Public International Law

Undergraduate / Graduate

This course offers a broad introduction and overview of public international law. It covers several foundational issues in the discipline, including the actors who create international law, the sources of international law and the institutions that are charged with its interpretation and application. The course will also examine the strengths and weaknesses of the international law regime with a specific focus on the enforcement of its norms both internationally and domestically. A major theme of the course will explore the relationship between international law and national law and how national courts apply international law. One of the main goals of this course is to introduce students to key concepts and debates in international law, familiarize them with other disciplines in international law and sharpen their analytical skills through several assignments and exercises. This course should equip students for more advanced courses and topics in the broader field of international law. Note: Legal Reasoning preferred but not required for enrollment.