Unit Overview

Description

The unit examines key issues relating to international criminal law, enabling students to examine the historical and theoretical developments, sources, fundamental principles and objectives of international criminal law as well as the main characteristics of international crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The unit has a research focus, developing the independent research skills of students who explore a variety of primary and secondary materials in the field of international criminal law.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)On-campus
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate integrated knowledge of the fundamental principles and laws of international criminal law and its relationship with other branches of international law; (2) engage with the theoretical debates underlying these principles and demonstrate an ability to use and critically examine theoretical material on and the laws of international criminal law; (3) situate and critically evaluate political and cultural factors which influence the development of international criminal law; (4) demonstrate an ability to use appropriate research methods to investigate research questions in international criminal law; and (5) present orally and in writing a well-developed argument on issues relating to international criminal law.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research paper; (2) in-class presentation; and (3) participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Melanie O'Brien
Unit rules
Advisable prior study
LAWS5165 Public International Law, LAWS5220 International Humanitarian Law and/or LAWS5226 International Human Rights
Note
Please note that this unit is taught in a non-standard teaching period. The start date indicates when you are required to do preparatory work, including readings or online modules, for this unit. The end date indicates when all assessments in this unit will be completed. In person classes in this unit will be scheduled at a time between the start date and the end date. Please check the timetable to find out when in person classes in this unit are currently scheduled.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.