Studying online
There are now 3 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus due to COVID border closures. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA and include which of the below criteria applies:
- You are a student who is currently offshore and unable to enter Australia.
- You are a student in Australia who is impacted by state or regional border closures.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Restricted to enrolment by students unable to attend campus due to COVID border closures. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.
LAWS5225 Theory, Method and Contemporary Issues of International Law
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Multi-mode - Content
- This unit examines some of the key theories and methods associated with the subject and study of public international law. It also explores how debates about these theories and methods arise in a number of contemporary issue areas in international law. With these aims in mind, the unit examines some of the different ways scholars have understood and explained what international law is, how it operates and changes, and how it should be studied. Examples of perspectives that are discussed include positivism and natural law theory, as well as critiques of international law such as feminism and postcolonialism. In terms of methods, topics include doctrinal legal research and empirical legal research methods. Students then apply these perspectives to a number of international issue areas. They also develop their independent research skills by developing and writing a major essay on a topic related to the unit content.
- Outcomes
- Students are able to (1) demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of some of the key theories and methods associated with the subject and study of public international law; (2) critically analyse the contributions and limits of these theories and methods and apply these theories and methods to the study of various international issue areas, such as the use of force by states, the protection of human rights, and the regulation of international trade; (3) employ relevant theories and methods to conduct research on specific topics related to the unit content; and (4) present orally and in writing a well-developed argument about issues related to the unit content.
- Assessment
- Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research essay; (2) in-class presentation; and (3) class participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit. - Unit Coordinator(s)
- Fiona McGaughey
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites:
- Nil
- Co-requisites:
- LAWS5224 Foundations of Public International Law or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty
- Incompatibility:
- Nil
- Contact hours
- This unit will be taught in flipped mode with two or more full day workshops.
- 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.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.