International Law
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course builds on the multidisciplinary approach of the degree programme, teaching students how international law operates across all fields of political and economic relationships and how it relates dialectically with national legislations. This includes analysing the law's predictive capacities as regards the most recent developmental trends.
The course provides students with a strong understanding of the institutions and standards that underpin the international legal system and lays the groundwork for the study of EU law and for developing further knowledge of topics of international law in subsequent courses.
Therefore, active classroom participation is strongly recommended, as it plays an essential role in training students in the research methods they must employ and in learning the specialist terminology required to discuss the subject. Course lecturers promote these learning outcomes through the study of specific cases and analysis of primary sources.
The course provides students with a strong understanding of the institutions and standards that underpin the international legal system and lays the groundwork for the study of EU law and for developing further knowledge of topics of international law in subsequent courses.
Therefore, active classroom participation is strongly recommended, as it plays an essential role in training students in the research methods they must employ and in learning the specialist terminology required to discuss the subject. Course lecturers promote these learning outcomes through the study of specific cases and analysis of primary sources.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, students will understand and be able to clearly explain the key concepts of international law (for instance, sources and actors of international legislation, illegality and liability, dispute resolution and law enforcement mechanisms and relationships between international and national law) and will be able to address the legal issues that arise from these in international relations by identifying and correctly applying the relevant legislation.
Moreover, by analysing the legislative sources and case-law presented during teaching, students will also learn to express themselves using the correct legal terminology and to deploy their critical judgment as regards the varying possible interpretations of contentious matters.
Moreover, by analysing the legislative sources and case-law presented during teaching, students will also learn to express themselves using the correct legal terminology and to deploy their critical judgment as regards the varying possible interpretations of contentious matters.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
A-K
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
L-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
The programme is identical for attending and non-attending students. The difference between these two categories of students has no impact on the topics included in the programme; it is however reflected in the materials to be studied to pass the exam (see below at 'Teaching resources').
Unit I:
1. The international legal system.
2. The subjects of the international legal system:
- States; succession of States; territorial sovereignty and State jurisdiction; land spaces; sea spaces; airspace; cosmic space; polar regions. The immunities of foreign States from jurisdiction and the privileges and immunities of foreign organs.
- Other subjects, especially international organizations and individuals.
3. The sources of international law:
- international custom;
- international treaties. Treaty law;
- ius cogens;
- other sources. The relationship between sources.
Unit II:
1. The application of international law in domestic legal systems.
2. The international responsibility of States and its consequences.
3. Disputes settlement in international law.
Unit III: Focus on the crisis of international law
1. The prohibition of the use of force and the UN collective security system.
2. International human rights law.
3. International humanitarian law.
4. International criminal law.
5. The international protection of the environment.
Unit I:
1. The international legal system.
2. The subjects of the international legal system:
- States; succession of States; territorial sovereignty and State jurisdiction; land spaces; sea spaces; airspace; cosmic space; polar regions. The immunities of foreign States from jurisdiction and the privileges and immunities of foreign organs.
- Other subjects, especially international organizations and individuals.
3. The sources of international law:
- international custom;
- international treaties. Treaty law;
- ius cogens;
- other sources. The relationship between sources.
Unit II:
1. The application of international law in domestic legal systems.
2. The international responsibility of States and its consequences.
3. Disputes settlement in international law.
Unit III: Focus on the crisis of international law
1. The prohibition of the use of force and the UN collective security system.
2. International human rights law.
3. International humanitarian law.
4. International criminal law.
5. The international protection of the environment.
Prerequisites for admission
None. However, please note that a good level of English (B1/B2) may be needed for better understanding the cases commented in class.
Teaching methods
Lectures (ppt presentations made available once each topic is completed).
In-class analysis of practical cases.
Seminars/conferences with external experts.
In-class analysis of practical cases.
Seminars/conferences with external experts.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
- Notes taken in class;
- A. Gioia, Diritto internazionale, settima edizione, Giuffrè, Milano, 2022 (only the parts of the textbook which deal with the topics addressed in class);
- Further materials will be assigned later on and duly uploaded on Ariel by the end of the course (March 2026).
Non-attending students:
- A. Gioia, Diritto internazionale, settima edizione, Giuffrè, Milano, 2022 (the whole textbook);
- Further materials will be assigned later on and duly uploaded on Ariel by the end of the course (March 2026).
- Notes taken in class;
- A. Gioia, Diritto internazionale, settima edizione, Giuffrè, Milano, 2022 (only the parts of the textbook which deal with the topics addressed in class);
- Further materials will be assigned later on and duly uploaded on Ariel by the end of the course (March 2026).
Non-attending students:
- A. Gioia, Diritto internazionale, settima edizione, Giuffrè, Milano, 2022 (the whole textbook);
- Further materials will be assigned later on and duly uploaded on Ariel by the end of the course (March 2026).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam is written. It aims to appraise (a) students' knowledge and critical understanding of the topics included in the programme and (b) their ability to apply said knowledge to practical real-life scenarios. Particular attention will be given to the correct use of legal lexicon.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Please send an email to arrange a meeting.