Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - POL 344 D100

International Law (4)

Class Number: 3857

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 12, 2023
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Sovereignty, nationality, jurisdiction, arbitration. Examination of selected cases exemplifying present trends in the international legal order.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to the principles, practices and institutions that govern relations among states as well as non-state actors in global affairs. At once centuries-old yet fast-changing, public international law is of great practical and theoretical interest.

Fresh challenges with regard to climate change and public health, humanitarian intervention, surveillance, migration, nuclear proliferation, and digital networks, among others, make this a particularly exciting field. States increasingly depend on international organizations and institutions — from the specialized agencies of the United to the European Union, International Criminal Court, World Trade Organization, International Red Cross and the World Health Organization — in pursuing their interests and resolving disputes. Meanwhile, we must attend to the evolution of state sovereignty, the special character of a legal system without a central enforcement agency, and the growing role of civil society in global affairs.

Multimedia resources will supplement the course text in lectures as well as the course website.

Note: Students who have taken IS 309 with International Law as a special topic may not take this class for credit.

Grading

  • Class & Tutorial Participation 10%
  • Tutorial Presentation 20%
  • Mid-Term Assignment 30%
  • Final Exam 40%

NOTES:

Active participation is expected, with attendance in all sessions. Weekly readings will be assigned for group presentation; a substantial essay and final paper are required.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

International Law: A Critical Introduction. 2nd ed. Wade Mansell & Karen Openshaw. Hart, 2019. ISBN: 978-1509926725 (pbk). E-book ISBN: 9781509926718.

Online resource: United Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law

Supplementary readings will be posted on Canvas


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.