassimatis Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Seminar |
15. Concluding reflections Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: