INTERNATIONAL LAW
SYLLABUS
Instructor: Dr. Tom O'Connor or assigned instructor
This is a "master" syllabus and may not be your actual syllabus
Assigned instructors may or may not use this material

Class meets: as scheduled Office hours: as scheduled APSU Center @ Ft. Campbell Telephone: (931) 221-1477 (931) 221-1493 (Fax) Email: oconnort@apsu.edu Website: www.drtomoconnor.com
Textbook: Buergenthal, Thomas & Murphy, Sean. (2007). Public International Law in a Nutshell, 4e (paperback), NY: Thomson/West Group. ISBN: 031417169X or ISBN-13: 978-0314171696. Note: this book is small yet condensed and may need to be supplemented by additional readings for semesters of long length.

COURSE DESIGNATION: CRJ 3040 International Law (3 semester hours)

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PREREQUISITES: This course is an in-depth analysis of litigation of international laws in U.S. Courts. Topics to include sovereign immunity; international treaties; international courts, claims and adjudications. Norms for use of force; norms for control of terrorism; War Powers Act; National Defense Authorization Act; International Organizations; First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Amendments will also be discussed. (no prerequisites)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. To understand the sources and subjects of international law and foreign affairs
2. To understand how international justice processes operate
3. To examine the scope and structure of international and transnational crimes
4. To analyze both early and contemporary forms of global crime prevention
5. To analyze the legitimacy of approaches to combating terrorism globally
6. To identify and apply international legal principles to issues in global politics
7. To appreciate the challenges of global crime control and global criminology  

GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS:

In addition to the above objectives, the more general goals of this course are to provide the student with the following tools to help develop his or her potential:
1. Development of the student's analytical thinking capabilities through comparison and contrast in the application of theories and concepts to social problems
2. Enhancement of the student's literacy skills through assigned readings, discussions, examinations, and other requirements
3. Utilization of the historical perspective which helps with student understanding of evolutionary developments over time
4. Understanding of the scientific method through research requirements and in-depth case studies
5. Improvement in social interaction skills and understanding human behavior through consideration of the impact legal and social systems have on individuals
6. Increased student awareness of cultural and multi-cultural issues through study of how social problems and social movements are related to, and affect, minority groups
7. Preparation for more advanced study in criminal justice/homeland security

CONTENT OUTLINE:

Week 1: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
1. A Primer on International Law
1a. An Introduction to Comparative Criminal Justice
1b. Diplomacy as a Tool of Counterterrorism (from Terror Understanding course)

Week 2: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
2. Theoretical Frameworks on National Security
2a. An Overview of the Field of International Relations

Week 3: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
3. The Laws of War and Just War Theory
3a. The Use of Force to Occupy another Country (OPLAW)

Week 4: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
4. Terrorist Designation and Detention
4a. Maritime Law
4b. Homeland Security Law (from Incident Management course)
4c. National Defense Law (from Incident Management course) 

Week 5: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
5. Humanitarian Intervention
5a. Space Law

Week 6: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
6. Crimes Against Humanity

Week 7: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
7. International Human Rights
7a. International Family Law

Week 8: Textbook chapters as announced, the following (recommended) Lecture Notes, and any other material the Instructor assigns.
8. International Arms Restraint

REQUIRED LEARNING RESOURCES:

Main Textbook/Required Textbook: Buergenthal, Thomas & Murphy, Sean. (2007). Public International Law in a Nutshell, 4e (paperback), NY: Thomson/West Group. ISBN: 031417169X

Second Main Textbook: none (may vary with instructor)

Important Template/Rubric: How to Write a Legal Brief (Other guides: BHAM; CJED; Appellate Briefs) 

Supplemental Reference: American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5e. Washington DC: APA. Note: students do not have to buy this book, but should have access to it or something similar in order to utilize the correct style or format with writing assignments.

Additional Learning Resources (Internet Links in lectures and these general resources)
 American NGO Coalition for the ICC
 American Society of International Law
 ASIL Guide to International Law
 Avalon Project
 Comparative Criminology Tour of the World
 Cornell Law School's Wex
 Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law
 European Journal of International Law
 FindLaw Topics in International Law
 Hieros Gamos
 International Court of Justice
 International Judicial Monitor
 International Law Grrls
 International Law Observer
 International Law Reporter
 LLRX International Law Guides
 Univ. of Chicago International Law Guide
 UN Page for International Law
 US Dept. of State
 Wikipedia Entry on International Law

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to read and follow the schedule in the course syllabus, to read assigned text chapters, to read assigned Lecture Notes, and to seek and read additional suggested resources as provided by the textbook and Instructor.  In addition, students are expected to be alert and attentive with note taking in class and have a demonstrated desire to participate in any discussion.  Exams are to be completed within the deadlines given by the Instructor, and any special instructions for the paper and/or writing assignment(s) are to be followed precisely.  The Instructor will announce all deadlines and instructions as well as provide reminders about the pace or flow of the course.

BASIS AND METHODS FOR GRADING: (May vary by instructor):

25% Midterm Examination (objective test with essay questions that may count toward writing)
35% Final Examination (objective test with essay questions that may count toward writing)
25% Writing assignments (single or multiple assignments, the equivalent of 8 pages)
15% Participation and Discussion (attendance, logins, discussion contributions)

The grade scale used in this course is normally a 7-point scale, as follows, although instructors are free to make adjustments or modifications as circumstances permit. At times when circumstances permit, the scale may be dropped to a 10-point scale, or slightly more

A = 93-100
B = 86-92
C = 78-85
D = 70-77
F = 69/below

ATTENDANCE POLICY: An attendance roster is kept (and login records, if this is a web-based course), and students are expected to attend all sessions on time and as scheduled. If a session and/or assignment deadline is to be missed for circumstances beyond the student's control, prior permission of the instructor must be obtained, and arrangements made for submission of the work. Regular late submission of work as well as tardiness and absenteeism will result in reduction of the final grade by at least one letter, depending upon severity. An "Incomplete" can only be given if the student has normally completed at least half the coursework, has a reasonable justification, and makes arrangements with the instructor.

DISABILITY POLICY: Any student who has a disability that may affect his/her academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me to discuss this matter, or you may contact Disability Services; telephone 221-6230; voice 221-6278; voice tty.

POLICY ON MINORS: Minors (any non-student under the age of 18) accompanying staff, faculty, students, or visitors on campus are not permitted in the classroom.

ACADEMIC AND CLASSROOM MISCONDUCT: Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times. Academic and classroom misconduct will not be tolerated. Students must read the "Code of Student Conduct" in the new Student Handbook for an understanding of what will be expected of them within the academic setting. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated, and any student found cheating or plagiarizing will receive an "F" for the work in question, and possibly an "F" for the course, and may be recommended for suspension from the University.  Cheating is defined as not working on exams or assignments alone, and plagiarism is defined as taking the work of someone else's as one's own.  APSU uses software that will identify plagiarism.

The above schedule and procedures are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.

Last updated: Aug 28, 2010
Not an official webpage of APSU, copyright restrictions apply, see Megalinks in Criminal Justice
O'Connor, T.  (Date of Last Update at bottom of page). In Part of web cited (Windows name for file at top of browser), MegaLinks in Criminal Justice. Retrieved from http://www.drtomoconnor.com/rest of URL accessed on today's date.