International Laws of War, with an emphasis on the historical origins of modern humanitarian law, civilian victimization during war, unresolved or recurrent conflict cases, and post-conflict justice processes.
Athena Title
International Humanitarian Law
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in INTL 4215E, INTL 4215H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to understand the roots of modern laws of war concerning both when and how states engage in uses of force.
By the end of this course, students will be able to articulate and critically evaluate ongoing debates and legal cases on recent international conflicts.
By the end of this course, students will be able to develop an analytical and mindful approach to the study of civilian victimization during war.
By the end of this course, students will be able to grasp the methods and scope of post-conflict justice procedures and outcomes.
Topical Outline
Historical origins: from Sun Tzu to Clausewitz
Defining jus ad bellum and jus in bello
Just War Theory and the World Wars
Geneva Conventions and Protocols
Prisoners of War and Guantanamo Bay
Civilian victimization during war
The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict
Legal accountability for non-state actors
The ICJ and the ICC
Post-conflict justice in Rwanda and Yugoslavia
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
