Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours (Open book exam) | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Essay (2500 words) | 50% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours (Open book exam) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Essay (2500 words) | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Know and discuss analytically the major areas of humanitarian protection and the institutions engaged in such protection.
2. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the principal sources of international humanitarian law, including Geneva law, Hague law, and the evolution of individual criminal responsibility for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
3. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the law of international protection, linked to nationality and citizenship and the right to migrate.
4. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the legal aspects of human smuggling and human trafficking in the context of migration.
5. Show awareness of the role of international organisations and NGOs in humanitarian protection and the legal basis for their involvement.
6. Be able to critically evaluate the provisions and concepts considered in the module and demonstrate an appreciation of the complexity of the issues involved.
Brief description
Humanitarian law covers the law applicable in armed conflict, natural disasters and other situations of humanitarian crisis, as well as some aspects of international development for the protection of human beings in the most extreme situations where they are at their most vulnerable. The work, as well as the law, relating to the role of international organisations and NGOs in humanitarian protection shall also be addressed.
Content
The relationship between human rights and humanitarian law.
Post-conflict resolution, including peace settlements, truth and reconciliation commissions, national and international trials.
International migration law, including citizenship and nationality, freedom of movement, human smuggling, human trafficking, refugee and asylum law.
The role of international organisations, the Internatioanl Committee of the Red Cross and NGOs in humanitarian protection, state practice and legal obligations.
Humanitarian intervention and peace operations.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | n/a |
| Communication | Seminar discussions/activities develop individual and group presentation and oral argument (unassessed). Essay and exam writing (assessed). |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Seminar participation and exam preparation develop different aspects of academic research, from understanding and referencing sources through the dissemination of ideas to others orally (unassessed), and developing written communication skills (assessed). |
| Information Technology | Library and research skills are fundamental to preparation for seminars and assessed work. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Recommended topic for any student considering working in government, NGOs, diplomacy, journalism and private law firms that advocate human rights protection. |
| Problem solving | Seminar discussion/preparation and debate. |
| Research skills | Research and preparation for seminars (unassessed) and assessments (assessed). |
| Subject Specific Skills | Reading and understanding legal materials particular to the law of human rights. This goes beyond domestic law because it exposes students to international legal materials and methodologies. |
| Team work | Group activities and discussion in seminars. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6