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
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.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Non-standard teaching period UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate thorough developed knowledge and understanding of some of the key theories and methods associated with the subject and study of public international law; (2) critically develop and 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.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Fiona McGaughey
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- Content will be available from 17th February 2023. Students are expected to attend all classes (1st and 8th March 2023 from 9.30am to 5pm)
- 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.
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.