Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

This module allows individual students to explore a self-chosen topic in public international or human rights law in greater depth and prepare an academic paper in English. The topic chosen must be of an international and/or comparative legal nature and agreed upon by the course leader.

All topics within the realm of public international and human rights law are welcomed provided they are of an international and/or comparative nature. For example, a paper could focus on the legal position of defendants accused of crimes against humanity in another state; the legal rights of refugees to apply for asylum or to work in different jurisdictions; comparing the national measures regarding cross-border pollution; analysing the integration of international arbitration in resolving investment disputes in different jurisdictions; or on a  states’ international legal responsibility for drone attacks or disturbance of the air space of other states.

Writing a paper for this course not only would allow students to improve their English language writing skills and prepare them for the competitive national and international legal market, but it would also provide valuable practice for writing a master’s thesis. Students will be provided with a designated supervisor throughout the project period.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

After finalisation of the module students have required the necessary knowledge on:

• a relevant and contemporary problem within public international or human rights law.
• how to apply relevant legal methods to analyse the chosen problem theoretically and practically.
• how to plan, execute, and manage a process that results in a written project. 

Skills

The objectives are that students after the module have required the necessary skills in:

• framing and analysing a relevant and contemporary problem within public international or human rights law.
• applying relevant theories and methods in addressing the problem examined.

Competences

The objectives are students after the module have required the necessary competences in:

• accessing relevant and contemporary public international or human rights law literature in a structured way.
• presenting and discussing literature in accordance with the relevant scientific principles.
• applying relevant knowledge, theories, and skills in public international or human rights law to be able to analyse, conceptualize and discuss the issues addressed in the project, and engage in an academic discussion.

Type of instruction

Guidance only.

Extent and expected workload

• 270 hours.

Exam

Exams