LAWS 4007 International Environmental Law

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200801

Coordinator Beatriz Garcia De Oliveira Opens in new window

Description This course provides a general introduction to international environmental law and policy. We will begin by exploring the economic, political, and legal concepts relevant to international environmental treaty regimes. We will then apply these concepts to concrete regimes designed to deal with specific international environmental problems, such as ozone depletion, transboundary air pollution, freshwater resources, marine pollution, world heritage, human rights, biodiversity and habitat loss. The course focuses principally on the dynamic of treaties, negotiations, and state and non-state actors in the international arena. Comparative approaches to national implementation, on selected issues, will also be covered.

School Law

Discipline International Law

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 4 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 2008

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a grasp of the fundamental concepts and principles of International Environmental Law.
  2. Critically evaluate the principal institutions and operation of the international legal system and demonstrate an understanding of the key actors, sources of law and dispute resolution processes.
  3. Apply concepts and principles of International Environmental Law to contemporary environmental issues and to problem solving.
  4. Undertake independent research and analysis to produce a written essay that demonstrates an understanding of application of International Environmental Law in a defined context that is clear, analytical, appropriately structured and referenced.

Subject Content

1. Development of International Environmental Law
2.Treaty Regimes
3. Oceans and Seas
4. Freshwater Resources
5. Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation
6. Human Rights and Environment
7. World Heritage

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Quizzes 20 minutes 15 N Individual
Oral Presentation 15 minutes (plus 5 minutes question time) 40 N Individual
Research Report 1500 words (72 hours) 45 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Phillipe Sands and Jacqueline Peel, Principles of International Environmental Law (Cambridge University Press, 4th Ed, 2018).

Teaching Periods

Spring

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

Day

Subject Contact Beatriz Garcia De Oliveria Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Structures that include subject