spring 2024
JUR-3620 International law and armed conflict - 15 ECTS
Type of course
International law and armed conflict is a course at master degree level.
Students at the five year integrated master´s degree programme in law (Master i rettsvitenskap) may choose this course as a partial fulfilment of the requirements for the elective part of the programme´s fifth year, cf. Studieplan for graden Master i rettsvitenskap ved UiT med tilhørende fagbeskrivelse for 5. avdeling.
Followed by necessary application and admission process, other students on master level may also choose this course.
Admission requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree of at least 180 ECTS credits, comprising or in combination with at least 80 ECTS credits in either law or social/political science.
Admitted students should have basic knowledge of public international law.
Students at the Integrated master´s degree programme in law may choose this course as a partial fulfilment of the requirements for the elective part of the programme's fifth year, cf. Programme Specification for the Master's Degree in Jurisprudence at the University of Tromsø (Studieplan for graden Master i rettsvitenskap ved Universitetet i Tromsø).
For information about the application process, please visit the web-pages of the UiT Admissions office.
Course content
The course addresses the prohibition on the use of force in international law and its exceptions (jus ad bellum/use of force), as well as the rules applicable to armed conflicts when they break out (jus in bello/international humanitarian law). The latter includes limitations on the weapons and methods used and establishes protection against attacks on certain groups of individuals, like prisoners of war and civilians. The course will address both international customary law and treaty obligations in these fields, with main focus on the United Nations Charter, the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols of 1977.Objectives of the course
Knowledge
Having passed the exam, the student has:
- Advanced knowledge of the sources of international law and its methodology
- Advanced knowledge of the prohibition on the use of armed force
- Advanced knowledge of the right to selfdefence
- Advanced knowledge of the United Nations Security Councils right to authorize the use of armed force
- Advanced knowledge of the general principles of international humanitarian law
- Advanced knowledge of the definition of combatant and their treatment
- Advanced knowledge of the rules regarding general protection of persons and property against the consequences of an armed conflict
- Advanced knowledge of certain kinds of civilian property granted enhanced protection
- Advanced knowledge of the methods and means of combat
- Advanced knowledge of the relationship of international humanitarian law to international human rights law
- Good knowledge of the right to use armed force by invitation of a host state
- Good knowledge of the different types of armed conflicts and the geographical area where military operations may be undertaken
- Knowledge of the history of the law on the use of force and international humanitarian law
- Knowledge of the disputed legality of humanitarian intervention and authorization by other authorities than the United Nations Security Council
- Knowledge of the rules protecting the environment in armed conflicts
- Knowledge of the application of international humanitarian law to international peace support operations
- Knowledge of the enforcement of international humanitarian law
Skills
Having passed the exam, the student is able to:
- identify and analyze legal problems of both theoretical and practical character regarding international law on armed conflicts
- apply his/her knowledge of international legal methodology in a critical and independent way
- identify and discuss de lege ferenda some of the most controversial topics within the fields of law covered
- use English terminology applicable to this field of law
General competence
After passing the specialization, the student can:
- Apply the obtained knowledge and skills in the field of the international law of armed conflict individually and in cooperation with others
- Communicate reasoning within the field of the international law of armed conflict in a clear and precise manner, orally and in writing to the academic community and the general public
- Apply knowledge and skills acquired within the law of international law of armed conflict to other fields of international law, tasks and projects, where relevant
- Identify and reflect on ethical dilemmas that work with issues of relevance to the international law of armed conflict can lead to, and deal with these in a responsible manner
Teaching methods
The teaching consists of a combination of lectures and seminars, comprising a total of 30 hours. The students are expected to be prepared and active during both lectures and seminars in discussing legal approaches to the issues at hand. Student participation is sought through discussions, voluntary case/case law presentations and participation in two moot courts at the end of the main sections of the course. Some of the lectures or seminars may be held by external guest speakers. The classes will be sought spread throughout the semester. Students are expected to study independently in periods of no seminars or lectures.Information to incoming exchange students
Followed by necessary application and admission process, exchange students may also choose this course.
Exchange students must be on master level. Students should have basic knowledge of international law.
Do you have questions about this module? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty of law: https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=510412
Schedule
Recommended reading/syllabus
Pensumliste for JUR-3620 International law and armed conflict (VÅR 2024)Examination
| Examination: | Date: | Duration: | Grade scale: |
|---|---|---|---|
| School exam | 08.05.2024 09:00 |
6 Hours | A–E, fail F |
- About the course
- Campus: Tromsø |
- ECTS: 15
- Course code: JUR-3620
- Responsible unit
- Faculty of Law