Critical Approaches to International Law
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LAWW3142 | Law | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LAWW3142
- School
- Law
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
Critical Approaches to International Law’ provides an innovative introduction to the major theoretical approaches and research methods employed in the analysis and critique of public international law. Moving beyond traditional doctrinal treatments of the subject, the module offers a survey of creative and cutting-edge engagements with international law as a discipline and professional practice. In a series of seminars, ‘Critical Approaches to International Law’ interrogates the potential, pitfalls and politics of significant scholarly interventions in the field.
Indicative topics include:
(1) Moving beyond the ‘Mainstream’: Theory, History, Critique
(2) Revisiting Imperial Legacies: Third World Approaches to International Law
(3) Law and Political Economy: Marxist Approaches to International Law
(4) Feminist Approaches to International Law
(5) People with Projects: The Sociology of International Law(yers)
Target Students
Only available to UG Final Year in the School of Law who have taken/are taking LAWW3100 Foundations of Public International Law or LAWW3136 International Law and the Global Economy or LAWW3099 Foundations of International Criminal Law. Also available to exchange students hosted by the School of Law.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
- Foundations of Public International Law (LAWW3100)
- Foundations of International Criminal Law (LAWW3099)
- International Law and the Global Economy (LAWW3136)
Classes
The module will be delivered through seminars.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: Coursework 100% - 12 page essay
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The module is designed to:• Offer an accessible overview of key themes and debates that have informed contemporary international legal scholarship and political engagement. • Acquaint students with vibrant and diverse ways of thinking about international law.• Equip students with the conceptual tools and vocabularies to apply a range of critiques to established legal concepts, categories and modes of reasoning.• Enrich understanding of the international legal dimensions of contemporary social challenges.Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module, students will be expected to: understand the historical and political context in which various theories of international law and methodological approaches have emerged.
On completion of the module, students will be expected to: demonstrate sensitivity to how knowledge is produced in the international law field, with a particular reference to the intersectionality of race, gender and class.
On completion of the module, students will be expected to: articulate coherent arguments to support a range of theoretical positions, both orally and in writing.
On completion of the module, students will be expected to: apply their knowledge in critical discussions of theoretical approaches, evaluating their analytical possibilities and shortcomings.
On completion of the module, students will be expected to: develop advanced research skills, using a range of sources and materials.