International Security Law focuses primarily on collective security measures involving both military and non-military activities against both traditional and non-traditional security threats.
The course will introduce students to the conceptual, normative and institutional framework governing international security law. It will move on to two major components of collective security measures - peacekeeping and peace enforcement - in which recent operational and doctrinal developments such as civilian protection and the notion of "responsibility to protect" will also be discussed.
The reinvigoration of the UN Security Council's authority and its expanded conception of security since the end of the Cold War have significantly increased an understanding of the legal basis, nature and limits of collective security measures. During the course, students will be given opportunities to familiarise themselves with contemporary examples of how international law in different areas regulates the way in which security measures are adopted and undertaken in response to existing and emerging threats.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of international law as it applies to international and regional security issues;
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the normative and institutional frameworks characterising international security law and rules governing the operations for the purpose of maintaining or restoring international peace and security;
- Explain and critically analyse the operation of the relevant provisions of the United Nations Charter and other international legal instruments dealing with various international or regional security issues; and
- Plan and execute complex legal research with independence in order to produce original scholarship on a specific aspect of international law issues arising from different international security concerns within the normative and institutional frameworks.
Indicative Assessment
- Take-Home Examination (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research Paper (5,000 words). (70) [LO 1,2,3,4]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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Workload
Classes offered in non-standard sessions will be taught on an intensive base with compulsory contact hours (approximately 26 hours of face to face teaching). The course will also require advanced preparation through assigned readings. In total, it is anticipated that the hours required for completion of this course (class preparation, teaching and completion of assessment) will not exceed 120 hours. Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have 3 contact hours per week.
Click here for the LLM Masters Program timetable.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Students must rely on the approved Class Summary which will be posted to the Programs and Courses site approximately 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the course.
Preliminary Reading
An e-brick will be available on the Wattle course site.
Assumed Knowledge
Students must have completed LAWS8182 Principles of International LawFees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 3
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.