MA in International Law and Politics

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University of Hull

Comments about MA in International Law and Politics - At the institution - Hull - East Yorkshire

• Objectives
  The MA in International Law and Politics is one of a small number of advanced level taught programmes available in the UK which combines a broad and balanced knowledge of international relations theory with the study of public international law. The programme provides students with: • an appreciation of and ability to critically assess the key academic works relevant to the field of study; • a sound knowledge of the contemporary debates within the discipline of international relations; • a thorough grounding in the principles of Public International Law; and • an appreciation of the inter-related nature of international law and international politics. Taught jointly by the University's Department of Politics and International Studies and the Law School, both of which have long and distinguished reputations for teaching and research, the programme offers a broad range of optional modules in both law and politics, including political economy, strategic studies, international human rights law, the international law of trade and development, and many others. Students are also able to take advanced level options in research methodology and political analysis specifically designed for those wishing to progress to doctoral study. All students also complete a research dissertation which allows them to specialise further in their chosen area of study.
• Academic title
  MA in International Law and Politics
• Course description
  Programme Structure
  
  Core
  
  IR Theory: Classical and Post-Classical Approaches
  
  (Semester 1)
  
  This module introduces students to different theoretical
  approaches in the study of International Relations (IR) and
  examines the extent to which these theories can offer
  explanations of, and practical guidance to, the
  contemporary international and political environment. IR
  is distinguished by the fact that it is one of the few areas
  amongst the Social Sciences and Humanities to have
  remained relatively unreconstructed by the recent
  changes in advanced social theory and philosophy.
  
  Until quite recently there were almost no philosophically
  informed studies of IR, though this has been modified in the
  last decade by the recognition that IR theory forms, in
  effect, a part of modern political theory.To that extent, the
  IR discipline has traditionally engaged - almost exclusively -
  in the study of relations between sovereign states, in effect
  dealing only with policy-oriented renditions of world
  politics. This course will address the conventional policy
  concerns and dilemmas, but it will do so from a critical
  perspective and with the expressed intention of moving
  beyond the sovereign, state-centric frameworks of IR.
  
  Public International Law (Semester 1)
  
  This module provides students with a systematic and
  advanced understanding of the principles, rules, institutions
  and processes of international law, enabling them to locate
  the application of international law within its social and
  political contexts. The module is designed to stimulate a
  critical awareness of the functioning of contemporary
  international law, to develop a conceptual understanding of
  the theory and practice of international law and to develop
  a comprehensive understanding of research techniques in
  the field of international law.
  
  The contents of the module are: the nature and
  development of international law; customary international
  law; treaty law; international legal subjects and participants;
  international legal responsibility; jurisdiction in international
  law; recognition and legitimacy; legal controls on the use of
  force; international dispute settlement; and international law
  in domestic jurisdictions.
  
  IR Theory: Practical Applications and Case Studies
  
  (Semester 2)
  
  This module builds upon the theoretical foundations of
  the IR Theory: Classical and Post-classical Approaches
  module, and demonstrates to students how the
  theoretical framework there provided can be applied to
  practical situations.The module seeks to demonstrate the
  inter-related nature of political, legal, moral and strategic
  discourse through a series of five 'role play' case studies.
  
  An examination will be undertaken of the way in which
  states and/or other actors attempt to explain and justify
  policies. Often reference will be made to strategic
  interest, international law and/or morality. In particular
  students will be asked to consider the extent to which the
  'facts of the case' appear to support the explanation and
  justification of the policy in question.Students can chose
  from a list of options that at present includes but is not
  restricted to the following:
  
  • International Environmental Law I & II
  • International Human Rights Law I & II
  • Law of the Sea
  • International Law of Trade and Development I & II
  • Strategic Thought I & II
  • Democratic Values and International Law
  • International Environmental Law II
  • International Law of Armed Conflict II
  • European Community Law
  • The EU - Political Integration and Policy Analysis
  • European Union - National and International

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