Public International Law/States and Borders as Historically Constructed (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

Learning objectives
The course addresses broadly the field of Public International Law. It is aimed to offer a general picture of the system of Public International Law and the influence thereon by international politics. Upon completing this module, the student should be able to
- explain the general system of Public International Law
- describe the sources of Public International Law
- identify subjects of Public International Law, as well as their authorities and responsibilities
- discuss the role and duties of the UN- analyze the role of human rights
- assess the international regulation of use of force
- tell about specific branches of Public International Law.

Execution methods

A) 2/3 ECTS: lectures/seminar

B) 3/2 ECTS: (electronic) literature exam. The literature examination is available as an e-exam in the electrical exam service (called EXAM).

The module is available both in fall and spring term but the ways of organizing the parts may vary (and also the ECTS per each part available; the total ECTS of the module being always 5, though).

Accomplishment methods

The module consists of 2 parts (A & B):

A) 2/3 ECTS: lectures/seminar
B) 3/2 ECTS: (electronic) literature exam

Content

The normative nature and substantive contents of international law: its sources and subjects, state jurisdiction and responsibility, protection of human rights, protection of the environment, organisation and functions of the United Nations, peaceful settlement of disputes, linkage between international law and international politics.

NOTE! This course is similar in content to the course taught in Finnish ONPOOL82 Kansainvälisen oikeuden ydinaines. Before registering, you should note
that it is not possible to take two courses of the same content, but in different languages, for the degree.

Location and time

A) Part A: 3 ECTS

Lecture + Seminar + Written Assignment Course “States and Borders as Historically Constructed” 23.-24.1.2025

Lecturer: Sami Pekola

LECTURES & SEMINAR (in person):
1) LECTURES:
• 23.1.2025 States and borders as historically constructed: theoretical perspectives
• 24.1.2025 Torne Valley border: historical construction and its stages

2) SEMINAR: 20.2.2025

Materials

B) Klabbers Jan, International Law (Cambridge, 4th ed. 2023)

Teaching methods

The course focuses on the historical construction of states and borders. The learning objective is to help to recognize the constant change in the state-centred (legal) world. The course consists of introductory lectures, a seminar, and an essay.

The introductory lectures will discuss how states and their borders can be understood as historically constructed parts of human social reality. As an example, the historical construction process of the border between Finland and Sweden in the Torne Valley is examined.

In the seminar, each participant will give a short presentation (10–15 mins, with PP slides) in English based on their seminar/essay theme.

In line with the lectures´ perspective, course participants will reflect in the seminar/essay the historical construction process of a land or maritime border of their choice. The chosen topic should be such that the participant already has a basic knowledge of the border and the bordering states, and the necessary language skills to draw on primary sources (e.g. legislation/treaties/official documents) and original research literature. A border between course participant´s native state and of its neighbouring state is a recommended topic. The essay topics will be agreed in the beginning of the course, so that there are no multiple seminar presentations/essays on the same border. In addition to English, the essay can be written in one of the Nordic languages (including Finnish) or in German. More detailed essay instructions will be given in the introductory lectures.

ECTS:
• 1 ECTS: Lecture + seminar: By attending the lectures and providing a seminar presentation, you will gain 1 ECTS.
• 3 ECTS: Lectures + seminar + essay: By attending the lectures and providing a seminar presentation AND an essay, you will gain 3 ECTS.

You can use the ECTS from this course for the study module ONEVAL0039 Public International Law Part A.

ALTERNATIVELY, if your seminar presentation & essay is about maritime borders, the ECTS can be used for OTMEVAL0009 Law of the Sea Part B.

REGISTRATION FOR THE COURSE: In Peppi a week before the course (at latest - preferably as soon as possible), code ONEVAL0039V24-3004 Public International Law/States and Borders as Historically Constructed (also for students using the course for ONEVAL0009).


Evaluation scale: F/1-5

Further information

ALTERNATIVELY, if your seminar presentation & essay is about maritime borders, the ECTS can be used for OTMEVAL0009 Law of the Sea Part