This course will focus on the impact of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea and more recent supplementary agreements in the light of current State practice, seeking to identify, in particular, the extent to which its provisions have become part of customary international law in that area.
The course will address the following:
- the history of Law of the Sea concepts
- internal waters, territorial waters and the regime of innocent passage
- the contiguous zone
- transit passage through straits used for international navigation
- islands, archipelagoes and the regime of archipelagic sealanes passage
- the Exclusive Economic Zone
- the Continental Shelf
- recent developments in delimitation of maritime zones
- the high seas and the management of High Seas fisheries
- deep-seabed mining and the International Area.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain, distinguish and apply advanced knowledge of the key concepts and principles that are applicable in the law of the sea and apply this knowledge in the context of the specific workings of international law, especially other relevant treaties, customary international law and methods of dispute resolution;
- Demonstrate extensive practical and theoretical familiarity with the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
- Analyse and show advanced understanding of some of the key law of the sea issues confronting Australia and the Asia Pacific region;
- Identify how the law of the sea interacts with related areas of international law such as maritime security and concepts of state sovereignty; and
- Plan and compose an advanced-level research paper which critically examines one or more contemporary law of the sea issues.
Research-Led Teaching
The course has a strong focus on research-led teaching with respect to a) the relevant literature on the law of the sea, and b) the research experience and practical legal experience of the convenor in law of the sea; and c) the research experience of invited guest lecturers and other presenters in law of the sea.
Required Resources
The prescribed text for this course is: Donald R. Rothwell and Tim Stephens, The International Law of the Sea 2nd Hart/Bloomsbury, Oxford: 2016
The text is available at the ANU branch of Harry Hartog: http://www.harryhartog.com.au/textbooks. Additional resources will be made available via the course WATTLE site
Recommended Resources
In advance of the course commencing it is recommended that you undertake the following preliminary reading:
- Rothwell and Stephens, The International Law of the Sea 2nd Chapter 1
- 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Articles 1-45 (available on WATTLE)
The following reference works have been placed on Closed Reserve in the Library:
- Lowe and Talmon, The Legal Order of the Oceans: Basic Documents on the Law of the Sea (2009)
- Rothwell and Letts (eds), The Law of the Sea in South East Asia (2019)
- Rothwell, Oude Elferink, Scott and Stephens, The Oxford Handbook of the Law of the Sea (2015)
- Tanaka, The International Law of the Sea 2nd (2015)
The following journals are also recommended:
- Australian Year Book of International Law (AYBIL)
- International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law (IJMCL)
- Marine Policy (MP)
- Ocean Development and International Law (ODIL)
- Ocean Yearbook
The Oceans and Law of the Sea Homepage of the UN Division of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is also recommended: http://www.un.org/Depts/los/index.htm
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- individual and all class feedback during class exercises and discussion
- generic all class feedback on the take-home examination
- individual feedback on the take-home examination as requested
- individual written comments on the research essay
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
Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).
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
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 any announcements relating to the course.
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | This is an intensive online course taught over 9 days commencing on 5 August 2020. | |
2 | 5 August 2020 (1500-1800): Course Introduction and Administration; A. Development of the Modern Law of the Sea. | |
3 | 6 August 2020 (1500-1800): B. Coastal State Waters; Q&A + Class Exercise. | |
4 | 7 August 2020 (1500-1800): C. Continental Shelf; D. Exclusive Economic Zone; Q&A + Class Exercise Debrief. | |
5 | 12 August 2020 (1500-1800): E. High Seas; F. Navigational Rights and Freedoms; Q&A + Class Exercise. | |
6 | 13 August 2020 (1500-1800): G. Maritime Boundary Delimitation; I. Deep Seabed. | |
7 | 14 August 2020 (1500-1800): L. Marine Environmental Protection; South China Sea Case Study. | |
8 | 19 August 2020 (1500-1800): J. Archipelagic States and the Law of the Sea; K. Maritime Regulation and Enforcement. | |
9 | 20 August 2020 (1500-1800): M. Dispute Resolution; BBNJ Negotiations Case Study. | |
10 | 21 August 2020 (1500-1800): H. Fisheries Management; Concluding Remarks. |
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Take-Home examination | 30 % | 29/08/2020 | 07/09/2020 | 1,2,4 |
Essay | 70 % | 25/09/2020 | 09/10/2020 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
* 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:
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
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 Academic Integrity . 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
For all courses taught in intensive mode, the ANU College of Law considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the graduate program and students are required to attend ALL classes (and all of each class).
In exceptional circumstances, a student may be granted permission by the Course Convenor, in consultation with the Stream Convenor or Director, LLM Program, to miss some classes, provided:
a. it does not exceed a maximum of 25% of the classes;
b. permission is requested in advance; and
c. the request is supported, where appropriate, by adequate documentation.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in a student receiving the grade of NCN (non-complete fail). The normal pressures of work or planned personal trips do not constitute exceptional circumstances to justify an exemption from full compliance of this policy.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4
Take-Home examination
Nature of Task: Take-Home Examination assessing course content covered in class with an option of answering one of two problem-type questions
Word limit: no longer than 2000 words
Release: Released 28 August 2020 at 0800
Due date: due by 2355 on 29 August 2020. Late submission of take-home examinations is not permitted. If this assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
Assessment Criteria:
a) Content
- answering the question asked
- identification of the legal issues raised from the question
- legal principles stated/explained with accuracy
- legal principles stated/explained in appropriate detail
- relevant facts recognised and linked to the legal principles
- recognition and evaluation of judicial and statutory ambiguities and ‘grey areas’
- originality/innovation in approach to issues
- clear conclusions
b) Structure/organisation
- emphasis on the significant issues
- answer is coherent and structure logical
c) Expression
- good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs
- clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of reader
- use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
No Bibliography is required for primary or secondary sources used in the take-home examination
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Essay
Nature of Task: Research essay selected from one of five approved essay topics, or a student-proposed and approved essay topic
Word limit: 4,500 words
Release: The topic is to be selected from one of five essay topics that will be released at the conclusion of the class and available via WATTLE. Students may also seek to develop their own essay topic, which is to be approved by the Course Convenor no later than 4 September 2020.
Due date: 25 September 2020 at 5 pm. Late submissions without an extension are permitted, although late penalties will apply.
Assessment Criteria:
- Understanding of the Issues
- addresses the question and covers all the important points
- evidence of close consideration of the question and the research materials drawn on
- issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely identified
- material chosen relates clearly to the topic and is analysed not just summarised or quoted extensively
Communication and Development of Arguments
- clear theme or argument
- arguments logical and well-organised
- ideas/paragraphs linked coherently
Argument/Analysis
- originality of ideas and critical analysis of the material
- complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas
- suggestions for change where appropriate
- interdisciplinary perspective where appropriate
- addressing opposing arguments
- well-reasoned conclusions
Research
- research covering primary and secondary materials
- good organisation of sources and ability to synthesise all the research materials used
- use of theoretical material where appropriate
- range of research sources
- integration of material from research resources into the essay
Presentation, style and referencing
- good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs
- clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of reader
- use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
- full and accurate footnotes together with a bibliography
- style according to Australian Guide to Legal Citation
- adherence to word limit.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.
The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to 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 be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, 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 Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.
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
Assessment Task 1 (Take-Home Examination)
No submission of Assessment Task 1 after the due date will be permitted. If this assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
Assessment Task 2 (Essay)
Late submission of Assessment Task 2 without an extension will be penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of Assessment Task 2 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.
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
Available via hardcopy and WATTLE
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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.
Resubmission of Assignments
Not permissible for Assessment Task 1. Permissible for Assessment Task 2 only i) prior to the due date ii) with permission of the convenor
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).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research InterestsDonald R Rothwell is Professor of International Law at the ANU College of Law, Australian National University where he has taught since July 2006. His research has a specific focus on law of the sea, international polar law, and implementation of international law within Australia as reflected in 26 books, and over 200 articles, book chapters and notes in international and Australian publications. Rothwell’s recent authored, co-authored or edited books include International Polar Law (Edward Elgar, 2018) co-edited with Hemmings; International Law in Australia 3rd (Thomson Reuters, 2017) edited with Crawford; and The International Law of the Sea 2nd (Bloomsbury, 2016) with Stephens. Major career works include The Polar Regions and the Development of International Law (CUP, 1996), and International Law: Cases and Materials with Australian Perspectives 3rd (CUP, 2018) with Kaye, Akhtar-Khavari, Davis and Saunders. Rothwell is also Co-Editor of the Australian Year Book of International Law and Editor-in-Chief of the Brill Research Perspectives in Law of the Sea. His most recent works include The Legal Authority of ASEAN as a Security Institution (CUP, 2019), with Nasu, McLaughlin and Tang, and The Law of the Sea in South East Asia (Routledge, 2019), edited with Letts. From 2012-18 he was Rapporteur of the International Law Association (ILA) Committee on ‘Baselines under the International Law of the Sea’. He has taught a range of courses including Law of the Sea, International Dispute Resolution, International Law and Use of Armed Force, International Humanitarian Law, Military Operations Law, and Public International Law. Rothwell was previously Challis Professor of International Law and Director of the Sydney Centre for International and Global Law, University of Sydney (2004-2006), where he had taught since 1988. He has acted as a consultant or been a member of expert groups for UNEP, UNDP, IUCN, the Australian Government, and acted as advisor to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). In 2012 Rothwell was appointed an inaugural ANU Public Policy Fellow, and in 2015 elected as a Fellow to the Australian Academy of Law (FAAL). He is a regular media commentator on international law issues and has written over 100 opinion comments, including for all of the major daily newspapers in Australia and ABC Online ‘The Drum. His media interviews have included ABC TV 7.30, ABC Radio ‘AM’ and ‘PM’, ABC Radio National ‘Breakfast’, ABC News 24, Al Jazerra (TV), BBC World (TV), the Voice of America, and The New York Times. |
Prof Donald Rothwell
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Prof Donald Rothwell
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