University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: 11.00 am Wed

This module investigates international law as a paradigm for critically analysing international relations. It starts from an assumption that international politics is so intertwined with international law concepts and practices that students and practitioners in international relations cannot operate without basic familiarity with international law. International law is an arena for debates about core values of the international system and a mechanism for the balancing of competing values that underpin it. At the same time international law is constrained by international political realities. Throughout the module we will contend not just with the fundamental assumptions about 'international order', but also question in what ways this order is developing. We will strive to better understand the complex relationship between law and politics in the international arena. The conscientious student pursuing this module should (a) be able to see international law as a useful paradigm for the understanding of international relations and be able to contextualize it within international relations theories; (b) be able to identify when a dispute among international actors would benefit from a legal analysis and discern competing values underpinning it; (c) be able to critically evaluate legal arguments and understand how their development and application is constrained by international politics, and (d) have the capacity to apply and discuss international legal rules and concepts in relation to a number of substantive issue areas covered in this module.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass IR2006

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 2 consutlation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester. .

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M Peter
Module teaching staff: Dr M Peter
Module coordinator email mp240@st-andrews.ac.uk