Institutions in International Law

Subject 730-351 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

To be taught intensviely over the Winter Recess (Sunday 29 June 2008-Saturday 12 July 2008) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Seminars, taught intensively, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Total Time Commitment: 144 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: International Law (730307) would be an advantage but is not a prerequisite.
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr A Mitchell - Mr B Oswald - Dr T Voon
Subject Overview:

This subject examines the place of international institutions within the international legal order, considering their structure, normative underpinnings, and activities. It focuses on inter-governmental organisations but also considers non-governmental organisations and the role of civil society and national governments in both types of institution. It considers how international institutions reflect conflicting notions of fragmentation and unity in international law. Principal topics to be covered include:

  • The role of international institutions in the development of international law.
  • Introduction to the key international institutions in Geneva including their history, trends in their mission, influence and importance, and reform proposals.
  • The International Law Commission's study on the fragmentation of international law, including the function and scope of the lex specialis rule and the question of international organisations as ‘self-contained regimes'.
  • Inter-organisational cooperation, coordination and conflict in areas including intellectual property, human rights and development.
  • Participation and representation in international institutions by governments, business, civil society, and secretariat staff.
Assessment: 1. 100% class attendance (hurdle requirement); 2. Class presentation (10%);3. Class participation (5%); and4. 5,000 word research paper (85%) (due Monday29 September 2008).
Prescribed Texts: Printed materials to be purchased from the Faculty of Law
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of the subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Oral and written communication skills.
  • Thinking skills: critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical skills.
  • Capacities in information seeking and evaluation.
  • Planning and time management.
  • Working with and in different institutional and national cultures.
Notes: A maximum of 25 students may enrol in this subject. Applicants must submit a copy of their most recent academic transcript as well as a one page cover letter and a two page CV highlighting their interest in the subject and previous academic and work experience. Interviews may also be conducted. Further details on how to apply will be posted on the subject page during the second half of 2008.

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