Theory and History of International Law

Teacher(s)

d'Argent Pierre;

Language

English

Main themes

From the perspective of legal theory and legal history, this course aims at unravelling and analyzing the dynamics that have shaped and are currently at play in international law. In light of their knowledge of the primary and secondary rules of international law, students get the opportunity to understand how political, and more generally, societal factors influence the features and content of international law. By the same token, this course shows how the international law epistemic community and the theories that it produces impact on this field. Equipped with this theoretical and historical toolbox, students are able to critically reflect upon the essence, function and evolution of international law.

Content

The course focuses on specific themes that are analyzed from both a theoretical and historical perspectives. Each session is devoted to one theme; it disentangles and analyzes the various factors of a societal, political and epistemic nature, that are relevant for the theme under study. Among other themes, the course offers an insight into 'sovereignty', 'the making of international law', 'responsibility in international law', or 'the private international law / public international law divide'.

Evaluation methods

To prepare each session, students are required to read the assigned materials.

Faculty or entity

BUDR