The course is delivered in two Parts. Part I comprises four foundational lectures (total 12 hours), which introduce the theory and history of International Dispute Resolution, as well as the six primary mechanisms of IDR contained in Article 33 (Chapter VI) of the United Nations Charter. These mechanisms are: Negotiation, Mediation, Inquiry, Conciliation, Arbitration and Judicial Settlement. Part II comprises a 4-day Intensive IDR workshop (total 28 hours) held jointly with LAWS8567 students. This workshop provides experiential learning opportunities for students, as they participate in a series of real-life IDR simulations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Synthesise, analyse and apply the principles of international law relating to international dispute resolution;
- Critically evaluate processes by which international dispute resolution is undertaken and the roles played by the most important courts, tribunals and institutions;
- Review, compare and contrast the benefits and pitfalls of various international dispute resolution techniques;
- Reflect critically on the role of international law in pacifying international relations and its interplays with politics;
- Critically analyse major international dispute resolution institutions and mechanisms, including the International Court of Justice; and
- Plan and execute complex legal research in an area of international dispute resolution.
Work Integrated Learning
Simulation/Virtual
The practical components of this course provides students with the opportunity to put into practice the theory and history of International Dispute Resolution as well as the six primary mechanisms of IDR contained in Article 33 (Chapter VI. These mechanisms are: Negotiation, Mediation, Inquiry, Conciliation, Arbitration and Judicial Settlement. The intensive workshop in the second half of the course provides experiential learning opportunities for students, as they participate in a series of real-life IDR simulations.
Indicative Assessment
- The proposed means of assessment for this course will provide students with the option of undertaking at least two pieces of assessment. The assessment for each class is published in the Class Summary. Refer to previous class summaries for an overview of assessment tasks used in past classes. (100) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
- Classes offered in non-standard sessions will be taught semi-intensively with compulsory contact hours of 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 three contact hours per week. Students are generally expected to devote at least 10 hours overall per week to this course. 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.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Students must rely on the approved Class Summary which will be posted to the Programs and Courses site approximately two weeks prior to the commencement of the course. Alternatively, this information will be published in the Program course list when known.
Preliminary Reading
Students must rely on the approved Class Summary which will be posted to the Programs and Courses site approximately two weeks prior to the commencement of the course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $5520 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $7020 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Summer Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1398 | 12 Jan 2026 | 13 Jan 2026 | 30 Jan 2026 | 27 Feb 2026 | In Person | View |