Time Schedule:
Frederick M. Lorenz
JSIS A 465
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 concerns the rules developed by civilized nations to protect the victims of armed conflict and generally limit the destructiveness of war. The course will begin with an introduction to the basic principles of international law and the historical development of the law, including the Nuremberg Tribunal and Geneva Conventions. We will use the text The Law of Armed Conflict, International Humanitarian Law in War, by Gary D. Solis (Cambridge University Press, 2010). The international criminal tribunals will be reviewed, as well as the current status of the Yugoslav Tribunal and The International Criminal Court. There will be a discussion of the "war against terrorism," and the legal basis for action pursued by the US. Case studies will include prisoner abuse allegations, targeted killing, and the classification of detainees as "unlawful combatants." Efforts to control cluster bombs 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. Case studies include the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as developments in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lecture, classroom discussion, and role playing exercises.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Two five-page papers (each 20% of grade), one ten-page paper (40%), and class participation (20%); no final exam.
