he module provides the analytical tools to understand how the international legal system works, also addressing some of the most recent developments.

Students will gain variou skills, notably the ability

to thoroughly analyse and interpret legal sources, literature and cases
to research and formulate an independent opinion on international legal questions
to clearly present your findings both orally and in writing to legal specialists as well as non-lawyers
to actively participate in debates over contemporary international law issues
to apply your advanced academic knowledge of public international law in a professional context
to conceptualize, apply, analyse, synthesise, and evaluate information in order to form a judgement and reach an answer or conclusion (critical thinking)

The module will cover the following topics:

Evolution and main features of the international legal order in its historical evolution and in contemporary perspective
Subjects and actors of international law (including individuals)
Sources and making of international law
State sovereignty, jurisdiction and rules of immunity
The individual in international law
The law of responsibility
The peaceful settlement of international disputes
The use of force under international law and the UN collective security mechanism
The protection of human rights
International criminal law
International environmental law
International economic law
Case-study: regional international economic organizations and their relations with the EU (visiting professor: Alfredo Soto)