Time Schedule:
Frederick M. Lorenz
SISME 420
Seattle Campus
Investigates International Humanitarian Law (sometimes called the Law of Armed Conflict), the field concerned with rules developed by civilized nations to protect the victims of armed conflict, including the Geneva Conventions. Case studies include the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as developments in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Class description
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW The course will begin with an introduction to the basic principles of international law and the historical development of rules developed by civilized nations protect the victims of armed conflict, including the Geneva Conventions. The international criminal tribunals will be reviewed, as well as the current status of the Yugoslav Tribunal (ICTY), and the new court in Cambodia. The International Criminal Court (ICC) will be the subject of a discussion: Should the US support the ICC, or does it pose a threat to US sovereignty? There will be a discussion of the war against terrorism, and the legal basis for action pursued by the US. Case studies will include the recent prisoner abuse allegations, and the classification of detainees as "unlawful combatants.". Efforts to control mine warfare and the proliferation of small arms will be discussed as well. A major part of the discussion will include current issues in the Middle East.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
The course will include a combination of lecture and classroom discussion, and role playing “exercises” in the last weeks of the course. During the exercises students will present arguments on controversial topics from different points of view.
Recommended preparation
There are no prerequisites for this course, although an interest in the law and a currency with international news will be very helpful.
Class assignments and grading
This is a writing course with three papers assigned, two five page and one ten page, for a total of 20 pages, and no final exam.
Each short paper will be 20% of the grade, and the final paper will be 40%. Class participation will be 20% of the final grade, this will include the oral presentation in the exercises during the last part of the course.
