LAW4313 · International environmental law

Overview

This unit has been designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and overview of the key themes of global environmental governance. Throughout the unit, you will learn about the sources of international environmental law, including state responsibility, customary law, and case law, as well as the major treaty frameworks and governing bodies responsible for implementing these laws. Building on this foundation, you will participate in discussions and debates about the critical environmental issues facing the planet today and the controversies surrounding their resolution. In this unit, you will have the opportunity to engage with leading expert opinions in the field and lead discussions on contemporary international environmental legal challenges facing the world today.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the contemporary and historic sources of environmental law and policy.
2. Analyse and apply the 'hard' and 'soft' principles of international environmental law.
3. Understand the role of key actors in shaping environmental law.
4. Evaluate global institutional responses to ecological issues.
5. Identify trends, emerging challenges and challenges for international environmental law.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.