Course Catalogue

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The course will focus on the establishment of the UN organisation, its legal status, its membership and the functioning of its main organs, including the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Secretary-General and the International Court of Justice-all major players in current international law. It will consider, in particular, the role of the UN in the maintenance of international peace and security and in the coordination of cooperation on pressing global problems such as nuclear weapons, the climate, refugees and conflict.

Weekly 2 hour seminars

This course is only available to LLB students.

A pass in Public International Law is required.

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4,000 word essay - 75%

Oral Assessment (presentation) (including 1,000 word [guideline length] handout for assessment) - 25%

■ To offer opportunity for an in-depth analysis of the contribution of the United Nations system to the development of Public International Law;

■ To develop an understanding of the legal and political factors that govern the functioning of the organisation;

■ to examine current developments in the United Nations;

■ to consider the effect of politics on the functioning of the United Nations;

■ to examine the relationship between the different organs of the United Nations; and

to compare the functioning of the United Nations with the functioning of the League of Nations.

By the end of the course the student should (subject specific skills):

■ possess a thorough understanding of the functioning of the United Nations;

■ be able to demonstrate an understanding of the sources of public international law related to the United Nations;

■ demonstrate a knowledge of the law relating to the functioning of international organisations;

■ assess the successes and shortcomings;

■ appreciate the causes of the difficulties experienced by an international organisation devoted to maintaining peace and security, including the problems of political interference, budgetary constraints and super-power rivalries;

■ have a comprehensive understanding of the UN organs, as reflected in current developments.

Generic Skills:

■ improve oral skills and levels of confidence (because of the participatory nature of the seminar; role-playing exercises are planned);

■ develop essay writing technique through dedicated feedback clinics embedded in seminars addressing structure and outline, introductions, and application of assessment criteria (esp in-class peer review of formative assessments);

■ add to their communication skills;

provide students with an opportunity to improve and develop their research skills online.