Instructor: Andrea Bjorklund, School of Law
Description:International law is in the news a great deal. We hear about its applicability, or lack thereof, to prisoners detained in both conventional and guerrilla warfare; we hear about the U.S. Supreme Court’s reliance on it; we hear about how it constrains the actions of governments and individuals. Many people, however do not have a good grasp of the content of international law. This course will introduce students to the basics of international law. Students will learn the sources of international law – treaties, customary international law, general principles of law, judicial decisions, and the writings of highly qualified scholars – and the difficulty in its application. Class discussion will focus on the relationship between international law and politics. Students will be encouraged to understand and analyze, through short research projects and class discussions, the current status of individuals, corporations, and international organizations in international law.
Format: The course will meet for one hour each week. Course time will be divided between lecture, student presentations, and discussion of the relevant topics. There will be a short text used in the course, which will be supplemented by external readings, when desirable. Students will write one short paper (8-10 double-spaced pages) in consultation with the instructor. Each student will be expected to take the lead in course discussion once during the semester (this may be done in teams; depending on enrollment). All students will be expected to play an active role in class discussion. Grading: The paper will count for 40% of the final grade; class participation and attendance will count for 40% of the grade; and leading class discussion will count for 20% of the grade.
About the Instructor:Professor Andrea K. Bjorklund is a member of the faculty in the School of Law. Her research interests include the law of foreign investment and trade, and international dispute settlement mechanisms, including international arbitration. She teaches several courses, including international litigation and arbitration, conflict of laws, international trade, international investment, and contracts.