Unit

Course
European legal integration and human rights
Study-unit Code
A000975
Curriculum
In all curricula
Teacher
Simone Vezzani
Teachers
  • Simone Vezzani
  • (Codocenza)
Hours
  • 18 ore - Simone Vezzani
  • 18 ore (Codocenza) -
CFU
6
Course Regulation
Coorte 2026
Offered
2026/27
Learning activities
Caratterizzante
Area
Giuridico
Sector
GIUR-09/A
Type of study-unit
Opzionale (Optional)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction
English
Contents
The Advanced International Law course aims to provide students with a critical understanding of international law and current practice, with a particular focus on issues related to the protection of human rights, both in peacetime and in situations of armed conflicts. The course is divided into two parts. The first one, starting with an introduction to international law and the process of its formation and transformation, critically addresses selected topics in substantive international law, with particular reference to recent practice. The second part addresses issues related to international humanitarian law and international criminal law. The lectures will tackle selected legal problems and case studies, with time for discussion, exercises, class presentations, andlectures by external speakers.
Reference texts
Cassese's International Law, (edited by Paola Gaeta, Jorge E. Viñuales, and Salvatore Zappalá), Oxford University Press, last edition, Chapters 1-14, 16-17, 19.
Educational objectives
The Advanced International Law course aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the main rules of the current international legal system in light of recent practice, with particular reference to the protection of human rights and international humanitarian law. The course aims to develop specific skills in interpreting the rules of international law applicable to situations of serious violations of international humanitarian law. It also aims to provide a basic understanding of international criminal law. Additionally, the course aims to enhance communication skills in English and develop the ability to present the covered topics using appropriate terminology.
Prerequisites
A good knowledge of English is required. Basic knowledge of international law is helpful but not essential; if necessary, it can be supplemented with explanations and readings recommended by the professor at the beginning of the course.
Teaching methods
The course is structured through a series of lectures and seminars in English, supported by PowerPoint presentations and the reading and discussion of case studies. Seminars on specific topics and in-class exercises are also included, with time for discussion and class presentations. Some lectures will be given by external speakers. Students with disabilities and/or learning disabilities should follow the University guidelines found at the following link: https://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa/studenti-con-dsa#strumenti.
Other information
Attending students will have the opportunity to give an oral presentation in class, which will be considered for the final evaluation.
Learning verification modality
The final exam consists of an ORAL exam. It consists of a discussion (about 15-20 minutes) on some of the topics outlined in the course syllabus and, for students attending classes, on the topics covered in class. The exam, which involves answering questions posed by the professor, serves to assess the student's level of knowledge, comprehension, and synthesis, as well as their ability to communicate their knowledge in English with appropriate legal language. Interdisciplinary connections are appreciated. The length of the exam and the number of questions vary depending on the progress of the exam; on average, there are three questions related to course topics.
Extended program
PART I: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL LAW: Sources (custom, treaties, soft law). States and international organizations as subjects of international law. The international legal personality of individuals, other actors in the international community. The creation and transformation of the rules of international law, violations of international law and their consequences, international state responsibility, dispute resolution mechanisms, the United Nations system and the prohibition of the use of force. The role of the Security Council. PART II: PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW. Normative framework for the international protection of human rights in the United Nations system - The right to food and water; The ECHR (outline) - International human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law; Principles of international humanitarian law: "Geneva law" and "The Hague law" - Repression of serious violations of humanitarian law: from the Nuremberg trials to the establishment of the International Criminal Court. - Immunity from jurisdiction and international criminal justice. - Other topics will be decided based on current practice and the specific interests demonstrated by students during the course. (All readings and related materials can be downloaded from the Unistudium platform.)
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
1,2,6,16,17