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LAWS6258 International Organisations (Geneva)

LAWS6258 is only available under certain award programs.

Offered By Law School
Academic Career Graduate Coursework
Course Subject Laws
Offered in Summer Session, 2011 and Summer Session, 2012
Unit Value 6 units
Course Description

This course will be taught in conjunction with the equivalent undergraduate course. Due to practical considerations, enrolment will be strictly limited (20 students from all sources - a limited number of places will go to postgraduate students).

The purpose of the course is to provide participants with a substantive overview of the activities of international organisations (governmental and non-governmental) located in Geneva, focusing on the legal issues arising in their operations or area of concern. Students will spend three weeks in Geneva. Formal academic instruction will be provided in part by the accompanying ANU staff member and in part by staff drawn from local academic institutions, NGOs, etc. In addition, they will take part in coordinated visits to a range of governmental and non-governmental organisations in Geneva, including up to 30 hours of presentations by legal specialists addressing the activities of their organisation.

The first week will be devoted to general aspects of the operation of international organisations, the second week will focus on human rights and related issues, and the third week will mainly address trade, IP and environmental questions. The precise composition of the program will vary to some extent from year to year. A copy of the day-by-day schedule of the last course is available on the College webpage as an indicator of the likely content of the next course.

The classes will take place at the Graduate Institute of International Studies and Development, and in various international organisations in Geneva. All classes and visits will be conducted in English and knowledge of French is not required.

Indicative Assessment

20 per cent for class participation in light of the high level of student participation expected in class and 80 per cent for completion of a 4,000 to 4,500 word essay, to be completed in the early part of the following semester, on a topic approved by the convenor prior to the end of the Geneva program. Details of the final assessment will be provided on the course home page.

Workload

Students will attend between 50 and 60 hours of classes in the course of the 3-week intensive program of study. In addition, students will have to allocate appropriate time in the course of the first half of the following semester to complete the required research essay.

Areas of Interest Law
Assumed Knowledge and
Required Skills
 Enrolment in the course is limited to students with a sufficient background in international law (see prerequisites)
Requisite Statement

Principles of International Law LAWS8182 & Advanced Principles of International Law LAWS8183. In addition, priority will be given to students who have completed at least one additional international law elective. Where appropriate, academic merit may also be taken in account. Enrolment is subject to the payment of the applicable administrative fees and accommodation costs.

Recommended Courses Any international law elective in addition to Principles and Advanced Principles of International Law.
Prescribed Texts None. A reading brick will be made available at the start of the program in Geneva, and further materials may be made available by guest lecturers in the course of the program.
Programs Graduate Diploma in International Law, Graduate Diploma in International Law, Master of Legal Studies, Master of International Law, Master of International Law, and Master of Legal Studies
Other Information

Students interested in international human rights in its various guises (including labour law, refugees, health, etc) might find the course particularly interesting, as this aspect of international law will feature prominently in the course given the location in Geneva of various UN and NGO human rights organisations (HCHR, UNHCR, ICRC, IFRCS, WHO, ILO, Global Fund, etc). International trade, environmental, and intellectual property law, as well as a number of other specialised areas, are also likely to be the subject of specific visits in the course of the program.

 

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Academic Contact Dr Jean-Pierre Fonteyne and Graduate Administration

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.

Updated:   13 Nov 2015 / Responsible Officer:   The Registrar / Page Contact:   Student Business Solutions