Syllabus Information

5.1. Methodological overview

The learning process that has been designed for this subject is based on the following:

Taking into account that the students should not only learn theoretical knowledge but also know how to apply it in the resolution of practical cases, the methodology to be used must have both dimensions. For this reason, the traditional method of the lecture will be combined with the resolution of practical cases in a large group or in smaller working groups, individual research work, oral expositions in class, reading and analysis of books, simulation of cases before international bodies, etc. Each professor will establish with his/her group the specific details of the method to be used. In any case, this method will respond to the need for the student to familiarize him or herself with the international reality relevant to public international law, to learn the basic competences for solving legal-international problems, to acquire some information search skills and manage basic research techniques, to develop legal argument abilities and to be able to hold collective discussions in the legal language typical of the international law field.

5.2. Learning tasks

The program offered to the students to help them achieve the expected results includes the following activities ...

1: Lectures: they are based on lectures by the professor who will present the main ideas of each block of contents. These presentations may be included in the University website before the lectures, so that the student has the slides before the class and during it can complete them with the explanations given therein.

2: Practical sessions: its structure will be determined by each professor with his/her group but generally the students would have the practical case to be treated in each class beforehand, so they can prepare it using international legal texts and other relevant documents. During the classes, students will follow the professor’s instructions, which may consist on meeting in small groups to contrast the answers given to each question and appoint a spokesperson to represent the group (although interventions can be performed with total freedom by all assistants), or to conduct a general discussion of the whole group, contrasting the answers and comments with the help of the professor. Another possibility is that the cases may be prepared by reduced voluntary groups that will make an oral presentation of the possible answers to the questions posed. The cases will usually correspond to real facts so that the students can contrast their theoretical knowledge with the reality of the international life.

3: Book reading and analysis: students should read and analyse a book on legal-international issues. Each professor will indicate the book for this activity and how this analysis will be carried out.

5.3. Syllabus

1. The international society and international law.
2. Sources of International Law. 2.1. International Custom. 2.2. International Treaties. 2.3. Unilateral acts of States 2.4. Resolutions of International Organizations
3. Relations between International law and national laws.
4. Subjects of International law. 4.1. State: Recognition of States and Governments, Privileges and Immunities of Foreign States, State succession, Diplomatic and Consular Relations. 4.2. International Organizations. 4.3. The Protection of Individuals in International Law.
5. Territorial Sovereignty. 5.1. The land territory. 5.2. The international watercourses. 5.3. Maritime Territory. The Law of the Sea. 5.4. Air and outer space. Polar spaces.
6. The international responsibility.
7. The peaceful settlement of disputes. 7.1. Diplomatic means. 7.2. Judicial means: international arbitration and international courts.
8. The Use of Force or Threat of Force by States.