00230 - International Law

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, the student will: - have a fundamental understanding of the legal concepts essential for comprehending international law issues (including the nature and formation of norms, treaty-making, and international organizations); - has a thorough understanding of the institutional structure of the European Union and has explored in depth the topics of the use of force and the security system established by the United Nations; - identifies the legal foundations of the most significant measures adopted by States and international organizations within the international relations system; - understands and contextualizes documents such as the charters of major international organizations and international conventions; - is able of discussing the topics covered in the course from a legal perspective.

Course contents

A) General Part

The general part aims to examine the institutional aspects of the matter:

1. Historical evolution and current characteristics of the international legal system.

2. The subjects of the international legal system.

3. Sources: custom, treaties, and sources established by agreements.

4. The application of international norms within the state.

5. The delimitation of state government power.

6. Violations of international norms and their consequences.

7. The resolution of international disputes.

B) Special Part

The special part will focus on the following topic:

Evolution of the international community and the prohibition of the use of force.

Readings/Bibliography

For the general section, choose from:

A. Cassese, Diritto internazionale, 2021

B. Conforti, Diritto internazionale, 2021

F. Salerno, Diritto internazionale, 2021

U. Villani, Lezioni di diritto internazionale, 2023

(Specific instructions for each textbook will be provided at the beginning of the course).

For the special section:

N. Ronzitti, Diritto internazionale dei conflitti armati, Torino, 2021 (specific instructions will be provided at the beginning of the course).

For both sections, it is recommended to consult:

- the materials that will be uploaded on Virtuale;

- the use of a Codice del diritto e delle organizzazioni internazionali (also available in the Library).

Teaching methods

The course will be primarily conducted through lectures given by the professor. Active student participation will be strongly encouraged through discussions and debates.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is conducted through two written tests, held during the class period, and a final oral exam.

The two written tests cover the general part of the course.

The first test consists of multiple-choice and open-ended questions. It aims to assess the student's ability to assimilate and analyze the fundamental concepts of the subject matter, as well as the presentation style (particularly the logic, coherence, and clarity of the presentation). Further information will be provided at the beginning of the course.

The second test consists of answering a single question based on a simulated case. The ability to identify the legal issues presented by the case and to draw a logical and coherent response to those issues from the knowledge acquired during the seminars will be assessed. Further information will be provided at the beginning of the course.

The final oral exam includes a general assessment of previously acquired knowledge and a review of the special section. In particular, the ability to correctly present and connect the knowledge acquired, including through individual in-depth study, will be assessed.

Achieving a final grade requires a passing grade in each midterm exam and the oral exam (18/30). The final grade is determined by the average of the midterm and oral exam scores.

Those who have taken and passed at least one midterm exam may proceed directly to the oral exam. During the oral exam, students may retake the syllabus for any midterm exams they missed or failed.

Those who have not taken or passed any midterm exams cannot proceed directly to the oral exam, but must take a written admission test covering the general section of the program. The test consists of 15 multiple-choice questions, is held on the same day as the oral exam, and is passed by answering at least 11 questions correctly in 15 minutes. Upon passing the test, the oral exam covers the entire program (general and special sections).

There are three exam sessions before the summer break, one exam session after the summer break, and two exam sessions in winter.

Please note that you can refuse your final grade only once. Furthermore, pursuant to Article 25.2 of the University Code of Ethics, "during assessment tests and final exams for degree programs, students must refrain from behavior that disturbs, hinders, or is harmful and/or dishonest to other students and the Institution. Plagiarism, copying other students' texts, or any other behavior that may impede a proper evaluation of the exam are contrary to the principles of this Code.

Teaching tools

In addition to Prof. Marco Balboni, students can contact the course tutors for any questions (explanations regarding course content, clarifications regarding the organization and exams, and any other information):

Dr. Nunzia Alfano

Dr. Angela Spanu

Office hours and locations are available on the tutors' webpage.

Other tools are Virtuale, EOL, and, if necessary, MS Teams or Zoom. Additional teaching support tools will be indicated in class.

Students with learning disabilities (LD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: please contact the relevant University office promptly (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). They will be responsible for suggesting any accommodations to the affected students. These accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval 15 days in advance, who will evaluate their suitability, also taking into account the course's learning objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Balboni