ASSESSMENT METHODS

Three assessment methods will be used to assess students’ achievements: 1) attendance, in-class participation and engagement; 2) research assignment/case study; 3) final take-home exam. All reading lists and documents will be available on the university’s virtual campus, while most case studies will be available online or at the docUcentre for a small fee. The lecturer will also provide a few printed handouts.

1)         Attendance and in-class participation/engagement (individual grade):

        . 20% of the final grade.

        . Class attendance is necessary to be successful in this course. Active participation in class is expected to accomplish a number of learning goals.  Students should come prepared for class and participate in class. Participation will include a summary/ commentary in class of selected reading materials chosen by the student.

       . Class should actively participate in discussions and make comments on reading materials & bibliography, respond to questions, be able to work together and do collaborative practical activities in class (for example in Court Moot and/or UN simulations)

       . Due date:  throughout the course. One (1) page written summary should be sent by email to ndordell@uottawa.ca not later than September 29th.

 2)   Research Paper Assignment (Case Brief): - Individual grade. Carry out critical and integrated analysis of a selected case study or legal case  from a country chosen by the student (individual grade):

. Written Paper: Only printed copies will be accepted.

  Maximum 10 pages (12-point, double-spaced).

. Due date: November 3rd, 2015

. 40% of the final grade

        Students will research, summarize, and evaluate issues regarding international law in a chosen country to discuss in class.The following elements of must be examined:

        (a) Statement of the Issue or Issues (what is in dispute)

        (b) The Law – Holding (the applied rule of law)

        (c) Fact Situation – Factual Background (name of the case and its parties, what happened factually and procedurally, and the judgment)

       (d)            Application of the law to the fact situation and statement of the outcome: Outcome of the Case and Rationale (reasons for the holding)   

       (e) Dicta (commentary about the decision that was not the basis for the decision) – Other possible outcomes of the case and why the specific fact situation may lead to these other outcomes.

        (f)            Dissent (if a valuable dissenting opinion exists, the dissent’s opinion) and you may also want to consider including: The Parties’ Arguments (each party’s opposing argument concerning the ultimate issue).

        (g) Comments (personal commentary)   Analysis/Opinions on the fundamental legal nature of the conflict, human rights issue(s) involved and what the law should be (one opinion).  Discuss the role and function of international law in the world today. Identify, summarize, and evaluate the fundamental questions and debates relating to the legal issue(s) and different mechanisms (norms, entities, institutions, etc) that are necessary to further the aims of international law. 

    Note: Students should come prepared for class and participate in class. The Professor expects from students to actively participate in UN simulation discussions and make comments on the selected cases, and respond to questions.

3) Final Take Home Exam (individual grade): Specific questions and instructions for Take Home Exam will be provided on December 1^st, 2015.

By researching, understanding and applying leading principles, concepts and theories of international law, students will appreciate the role and function of international law and undertake a strategic and methodological approach to provide a solution to a particular issue in the field of international law.

       . Maximum: 10 pages (12-point, double-spaced)

       . Only printed copies will be accepted

       . Due date: Tuesday, December 8th, 2015.

       . 40% of the final grade