Program Overview

Unit of Study LAW30003 - International Humanitarian Law

Unit Snapshot

• Unit type: UG Coursework Unit
• Credit points: 12
• AQF level: 8
• Level of learning: Intermediate
• Former School/College: Former School of Law and Justice
• Pre-requisites: 96 credit points in any SCU units
• Enrolment information: N/A

Unit Description

Introduces students to the origins, development, key legal instruments, doctrines and institutional structures of international humanitarian law. Discusses key principles which aim to limit the conduct of hostilities and the use of means and methods of warfare, with a specific focus on the protection of the environment in times of armed conflict.

Unit Content

The unit covers the following topics:

1. Origins, sources and the historical development of IHL
2. International and non-international armed conflicts
3. Conduct of hostilities
4. Means and methods of warfare
5. Protection of combatants
6. Protection of civilians and cultural property
7. Protection of the environment
8. Rights and duties of the Occupying Power
9. War on 'terror' and its implications for IHL
10. Implementation of IHL and the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
11. The relationship between IHL and international human rights law, and other branches of international law
12. Criminal repression of breaches of IHL

Availabilities

Not currently available in 2014

Learning Outcomes and Graduate Attributes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Describe the origins and rationale that has shaped international humanitarian law, including the key ideas, legal doctrines and institutional structures developed to limit the means and methods of warfare
2. Analyse the central issues and problems in the contemporary international humanitarian law regime from the perspective of theory, policy and practice
3. Apply general principles of law to international humanitarian law
4. Identify and be able to apply, in an effective manner, primary and secondary sources of international humanitarian law, including internet resources, reports and visual media
5. Articulate and appraise different concepts, ideas and approaches to international humanitarian law through concise written and oral interventions
6. Apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to their own interests and be able to articulate, evaluate and reflect on their own ideas and those of others
7. Conduct independent study and group work, including group participation, in order to develop analytical, drafting and oral advocacy skills.

These learning outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes:

• GA1: Intellectual rigour
• GA2: Creativity
• GA3: Ethical practice
• GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
• GA5: Lifelong learning
• GA6: Communication and social skills
• GA7: Cultural competence