International Public Law

Code: ECN13115L

9 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/234 hours

Scientific Area: Legal-Political Theory and International Relations

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English, French, Italian

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

1. Erradicar a pobreza - Acabar com a pobreza em todas as suas formas, em todos os lugares

4. Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

5. Igualdade de género - Alcançar a igualdade de gênero e empoderar todas as mulheres e meninas.

10. Reduzir as desigualdades - Reduzir as desigualdades dentro dos países e entre eles.

13. Ação climática - Tomar medidas urgentes para combater a mudança climática e seus impactos (*).

16. Paz, justiça e instituições eficazes - Paz, justiça e instituições eficazes promover sociedades pacíficas e inclusivas par ao desenvolvimento sustentável, proporcionar o acesso à justiça para todos e construir instituições eficazes, responsáveis
e inclusivas em todos os níveis.

Learning Goals

The course aims to describe and analyze the historical development and structure of the international legal system. By the end, students will understand the unique characteristics of contemporary International Law and how it differs from classical International Law. They will also learn to critically engage with key issues in contemporary International Law, such as human rights, war and peace, and environmental protection.
The course is designed to equip students with essential tools for understanding and critically analyzing legal and political phenomena, including both legal actions and disruptions within the legal system.
Proactive teaching methods are employed to actively engage students in the learning process and to develop transversal skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.

1. The concept of international law: From the Treaty of Westphalia to 1945 and beyond.
2. The sources of international law.
3. Subjects of international law: The primacy of sovereign states; individuals under international law; the role of international organizations.
4. Fundamental principles of international law: State equality, the right to self-determination, prohibition of the use of force, respect for human rights, peaceful conflict resolution, and international cooperation.
5. The international community and conflict: War and international law; ius ad bellum and ius in bello; the UN Charter.
6. International Human Rights Law
7. Environmental Law
8. Globalization and the international order: Emerging challenges; the tension between state sovereignty and the international community; the issue of ius cogens.

Teaching Methods

The course aligns with the strategy of curricular renewal and pedagogical innovation adopted by the University of Évora, which has been further strengthened by the University's membership in the European alliance EU-GREEN. This approach emphasizes student-centered teaching and learning, focusing on developing key competencies. The methodology is designed to foster critical thinking, intellectual independence, self-confidence, creativity, autonomy in problem-solving, and the ability to work collaboratively.
To achieve these objectives, inquiry-based and problem-based learning strategies will be integrated into classroom activities.

Assessment

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
Evaluation Criteria:
1. Participation and Class Discussion ? 20%
The quality of interventions in debates and critical comments on the assigned readings will be assessed, as well as the ability to relate issues of International Law to current international affairs.
A minimum attendance of 75% of classes is required for this component to be considered.
2. Midterm Test ? 40%
Conducted halfway through the semester, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It includes 2 to 3 short or essay-type questions aimed at assessing:
? understanding of the main concepts of Public International Law,
? the historical evolution of the discipline,
? and contemporary political and legal debates.
3. Group Project ? 40%
Students are organized into groups of 5 to 6 members.
Each group must answer a problem-question drawn by the instructor, related to a topic in International Law that is relevant to current international affairs.
The project includes:
? A handout/position paper (maximum 2 pages) presenting the main arguments and bibliography used;
? An oral presentation of approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute debate moderated by the group itself.
Evaluation criteria: clarity and coherence of argumentation, conceptual accuracy, appropriate use of academic bibliography, and ability to foster a critical discussion in class.

FINAL EXAM:
Written test