-POLITICAL SCIENCE 285
INTERNATIONAL LAW
PROFESSOR UMBANHOWAR
FALL 2003
OFFICE: 103D HOLLAND HALL
E-MAIL: umbanhow@stolaf.edu
OFFICE HOURS: TTH 3-4, MW 11 - 1 or by appt.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Some scholars argue that there is no such thing as international law. Others see it as the only possible way to save the earth from destruction. In this course, we will try to learn something without embracing either view. Until recently the subject was not thought to be sufficiently important by most academics—rejected by the “realists” as too idealistic and by most others because of its lack of interesting questions and problems. However, a new international law is emerging in the wake of the end of the World War II. This new international law is fraught with problems but promises to be much more interesting than its predecessor.
I have chosen the Bederman text that is described as a “brief treatment” of international law. I believe that it best represents the complexity of contemporary international law in a manageable package. It is designed for law students and on some occasions is inappropriate for what we are trying to do. It is by no means exhaustive. I have also added the book of readings by Charlotte Ku and Paul F. Diehl to give another voice to related topics and demonstrate how specialists work more in depth on some of the many issues involved under the head of international law
There will be a mid-semester examination (30 points). Students will produce a research paper that will be the basis of student led presentations (40 points). I expect them to add to the substance of the course by focusing on specific subtopics within these large subject areas. At the beginning of the semester, you will be expected to join one of four presentation groups-- (1) Human Rights and Criminal Law (2) Commercial Law and (3) Environmental Law (4) War and Peace. The final examination will be based on the presentations and the text. (30 points)
Book for Purchase:
Daniel J. Bederman, International
Law Frameworks
Charlotte Ku and Paul F. Diehl, International Law, Classic and Contemporary
Week I (September 5) History and Fundamentals, Bederman, Chapter 1
Jeremy Rabkin, “International Law vs. the American Constitution” (Arrives to you via e-mail.)
Week II (September 8 - 12) What Is International Law? —Sources of International Law, Bederman, Chapters1, 2 & 3, Ku and Diehl, Chapter 1
Week III (September 15 - 19) Sources of International Law Continued, Bederman, Chapter 4 , Ku and Diehl, Chapters 3, 4 & 5
Week IV (September 22 - 26) The State, International Organizations, and Individuals, Bederman, Chapters 5, 6 & 7 , Ku and Diehl, Chapters 6 & 7
Week V (September 29 - October 3) Diplomatic Immunity, Bederman, Chapter 8, Ku and Diehl, Chapter 8
Mid-semester
Examination October 6
Week VI (October 8 - 10) Human Rights Law, Bederman, Chapter 9, Ku and Diehl, Chapters 16 & 17
Week VII (October 13 - 17)
Fall Break October 18 - 21
Week VIII (October 22 - 24) Law of the Sea, Bederman, Chapter 11 , Ku and Diehl, Chapter 21
Week IX (October 27 – 31) International Environmental Law, Bederman, Chapter 12, Ku and Diehl, Chapter 18
Week XI (November 10 - 14) International Law and Domestic Law, Bederman, Chapter 14 & 15
Week XII (November 17 - 21) Jurisdictional Questions, Bederman, Chapter 16 & 17, Ku and Diehl, Chapter 13
Week XIII (November 24 – December 2) War and Peace, Bederman, Chapters 18 &19, Ku and Diehl, Chapter 14
Week XIV (December 3- 8) War and Peace Continued, Bederman, Chapter 20 & 21, Ku and Diehl, Chapter 15
Week XV (December 10) Ku and Diehl, Chapter 23
FINAL EXAMINATION,
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17,