• Class Number 7244
  • Term Code 2960
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Mode of Delivery In Person
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Prof Donald Rothwell
  • LECTURER
    • Prof Donald Rothwell
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 22/07/2019
  • Class End Date 25/10/2019
  • Census Date 31/08/2019
  • Last Date to Enrol 29/07/2019
SELT Survey Results

This course deals with the body of law known as International Law or sometimes ‘Public International Law', as distinct from ‘Private International Law'. The field of International Law deals with many aspects of the functioning of the international community (including the relations of States with each other and with international organisations); it also affects many activities that occur within or across State boundaries (including the treatment by States of their citizens, environmental law, military operations, and many other areas). The impact of international law on the Australian legal system and the globalised nature of many governmental, judicial and social activities means that a basic knowledge of the terminology, institutions, and substance of international law is not only worthwhile acquiring in its own right, but is also a necessary part of the knowledge and skills of any law graduate.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

  1. Introduce you to the basic concepts and terminology of public international law;
  2. Provide you with an overview of the processes by which international law is formed and the most important bodies and institutions involved in the international legal system;
  3. Introduce you to the international law relating to treaties;
  4. Introduce you to the interaction between the international legal system and the Australian legal system;
  5. Introduce you to various theoretical perspectives on the formation and operation of the international legal system;
  6. Show the relevance of international law to current political and social developments at the international and national levels;
  7. Introduce you to the major specialised bodies of international law; and
  8. Provide you with an introduction to sources and methods of research in the field of international law.

Research-Led Teaching

This course is led by the research undertaken by the convenor in international law as reflected in the course text book and publications addressing the relationship between international law and Australian law, and the law of the sea

Required Resources

Donald R. Rothwell, Stuart Kaye, Afshin Akhtar-Khavari, Ruth Davis, and Imogen Saunders, International Law: Cases and Materials with Australian perspectives 3rd ed (CUP, 2018)

Donald R. Rothwell and Emily Crawford (eds), International Law in Australia 3rd (Thomson Reuters: 2017)

James Crawford, Browlie's Principles of International Law 8th (OUP, 2012)

Malcolm Evans (ed), International Law 4th (OUP, 2018)

Anthony Aust, Modern Treaty Law and Practice 3rd (CUP, 2013)




Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

  • written comments
  • verbal comments, in lectures and tutorials
  • feedback to whole class, tutorial groups, and individuals

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Extensions late submission and penalties - https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Special consideration: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/special-assessment-consideration

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of Grades Policy: Effective from Winter Session and Second Semester 2018 (and until further notice), the interim scaling guideline applies to all courses in the LLB (Hons) and JD programs. Please see: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/grading

Further Information about the Course: is available from the course WATTLE page. Students are required to access the WATTLE site regularly throughout the course for details on weekly classes and any announcements relating to the course.

Class Schedule

Week/Session Summary of Activities Assessment
1 Course Administration and Introduction (1 hour) The nature of international law (1 hour) The sources of international law (1 hours) Lectures are held between 8-11am in Weeks 1 and 2.
2 The sources of international law (1 hour) Law of treaties (2 hours) Lectures are held between 8-11am in Weeks 1 and 2.
3 International law and municipal law (2 hours) Tutorial 1 (1 hour) Lectures are held between 9-11 in Weeks 3-12 with a one hour tutorial also scheduled
4 International legal personality (2 hours) Tutorial 2 (1 hour) Lectures are held between 9-11 in Weeks 3-12 with a one hour tutorial also scheduled
5 Sovereignty (2 hours) Tutorial 3 (1 hour) Lectures are held between 9-11 in Weeks 3-12 with a one hour tutorial also scheduled
6 Jurisdiction (2 hours) Tutorial 4 (1 hour) Lectures are held between 9-11 in Weeks 3-12 with a one hour tutorial also scheduled
7 State responsibility (2 hours) Tutorial 5 (1 hour) Lectures are held between 9-11 in Weeks 3-12 with a one hour tutorial also scheduled
8 Human rights (2 hours) Tutorial 6 (1 hour) Lectures are held between 9-11 in Weeks 3-12 with a one hour tutorial also scheduled
9 Law of the sea (2 hours) Tutorial 7 (1 hour) Lectures are held between 9-11 in Weeks 3-12 with a one hour tutorial also scheduled
10 International environmental law (2 hours) Tutorial 8 (1 hour) Lectures are held between 9-11 in Weeks 3-12 with a one hour tutorial also scheduled
11 Use of force (2 hours) Tutorial 9 (1 hour) Lectures are held between 9-11 in Weeks 3-12 with a one hour tutorial also scheduled
12 Dispute resolution (2 hours) Tutorial 10 (1 hour) Lectures are held between 9-11 in Weeks 3-12 with a one hour tutorial also scheduled

Tutorial Registration

You must register in one tutorial group via WATTLE. Tutorial groups will open for registration on 22 July.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Value Due Date Return of assessment Learning Outcomes
Essay 40 % 30/08/2019 16/09/2019 1, 2, 6, 7
Open-book problem based examination 60 % 16/11/2019 09/12/2019 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Effective participation in this course requires a commitment of approximately 10 hours each week, comprised of attending lectures, tutorials, and reading. Students are expected to prepare for both lectures and tutorials and to engage critically in the discussion that takes place there, especially in the tutorials.

Examination(s)

Please note that date in the assessment summary is indicative only. Students should consult the examinations timetable when it has been finalised for the exact date and time.

Assessment Task 1

Value: 40 %
Due Date: 30/08/2019
Return of Assessment: 16/09/2019
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 6, 7

Essay

Details of Task: Essay based on a single question relating to course content from Weeks 1-6.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable essay. Non-completion of this task will result in a 0 for this assessment task.

Weighting: 40%

Word limit: 1500 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography

Release: 10:00 AM on Monday, 29 July via WATTLE.

Due date: 11.55PM, on Friday 30 August by Turnitin (refer further below regarding Turnitin).

Estimated return date: Monday, 16 September 2019 via Turnitin.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Understanding and discussion of relevant law
  • Critical and analytical response to topic
  • Structure including logical development of content
  • Research of primary legal (treaties and cases) and scholarly secondary sources.
  •  Referencing and compliance with AGLC.
  • Expression and written communication including use of legal terminology, proof-reading, grammar, punctuation and English usage.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 60 %
Due Date: 16/11/2019
Return of Assessment: 09/12/2019
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Open-book problem based examination

Details of Task: Open-book problem based examination with 2 out of 3 equally weighted questions to be completed.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Non-submission of this task will result in a 0 for this assessment task.

Weighting: 60%

Timing: The exam will be held in the final examination period

Duration: The exam is 120 minutes (writing time) and 30 minutes reading time

Due date: During exam period. Please note that date in the assessment summary is indicative only. Students should consult the examinations timetable when it has been finalised for the exact date and time.

Permitted Materials: Any except ANU library books. Electronic materials are also prohibited.

Estimated return date: After final results are released via the services office

Assessment Criteria:

  • Understanding and discussion of relevant law in problem question
  • Analytical response to problem question  
  • Structure including logical development of content.
  • Expression and written communication

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

  • Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

The Essay will be returned and made available for students as from Monday, 16 September.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

Prof Donald Rothwell
61258948
donald.rothwell@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


International Law - Law of the Sea - International Law in Australia - Polar Law

Prof Donald Rothwell

Monday 14:00 15:00
Monday 14:00 15:00
Prof Donald Rothwell
61258948
donald.rothwell@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Prof Donald Rothwell

Monday 14:00 15:00
Monday 14:00 15:00

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions