Coordinator
Name: Dr. E. De Brabandere
Work address: KOG, Office B1.26
Departement/division
Departement: Public Law
Division: Public International Law
Room number secretariat: KOG, Office B1.21
Opening hours: 9.00 – 17.00 hrs
Telephone number secretariat: 071-5277578
E-mail: e.h.uiterweerd@law.leidenuniv.nl
Description
Objectives of the course
The course has the following objectives: The objective of the course is to engage students in a critical reflection at a theoretical level on the system of human rights and international law and on fundamental developments in this area.
Short description of the course
In this course we will investigate and discuss fundamental developments in the theoretical foundations of international human rights law. The objective of the course is to engage students is a critical reflection at a theoretical level. The whole course relies on students’ own research. The research must be carried out within the theoretical framework that is provided. The background materials are not self-sufficient. Their only aim is to provide students with some preliminary information about to the topic in which they must delve. Student must prepare the background materials for each class. Each week they must also submit a research paper. At the end of the course, students must submit a final paper.
Achievement levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:
Knowledge:
After a successful completion of this course, the student has gained a thorough knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of fundamental developments in current international human rights law and a good picture of contemporary theoretical debates in the legal scholarship.
Academic skills and attitute:
After a successful completion of this course, the student:
is able to write high quality papers on the theoretical aspects of complex legal issues;
is able to present and defend his findings, and to critically appraise the findings of other students;
is able to moderate a legal debate on particular issues.
Methods of instruction
Lectures
None
Seminars
Number of (2 hour) lectures: 5 (1 per week)
Names of lecturers: Dr. E de Brabandere
Required preparation by students: Students are required to submit a research paper for each seminar starting on the second week (4 research papers in total). Each week, 5 students will be randomly picked up in class to present the outcome of their research as well as their critical assessment of the background reading. Each student will at least make one short presentation in the course of the 5 seminars. The first research paper is not marked. It will be re-distributed among the students, and each student will thus be required to review the research paper of a fellow student, and to give comments to the author of that paper.
The subsequent three research papers will be reviewed and marked by the lecturer in charge of that seminar. The marks for these research papers will count for the total mark of the course.Research papers must be submitted in class. As they constitute the groundwork for the discussion, papers not submitted in class will not be considered.
Attendance is mandatory. Missing one seminar is allowed for a valid reason ; missing two seminars – whatever the reason may be – means in principle that you are excluded from the course (there is no retake until next year’s course).
Other methods of instruction
None
Course materials
Obligatory course materials
Literature: None
Course information guide:
- Outline as posted on Blackboard
Reader: None
Recommended course materials
- To be announced on Blackboard
Examination
Examination form(s)
3 research papers (50% – each research paper thus has a weight of 16,6667%)
Final paper (50%)
There is no exam.
Research papers (4) to be handed in before each class (50 pc of the grade). The research paper aims at pinpointing one aspect of the sub-theme that is raised for each class. It should indicate the reasons why the aspect chosen by the student is relevant and deserve examination. The general state of the literature of that aspect should also be appraised. The research paper must examine whether the existing literature correctly addresses the problems identified by the student. The research paper must not exceed 500 words (/- 1 page) and must contain a bibliography (/- 1 page). The research papers will amount to 50 pc of the grade.
The submission date of the final paper in hard copy will be announced in class and on Blackboard (50pc of the grade). The final paper must relate to one of the sub-themes that it will thoroughly examine. It boils down to a critical analysis of the sub-theme in question and requires appropriate research. It should not be longer than 2500 words including footnotes, and excluding bibliography (50 pc of the grade).
Course requirements
To be announced
Time table
The time table can be found at the following website: www.law.leidenuniv.nl
Application
Registration on Blackboard
Blackboard
This course uses Blackboard (digital learning environment).
Remarks
None