I. Course Title: International Law and Organization (IR)
II. Course Number: POSC 360
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: None
V. Course Description:
This course examines international law and organization in an anarchic milieu of sovereign
states. Emphasis on theoretical foundations and historical evolution and case studies
of instruments of international law and iconic examples of intergovernmental organizations
and their role in solving global problems.
Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
Topics may include:
I. The International Milieu: Rousseau's Fable of the Stag Hunt
II. The Law of Nations
- A. Nature of International Law
- B. Sources of International Law
III. Subjects of International Law
- A. Development of Law Among Nations
- B. The Community of Nations
- C. Rights of International Legal Persons
- D. Duties of States
IV. The Law & the Individual
- A. Individuals Under the Law
- B. Jurisdiction Over Persons
- C. Responsibilities of States for the Protection of Resident Aliens
V. Territory
- A. Title to Territory
- B. National Boundaries
- C. The High Seas
- D. Jurisdiction Over National Vessels
- E. Jurisdiction Over the National Air & Outer Space
VI. War
- A. Legal Nature of War
- B. Laws of War
- C. Modern War: Commencement, Effects, Termination
- D. Laws of War On Land & In the Air
- E. Laws of War At Sea
- F. War Crime
VII. International Organization
- A. Antecedents
- B. The Theory of Collective Security
- C. The League of Nations
- D. The United Nations
- E. Collective Security to Peacekeeping
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
This course is conducted through lecture, discussion, and experiential activities.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
- To help the student understand the origin and sources of international law.
- To allow students to grapple with the paradoxes involved with law in an anarchical
milieu.
- To acquaint students with some of the major thinkers and notable instances associated
with international law and international organizations.
- To describe behaviors, beliefs, cultures, social institutions, and/or environments.
- To analyze the interactions of behaviors, beliefs, cultures, social institutions,
and/or environments.
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Students are graded on the basis of class participation, case exercises, presentations,
and written reports.
Other Course Information: None
Review and Approval
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
April 1998 Reviewed M. J. Franck, Dept. Chair
March 01, 2021