United Nations Law and Practice

Subject 730-322 (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:

Summer Term, - 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 intensively over the summer semester

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: To be taught intensively over the summer semester
Total Time Commitment: 144 hours
Prerequisites: Principles of Public Law or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
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 D Blumenthal
Subject Overview:

The United Nations is probably the boldest experiment in international relations in the modern era. It is a body of critical importance in the international political and legal arena, particularly with respect to its primary purposes of maintaining international peace and security; maintaining friendly relations among nations; facilitating international cooperation and providing a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in achieving these common ends. This subject aims to give students an understanding of the UN's role, structure and operation, from both a legal and a practical standpoint. To this end, the subject will examine the law and operation of the UN with reference to relevant case studies, using these examples to illustrate the successes and failures of the UN since its inception, and as a basis for examining the challenges that the UN may face in the future.

Assessment: Students can choose to be assessed by ONE of the following two options: OPTION 1A 3-hour written open-book examination worth 100% of the final mark for the subject. OPTION 2A 5,000 word research essay worth 100% of the final mark for the subject, and due at the end of the Summer Semester.IN ADDITIONAll students must satisfy a hurdle requirement of attending at least 80% of the seminars.
Prescribed Texts: Printed materials will be issued by 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 this subject, students should have further developed the following generic skills:

  • Interpretation and analysis of international legal instruments;
  • Interpretation and analysis of international legal decisions;

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