University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: 4.00 pm Tue

This module provides a detailed examination of the International Criminal Court, the first permanent global court charged with investigating and prosecuting the most serious international crimes. The ICC is both a legal institution composed of lawyers and judges and a political actor aiming to influence the behaviour of governments, militaries, and rebel groups. This complexity raises a number of practical challenges facing the Court. Who should face accountability for grave crimes? How can the pursuit of justice be reconciled with demands for peace and reconciliation, and when should one take precedence? And is criminal punishment even the most appropriate means of addressing grave violations of human rights? Through this module, students will gain a greater understanding of key features of international criminal law, the structure and status of the ICC, and will be challenged to apply their knowledge to contemporary problems facing the international criminal justice regime.

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 plus 1 x 1-hour tutorial. In order to ensure small groups for the tutorial discussions, the instructor will divide the class into multiple tutorial groups, each of which will meet each week during semester.

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 268

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

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

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr A S Bower
Module teaching staff: Dr A Bower
Module coordinator email asb20@st-andrews.ac.uk