International Law (spring 2027)

Five places have been reserved for Open University students for this implementation.

The main objective of this course is to survey the legal norms and principles governing the conduct of states and other organisations involved in international affairs, including subjects of international law such as individuals and multinational corporations engaged with foreign public or governmental institutions. The class will study underlying legal concepts like sovereignty and host government control over energy and natural resources, the role of relevant international organisations like the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation, the main sources of public international law, e.g., multilateral treaties and customary international law, dispute resolution mechanisms and the framework through which international law interacts with national legal systems. The course starts by introducing the fundamentals of public international law, then explores how these apply in the context of (a) international human rights, (b) law of the sea and maritime boundaries, and (c) international economic and investment law. In studying these three focus areas, the class will draw examples from international cases and matters arising from the development of energy and natural resources.

Course study assessment methods comprise a 24-hour take-home examination, course participation and group presentations.

A 24-hour take-home written examination to be completed and submitted on Moodle between 1st and 15th April, 2027. After accessing the examination questions and instructions, students have 24 hours to complete and submit them on Moodle. Further instructions and details will be provided on the first day of class.

Class and group assignment participation leading to a 10-minute recorded video presentation on an assigned topic. Voluntary working groups will be created after the first day of class. The number of students in a group will depend on the total class size. Further instructions on groups, submitting the assignment and video recording will be provided.

Submissions should focus on the legal issues and be presented logically and coherently.