Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Modern conflict is characterised by new weapons, new technologies, new environments in which to fight and new kinds of participants in the hostilities. The emerging, increasingly fragmented and rapidly changing notion of conflict challenges, and is challenged by a body of international law that seems to have difficulty in adapting to these new developments.
This unit tackles the most pressing and controversial contemporary issues by looking at the problems that are posed, by considering the legal arrangements that are currently in place and by assessing whether these arrangements are adequate. The topics have been selected to enable students to grapple with important matters of international concern that are currently challenging policy makers, jurists, academics and others at the highest levels. The aim is to introduce students to strategic level decision making with all its complexities and ambiguities.
The unit is structured into 10 lectures, taking a distinct topic within each lecture. In the associated seminars, students work through practical problems in sub-groups, thereafter presenting and discussing their proposed solutions in the plenary setting. Some background understanding of international law as it affects conflict would be a desirable advantage, but the unit can be, and is taught on the basis of no prior knowledge.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) critically analyse and discuss (a) the changing approach to the conduct of hostilities and how it affects, and is affected by, international law; (b) how technological developments are likely to contribute to changes in the way wars are fought and the legal arrangements that determine which of these technologies will, and will not, be acceptable; (c) how human rights law applies during armed conflict, how it interacts with the law of armed conflict and how both protect civilians; and (d) whether the developing media and the law impose unacceptable constraints on the ability of Commanders to operate effectively in the modern battlespace; (2) construct and articulate, orally and in writing, arguments about the topics on which they acquire knowledge; research and evaluate cutting edge, complex international law issues; formulate and present their assessments on these cutting edge issues in appropriate terms; and through critical analysis develop proposed solutions including suggested legal and policy approaches; and (3) further develop the ability to (a) demonstrate an enquiring, critical and creative approach to conflict law; (b) demonstrate an appreciation of the numerous disciplines that will be involved in addressing identified challenges, including law, national and international politics, cultural differences between states, the impact of geography on national security, the challenges posed by evolving science and the strategic issues arising from gaps in international law provision; and (c) challenge conventional thinking in the search for practical and effective solutions.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research essay; (2) in-class workgroup presentations; and (3) assignment. 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 Bill Boothby
- Unit rules
- Advisable prior study
- Students without a law background, enrolled in the Master of International Law, are advised to have completed LAWS5224 Foundations of International Law.
- Contact hours
- offered intensively
- 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.
- 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.
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. 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.