International Law

Suguru NAKASONE (Graduate School of Human Sciences)

Cource Objective
   The main purpose of this course is to provide the students with basic knowledge of history, general theory and structure of public international law. Based on these general understandings of international law, we will advance to particular legal issues including territory (land, sea, air space), human rights, environment, use of force, armed conflict etc. analyzing some relevant legal cases.
   In addition to learning process, we will engage in practices of legal analysis on international law cases. Students are requested to find own topic (international cases of events) and related legal materials, and then prepare three short presentations for research paper. This course will help participants acquire basic knowledge of public international law in theory and method for legal analysis in practice.

Course Content
   The following is a tentative schedule and subject to change.

1. Introduction
2. The History and Nature of International Law
3. Subjects of International Law
4. The Sources of International Law, The Relation of International and Municipal Law
5. Territories
6. Law of Sea
7. Human Rights
8. Environment
9. State Responsibility
10. Peaceful Settlement of Dispute
11. International Security, Disarmament
12. Law of Armed Conflict 1
13. Law of Armed Conflict 2
14. International Criminal Law
15. Review

Textbooks
   There is no 'set' textbook required for this course. Readings (book chapters, journal articles) will be provided during the first class or one week before the each class. At the same time, students are required to prepare some legal documents (treaties, cases etc.) related to the topics of this class. The way to obtain such documents on the Internet will be introduced during the first class.

   The following are references;

• Ian Brownlie, Principles of Public International Law, 7th ed., Oxford UP, 2008.
• David Harris, Cases and Materials on International Law, 7th ed., Sweet & Maxwell, 2010.
• Malcolm D. Evans (ed.), Blackstone's International Law Documents, 11th ed., Oxford UP, 2013.

Grading Policy

1. Class participation 20 %
2. 1st presentation 10 %
3. 2nd presentation 10 %
4. 3rd presentation 20 %
5. Research Paper 40 %