Bachelor
2024/2025
Settlement of International Disputes
Type:
Elective course (Law)
Area of studies:
Law
Delivered by:
Department of Financial Law
Where:
School of Law
When:
5 year, 1, 2 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Instructors:
Elizaveta Shushunova
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
5
Contact hours:
64
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course introduces basics of peaceful means for dispute resolution in terms of contemporary legal and political framework. Students will be guided through the techniques and institutions used to overcome tensions and conflicts primarily from the public international law perspective. The course slightly touches upon diplomatic instruments, such as mediation, negotiation, inquiry. However, the core topics outline distinctively legal methods - arbitration and adjudication. Nature and procedural peculiarities of the following major institutions are under consideration: the UN, International Court of Justice separately, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, international arbitration organs. Sufficient knowledge of Constitutional Law, Public International Law and Theory of Law is required. Basics of Private Law regulation are also strongly recommended.
Learning Objectives
- • Know basic categories, institutions and proceedings within the main sections of the course • be able to explain them and give examples of emblematic cases in international legal practice • know primary instruments of dispute resolution and applicable legal limitations for diplomatic or adjudicative involvement • know the specific legal aspects of negotiation proceedings, including the variety of fact finding means and subsequent commitment
Expected Learning Outcomes
- • be able to use the core terminology when discussing theoretical and practical issues; evaluate effectiveness and relevance of diplomatic, arbitral and judicial decisions • set goals and tasks related to the performance of professional functions • analyze situations and facts taking into account acquired skills and knowledge • reflect on the content of legal acts and apply them for fact finding, negotiation and adjudication
Course Contents
- Topic 1. Legal framework for the regulation of international affairs. International tensions, disputes and conflicts: jurisprudence and political agenda
- Topic 2. Basic principles of diplomatic interactions. Negotiation proceedings, consultation
- Topic 3 Mediation, Inquiry, Conciliation
- Topic 4 . Arbitration
- Topic 5 . The International Court of Justice: membership, jurisdiction, judgment’s effect. Legal dimension
- Topic 6. Maritime Disputes. Instruments designated by the Law of the Sea Convention
- Topic 7 . The United Nations: institutionalized machinery and proceedings
- Topic 8 . Regional instruments
- Topic 9. Trade disputes
Assessment Elements
- ExamThe exam consists of two components – the basic part and the specific part. The basic part takes form of a test of 10 multiple choice questions with at least 4 answer options for each. The test is aimed at checking the student’s knowledge and understanding of the basic provisions of international law and ensuring the validity of the grade for the exam as a whole. If the number of correct answers (correct answer options indicated by a student) is less than 4 (i.e. 7 or more incorrect answers), the specific part of the exam is not subject to review and assessment, and 1 point is awarded for the exam as a whole. The basic part of the exam is closed book; students could not use any materials or devices. The duration of the basic part of the exam is 20 minutes. In case a student performs the basic part with the highest possible result (10 correct answers) additional 1 point is granted to add to the grade for the specific part of the exam. In other cases no additional points are granted. The specific part of the exam takes form of a resolution of a practical case based on the material covered in class and during self-study. Students need to demonstrate the knowledge of international law and jurisprudence, as well as demonstrate the skills of argumentation. The duration of the specific part of the exam is 50 minutes. This assignment consists of 1 legal case. While performing these controlling assignments, students are allowed to use only those legal acts and materials, which were previously determined by the lecturer. Students are not allowed to use literature, legal acts that are not included in the list defined by the lecturer, as well as abstracts (notes), computers, tablets, smartphones and other technical devices in the absence of a special permit from the lecturer.
- In-class ParticipationFor active work in class (resolving problems, participating in discussions) and demonstrating due preparation for the classes, positively assessed by the tutor, a student can receive up to 10 points for all seminars preceding the exam in total. In case of insufficient activity in seminars, student accordingly receives 0 points. If a student is absent at more than 20% of classes, 0 points are awarded for the in-class participation. The in-class participation grade received by the student is announced at the last seminar and is taken into account in the calculation of final grade for the discipline.
- In-class written assessmentIn-class written assessment takes form a resolution of 1 practical case, based on the material covered in class and during self-study. Students could use materials or devices specified by the professor. The duration of the assessment is 45 minutes. This assessment element is subject to possible retake in cases when a student presents valid and/or reasonable excuse for being absent.
- TestThe test consists of 5 questions. The maximum score you can get for a test is 10 points. Each question weighs 2 points. The time allowed for the test is 25 minutes for the entire test. Form - closed test with 5 possible answers.
Interim Assessment
- 2024/2025 1st modulePO1 = 0.4 * sem1 + 0.6 * test, where PO1 is the grade obtained at the intermediate certification based onthe results of module 1 (maximum of 10 points); sem1-assessment for activity in seminars in Module 1(maximum of 10 points); test - the score received for the test (maximum of 10 points). 1. В том случае, если при проверке письменных работ студентов, включая экзаменационные работы, выявляется полное или частичное совпадение текста ответа у разных студентов, и это совпадение не вызвано цитированием норм закона или судебной практики высших судов, всем студентам, у которых выявлено совпадение, выставляется оценка 0 за работу, без выяснения причин такого совпадения. 2. Продолжительность выполнения каждого элемента контроля, установленная настоящей программой, включает время написания элемента контроля и время его сдачи при написании в бумажном варианте, время его загрузки при выполнении в системе SmartLMS.
- 2024/2025 2nd moduleFS = 0.1 * PO1 + 0.3 * midterm + 0.1 * sem2 + 0.5 * exam, where FS – final score (maximum of 10 points); PO1 – score obtained at the intermediate certification based on the results of module 1 (maximum of 10 points); sem2 - assessment for activity in seminars in Module 2 (maximum of 10 points); exam – the score obtained on the exam (maximum of 10 points); midterm – the score received for the midterm (In-class written assessment) (maximum of 10 points). 1. В том случае, если при проверке письменных работ студентов, включая экзаменационные работы, выявляется полное или частичное совпадение текста ответа у разных студентов, и это совпадение не вызвано цитированием норм закона или судебной практики высших судов, всем студентам, у которых выявлено совпадение, выставляется оценка 0 за работу, без выяснения причин такого совпадения. 2. Продолжительность выполнения каждого элемента контроля, установленная настоящей программой, включает время написания элемента контроля и время его сдачи при написании в бумажном варианте, время его загрузки при выполнении в системе SmartLMS.
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Brownlie, I. (2015). International law and the use of force by States. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.4C6BEAD4
- Shaw, M. N. (2003). International Law (Vol. 5th ed). Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=125137
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Gerber, D. J. (2010). Global Competition : Law, Markets, and Globalization. Oxford: OUP Oxford. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=467462
- Hong, N. (2012). UNCLOS and Ocean Dispute Settlement : Law and Politics in the South China Sea. Hoboken: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=473892