• Class Number 3546
  • Term Code 3340
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Mode of Delivery Online
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Dr Ntina TZOUVALA
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 18/04/2023
  • Class End Date 15/06/2023
  • Census Date 28/04/2023
  • Last Date to Enrol 19/04/2023
SELT Survey Results

The course is intended to be a follow-up course to LAWS8182 Principles of International Law.  It too will focus on general international law, seeking to identify, in particular, the impact of the relevant norms on the conduct of international relations and national decision-making in this area.

Subject matter coverage will centre on those parts of general international law that are not covered in Principles of International Law, yet are regarded as necessary for a well-rounded knowledge of the subject matter befitting a specialist degree in Public International Law. Some continuing attention will be devoted to further developing the students' capacity to apply international legal norms in concrete settings.

Topics covered in lectures will usually include:

  • territory in international law
  • State responsibility
  • the use of force, including UN enforcement measures
  • jurisdiction and immunities.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Describe, explain and evaluate the nature, role and impact of legal considerations in the conduct of international relations;
  2. Distinguish core concepts of international law and appropriately summarise and synthesise their role within the broader international legal framework;
  3. Explain and demonstrate through the critical analysis of particular cases and situations how the law is applied or misapplied in practice;
  4. Understand how the mechanisms governing the generation and modification of international legal norms apply in particular contexts; and
  5. Resolve through the appropriate use of legal principles, practical problems in a structured, succinct and precise manner.

Research-Led Teaching

The teaching in this course draws on and is informed by Dr Tzouvala's research on international law and, in particular, her interest on the interplay between law, imperialism and political economy.

Field Trips

N/A

Additional Course Costs

N/A

Required Resources

A reading list and electronic resources will be provided through the Wattle site.

There are a number of standard texts on international law that students may wish to consult for further reading or in the completion of your assessment tasks. They will be placed on reserve in the Law Library, and a list posted on the course wattle site. There is no set text for the course, and you are not required to buy a textbook.

The following are good starting-points for electronic research in international law, including: ANU Law Library, International Law and Foreign Law (part of the Weblaw project): http://libguides.anu.edu.au/international_law

- Australian Treaties Library: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/

- American Society of International Law, Electronic Information System for International Law: http://www.eisil.org/

- Oxford Reports in International Law http://opil.ouplaw.com/home/oril [also available via ANU Law Library]

- United Nations Documentation: Research Guide http://research.un.org/en/docs/

Staff Feedback

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

  • written comments
  • verbal comments
  • feedback to the whole class and small groups in online sessions

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

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

Distribution of Grades Policy: 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 any announcements relating to the course.

Class Schedule

Week/Session Summary of Activities Assessment
1 Counter-measures and sanctions Tuesday 18 April 2023
2 The UN system of collective security Thursday 20 April 2023
3 Self-defence, humanitarian intervention and the aggression against Ukraine Friday 21 April 2023
4 Jurisdiction Monday 24 April 2023
5 Immunities Thursday 27 April 2023
6 Self-determination Friday 28 April 2023
7 International Law in Time and in Place Tuesday 2 May 2023

Tutorial Registration

N/A

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Value Due Date Return of assessment Learning Outcomes
Reflective Class Note 1 15 % 24/04/2023 05/05/2023 1,2,3,4,5
Reflective Class Note 2 15 % 01/05/2023 15/05/2023 1,2,3,4,5
Contribution to Class Discussions 10 % * 04/05/2023 1,2,3,4,5
Research Outline 15 % 15/05/2023 19/05/2023 1,2,3,4
Research Essay 45 % 08/06/2023 03/07/2023 1,2,3,4

* 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 Integrity 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 Academic Skills 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

For all courses taught in any mode (whether face to face or online), the ANU College of Law considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the program. Students are expected to attend all classes.


If circumstances arise which are beyond a student’s control and they are unable to attend a class, the student should contact the Course Convenor in advance (where possible), so that the convenor can adjust their expectations in relation to numbers for that class. If it is not possible to give advance notice, students should send the convenor an email as soon as possible with evidence to support the reason for failure to attend.

Examination(s)

There is no final examination for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Value: 15 %
Due Date: 24/04/2023
Return of Assessment: 05/05/2023
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5

Reflective Class Note 1

Details of Task: This course will rely heavily on class participation and discussion. At the end of the second teaching week you are expected to submit a reflective class note of 1,000 words. The class note must develop in writing one of the class questions/exercises. The choice of the class exercise/question is entirely up to you. You can use this opportunity to reflect critically on one of these questions/exercises and draw connections with the broader material we discuss in class.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 15%

Word Limit: 1,000 words, including footnotes. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirement: Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted. Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

Due Date: 5pm, Monday 24 April 2023 (following the first week of teaching). Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply. 

NOTE: All students are expected to be available during the assignment period to complete this assessment task.

Estimated return date: 5 May 2023

Assessment Criteria:

  • Familiarity with and understanding of class discussions; 
  • Ability to combine theory and practical examples; 
  • Reflexivity and analytical thinking; 
  • Appropriate and/or creative format.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 15 %
Due Date: 01/05/2023
Return of Assessment: 15/05/2023
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5

Reflective Class Note 2

Details of Task: This course will rely heavily on class participation and discussion. At the end of the third teaching weeks you are expected to submit a reflective class note of 1,000 words apiece. The class note must develop in writing one of the class questions/exercises. The choice of the class exercise/question is entirely up to you. You can use this opportunity to reflect critically on one of these questions/exercises and draw connections with the broader material we discuss in class.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 15%

Word Limit: 1,000 words, including footnotes. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirement: Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted. Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

Due Date: 5pm, Monday 1 May 2023 (following the final week of teaching). Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply. 

NOTE: All students are expected to be available during the assignment period to complete this assessment task.

Estimated return date: 15 May 2023

Assessment Criteria:

  • Familiarity with and understanding of class discussions; 
  • Ability to combine theory and practical examples; 
  • Reflexivity and analytical thinking; 
  • Appropriate and/or creative format.

Assessment Task 3

Value: 10 %
Return of Assessment: 04/05/2023
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5

Contribution to Class Discussions

Details of Task: Given the importance of interactive learning for this course, you will be given a mark for your contributions in class.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 10%

Estimated return date: approximately 1 week after the end of the teaching period.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Quality of your class interventions (meaning that quantity is not enough);
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with your fellow students in the completion of class activities;
  • Demonstrated ability to express your own opinions in a convincing, concise and respectful way.

Assessment Task 4

Value: 15 %
Due Date: 15/05/2023
Return of Assessment: 19/05/2023
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Research Outline

Details of the Task: The purpose of this assessment is to prepare you for Assessment 4. You are asked to write a short research outline that discusses: 1) your research question(s) and preliminary answer(s); 2) the main method(s) and theories adopted and why they are appropriate in light of your research question(s); 3) an overview of the relevant bibliography; 4) the overall structure of your essay; 5) your case-study and why it is appropriate for your subject (if appropriate); 6) in case of inter-disciplinary, critical or other non-doctrinal work, an explanation as for why your topic is plausibly an international law one. 

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 15%

Word limit: 1,000 words. A short bibliography should be provided, and it will not count toward the word limit. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirement: Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted. Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

Due date: 5pm, Monday 15 May 2023. Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.

Estimated return date: Friday 19 May 2023.

NOTE: All students are expected to be available during the assignment period to complete this assessment task.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Knowledge of the proposed topic and surrounding bibliography that is appropriate to the stage of the project’s development; 
  • Concise and persuasive analysis of the research question, including its importance for the theory and/or practice of international law. 
  • Clear language and writing style appropriate to the topic. 

Assessment Task 5

Value: 45 %
Due Date: 08/06/2023
Return of Assessment: 03/07/2023
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Research Essay

Details of the Task: This is an independent research project that will develop a question related to the subjects/themes taught during this course.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 45%

Word limit: 4,000 words. A bibliography should be provided: this will not count towards the word limit. The ANU College of Law's Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Submission Requirement: Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted. Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

Due date: 5pm, Thursday 8 June 2023. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply. 

Estimated return date: Monday 3 July 2023.

NOTE: All students are expected to be available during the assignment period to complete this assessment task.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the jurisprudence and literature surrounding the selected topic; 
  • The quality of your research, including, but not limited to: the breadth and depth of your research; the choice and combination of primary and secondary materials; the ability to synthesise different materials rather than simply quoting or summarising them. 
  • Construction of a clear argument that is persuasive and grounded on your materials. Engagement with counter-arguments will generally be considered a strength. 
  • Ability to respond to and incorporate feedback;
  • Presentation, style and referencing: the clarity of the structure and the organisation of the paper/appropriate referencing that acknowledging the work of others and its impact on the arguments of the student.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.


The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.


The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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 not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
  • 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 tests or examinations.
  • Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24-hour period.  

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

All marks and feedback will be provided online by the return date listed in the class summary. 

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.

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).

Dr Ntina TZOUVALA
ntina.tzouvala@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Dr Ntina TZOUVALA

By Appointment

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