Obiettivi formativi
The course aims to provide students with a practical approach to the study and understanding of the grand challenges in international law, with particular focus on the international protection of human rights, international investment law, and international environmental law. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of leading case law in these three fields, drawing from both domestic jurisprudence and decisions of international courts and tribunals.
Prerequisiti
None.
Risultati di apprendimento attesi
- Knowledge and understanding: by attending lectures and proactively engaging in teaching activities, students will learn to navigate contemporary international law, with knowledge of legal categories and the fundamental problems of the subject.
- Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: students will learn to identify the practical implications underlying legal issues addressed during the course. They will also have to develop legal arguments in line with the practice of international law.
- Autonomy of judgment: thanks to the concepts and knowledge acquired, students will develop autonomy of assessment and judgment on the topics of the course and will be able to deal with the challenges arising within the context of adjudication. The development of critical thinking will be encouraged, also through the production of papers to be discussed in class.
- Communication skills: Students will learn the technical legal terminology and how to formulate sound legal arguments. For this purpose, students will be involved in activities where they will be asked to act as counsel and to defend certain legal arguments.
- Learning skills: Students will learn how to autonomously apply acquired skills to problems beyond those discussed in class, through the appropriate use of research methodologies.
Contenuti Del Corso
The course will follow the structure outlined below. Each week, students will be introduced to a major global legal challenge, through a combination of theoretical framing and practical applications. After the lecturer’s introduction, students will engage in simulations and further analysis of the issues discussed, often in collaboration with legal practitioners and experts.
Testi Di Riferimento
Given the practice-oriented nature of the course, there is no required textbook. Students will study the materials made available on the LUISS Learn platform (including PowerPoint presentations, academic journal articles, and other legal documents).
Metodologie Didattiche
Teaching methods will include lectures, case study discussions, simulation exercises, and – to some extent – seminars with Italian and international experts.
Modalità di verifica dell'apprendimento
The final exam consists of a written examination.
Criteri per l’assegnazione dell’elaborato finale
Active interest in the topics covered and consistent participation in class activities are strongly encouraged and valued.
Settimana 1
Introduction to the Course and Global Legal Challenges
The first week offers a general introduction to the structure and objectives of the course. Students will be introduced to the concept of "grand challenges" in international law, with a focus on the structure of lectures and student presentations. An initial overview of core areas – human rights, investment law, and environmental protection – will be provided to highlight their relevance to global governance.
Settimana 2
The European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights
This session will examine the European human rights protection system, with specific focus on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the institutional framework, functions, and jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
Settimana 3
Filing an Application before the ECtHR
A practical workshop on how to draft and submit an application to the ECtHR, based on the official application form. Students will work through real-world examples and case scenarios.
Settimana 4
Practical Perspective: Mock ECtHR Case
Students will participate in a simulation exercise based on a hypothetical application to the ECtHR, enabling them to explore litigation strategy, legal argumentation, and procedural aspects.
Settimana 5
Introduction to International Investment Law
This module introduces the foundations of international investment law, with a focus on the legal definitions of "investment" and "investor" in international treaties.
Settimana 6
Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs): Legal and Practical Issues
A detailed examination of BITs as key instruments in the regulation of international investment, highlighting legal structures, obligations, and common contentious provisions.
Settimana 7
Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS)
This week focuses on the international mechanisms for resolving disputes between investors and host States, with particular emphasis on the legal framework of ISDS and arbitration procedures.
Settimana 8
Practical Perspective: ICSID Arbitration Simulation
Students will take part in a mock arbitration under the ICSID framework, developing written submissions and participating in simulated hearings to test their knowledge of the ISDS system.
Settimana 9
Introduction to International Environmental Law
An introductory overview of the key principles and normative foundations of international environmental law, including the precautionary principle, sustainable development, and common but differentiated responsibilities.
Settimana 10
Protection of the Marine Environment under International Law
Focused analysis of international legal instruments and principles applicable to the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems, including UNCLOS and other sectoral regimes.
Settimana 11
Climate Change and International Legal Responses
This session explores the legal architecture of climate change governance, with particular emphasis on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
Settimana 12
Practical Perspective: International Climate Litigation Simulation
Students will engage in a simulation exercise based on a hypothetical climate litigation case before an international tribunal. The exercise will stimulate critical reflection on the role of international law in addressing global environmental challenges.