Introduction to Public International Law

Introduction to Public International Law’ is a general survey course, which provides an introduction to the basic principles and areas of application of public international law. The course consists of weekly lectures and interactive seminars and is designed to provide students without extensive prior knowledge of the subject with a good basic knowledge of the most important rules and principles of international law. It also aims to provide insight into the place of international law within the international (legal) system. The course further provides foundational knowledge for students intending to follow further specialised courses in international law or international relations, either in Utrecht or elsewhere.

In terms of scope, the course covers the most important topics in international law (sources, subjects, jurisdiction and immunities, peaceful dispute settlement, collective security and the use of force). It seeks both to explain basic rules and general principles, and to critically analyse their application to contemporary problems in international relations. During the interactive seminars, students are expected to discuss the weekly assigned questions. These questions are meant to allow students practice the application of what has been learned during the lectures.

Students intending to follow this course do not need prior knowledge of international law, but a good active and passive command of English is essential to successfully complete the course in light of the fact that the reading materials, lectures, seminars and exams are entirely in English.

Place of the course in the curriculum:

Optional Course only open for exchange students

Additional requirements:

Any additional requirements of the course are listed in the "Leidraad" of the course.

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After this course:

Students can understand and explain the most important rules and principles of Public International Law.

Students can identify key challenges in Public International Law.

Students can apply theoretical knowledge to relatively straightforward legal problems.

Students can undertake independent research, identify relevant primary and secondary sources of Public International Law, and are familiar with the methodology required to comment upon international legal issues.

Students can read, analyze and distil core points from international jurisprudence, as well as situate their arguments in relation to arguments/positions advanced in relevant literature.

Students can give brief presentations on issues related to the subject-matter of the course.

Students can construct and communicate legal arguments concisely and clearly (using the IRAC method) in both spoken and written English.

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Sufficient knowledge of the level 1 courses of the bachelor program.

• Book International Law (5e editie - 2026), OUP – Anders Henriksen
• Book Blackstone’s International Law Documents (ed. Malcom Evans: latest edition)
• Reader Reader with additional cases and texts (also indicated in the Course Manual)