Core Courses
International law is a discursive practice used in international relations to deal with legal claims. It is best conceived as a language used by a group of people interacting in a social practice. Emphasis is placed on both the underlying structures of the language spoken by these individuals and the social process of interaction whereby the discourse – which aims at gaining social acceptance – is created. The goal of this course is to acquaint students with the terms of this discursive practice; to have them apprehend the fundamental structure of the language of international law, and to introduce them to the main processes by which the discourse is articulated by the social actors concerned by its practice. Ultimately, the goal is to train students to speak competently the language of international law and to teach them how to argue and interact in the different professional settings where the language of international law is spoken.
Convenor: Fuad Zarbiyev
IHL comprises the rules of international law limiting violence in armed conflicts by protecting those who do not or who no longer directly participate in hostilities, i.e. wounded, sick, shipwrecked, prisoners of war, civilians (Geneva law); and by restricting means and methods of warfare (Hague law). The objective of this course is to provide students with the legal knowledge and the analytical and argumentative skills necessary to understand and interpret the rules of IHL and to critically apply them to facts of international reality. All students are expected to take active part in class discussions.
The course will begin with five introductory sessions on the fundamental principles, rules and categories of IHL, such as the distinction between jus ad bellum and jus in bello, scope of application of IHL, conflict classification, and the fundamental distinction between civilians and combatants. A variety of real-life case studies related to contemporary armed conflicts (such as Russia/Ukraine, Eritrea/Ethiopia, Yemen, and Israel/Palestine) will be analysed. The learning method will thus be mainly inductive: students will acquire knowledge of IHL by discovering its rules applicable to practical cases taken from contemporary practice. Key topics discussed through these cases include the conduct of hostilities, detention, occupation, organized armed groups, specially protected persons and objects, enforcement of IHL, as well as the interplay between IHL and human rights law.
Convenor: Gloria Gaggioli
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to international human rights law, combining theoretical foundations with institutional frameworks and analysis of key substantive rights. Designed for students seeking a solid grounding in the field, the course explores both the historical development and contemporary application of human rights norms at global and regional levels.
The first part of the course lays the groundwork by examining the historical evolution and philosophical underpinnings of international human rights law. It introduces core concepts such as the nature of rights and correlative state obligations (to respect, protect, and fulfill), as well as the scope and limitations of human rights obligations, including issues of extraterritoriality and derogations in times of emergency or armed conflict.
The second part focuses on human rights protection systems, with a detailed analysis of both the United Nations framework—including treaty-based bodies, the Human Rights Council, Universal Periodic Review, special procedures, and investigative mechanisms—and regional systems in Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
The third part offers an in-depth study of key civil, political, economic, and social rights, including the right to life, prohibition of torture, liberty and security, equality and non-discrimination, freedom of expression, fair trial, adequate standard of living, and the right to health.
The final section addresses the evolving relationship between human rights and global challenges, including environmental degradation and climate change, displacement and migration, and the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and surveillance systems on human rights protection.
These themes are explored across 14 structured lessons, each dedicated to a specific topic to ensure both depth and clarity. By the end of the course, participants will have gained a thorough understanding of international human rights law, its implementation mechanisms, and its relevance in addressing the pressing issues of our time.
Convenor: Ginevra Le Moli
This course aims to give students a critical understanding of selected issues of international criminal law. After dealing briefly with the birth and evolution of international criminal law, the course focuses on the mechanisms for the repression of international crimes dealing in particular on the role of international criminal courts and tribunals and universal criminal jurisdiction. It also discusses immunities as key obstacles to criminal repression of these crimes. Legal ingredients of core international crimes and different modes of responsibility, including the responsibility of the leaders, will also be addressed in the framework of this course.
Convenor: Paola Gaeta
Who is a refugee? What is the legal framework protecting those fleeing armed conflicts, persecution and human rights abuses? What are the international obligations of states? This course analyses the main international and regional legal norms governing refugee protection. It examines the sources of international refugee law, including the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, and its interaction with human rights law and international humanitarian law. It also analyses the central notions of international protection such as the principle of non-refoulement, interception at sea, the refugee definition as well as asylum procedures. Particular attention is dedicated to the case law of State Parties to the 1951 Geneva Convention.
Convenor: Vincent Chetail
Taking place in Spring 2027 – course description to arrive shortly.
Convenor: Andrew Clapham