General Information
International Environmental Law is an elective subject in postgraduate programs offered by the Faculty of Law in which undergraduate students may be permitted to enrol. This subject considers the history and current role of International Environmental Law and the evolving development of customary international law principles in relation to the environment. It examines the major Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) developed over the last 40 years. The focus of this subject is on the international legal dimension. We will explore topical issues such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, human rights and environmental displacement, and the exploitation of Antarctic and Arctic regions. Topics covered include: development of International Environmental Law, customary international principles; climate change; ozone depletion; hazardous wastes and persistent organic pollutants; whaling and trade in endangered species; biological diversity; the Antarctic Treaty System; trade, human rights, security and the environment; space debris; and nuclear energy.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Law Subject code: LAWS17-557 Subject title: International Environmental Law Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: September 2022 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Intensive Workload items: - Seminar: x4 (Total hours: 24) - Seminar
- Personal Study Hours: x8 (Total hours: 96) - Recommended Study Hours
Attendance and learning activities: Attendance is compulsory for all sessions. Most sessions build on the work on the previous one and involve class presentations. It is difficult to recover if you miss a session. Attendance in class will be monitored, and could impact the final mark in this subject. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Philippe Sands,Jacqueline Peel (2018). Principles of International Environmental Law. 4th, Cambridge University Press 1032
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the online learning environment at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, lecture recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Law |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | LAWS17-557 |
| Subject title: | International Environmental Law |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | September 2022 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Intensive |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Attendance is compulsory for all sessions. Most sessions build on the work on the previous one and involve class presentations. It is difficult to recover if you miss a session. Attendance in class will be monitored, and could impact the final mark in this subject. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the online learning environment at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, lecture recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
|
| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of: a) International environment law, and how that law applies to factual scenarios; b) Tensions in the international arena between national sovereignty, trading relations, economic development and human rights, and international environment law; and c) legal research principles and methods for international treaties.
- Demonstrate the reasoning, research and communication skills to: a) Represent a State or NGO or other party in an international environment conflict; and b) Present a topic and lead discussion on current issues in international environmental law.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the above knowledge and skills: a) with creativity and initiative to new situations; b) with high-level personal autonomy and accountability; and c) to plan and execute substantial research based projects.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Essay Written paper supporting in-class presentation of an environmental disaster 2500 words max 20% Week 6 1,2,3 Presentation In-class presentation of an environmental disaster (from curriculum modules 2 - 9) 15% Week 6 1,2,3 Research Paper 7000 word research paper Choice of topic (approved by coordinator) Due date: Friday Week 11 Submission via SafeAssign 65% Week 11 1,2,3 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Written paper supporting in-class presentation of an environmental disaster 2500 words max | 20% | Week 6 | 1,2,3 |
| Presentation | In-class presentation of an environmental disaster (from curriculum modules 2 - 9) | 15% | Week 6 | 1,2,3 |
| Research Paper | 7000 word research paper Choice of topic (approved by coordinator) Due date: Friday Week 11 Submission via SafeAssign | 65% | Week 11 | 1,2,3 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the subject coordinator. The standard penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
University’s Academic Integrity Policy defines plagiarism as the act of misrepresenting as one’s own original work: another’s ideas, interpretations, words, or creative works; and/or one’s own previous ideas, interpretations, words, or creative work without acknowledging that it was used previously (i.e., self-plagiarism). The University considers the act of plagiarising to be a breach of the Student Conduct Code and, therefore, subject to the Discipline Regulations which provide for a range of penalties including the reduction of marks or grades, fines and suspension from the University.
Bond University utilises Originality Reporting software to inform academic integrity.Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, as per the Assessment Policy.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
If you have a disability, illness, injury or health condition that impacts your capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks, it is important you let us know your special requirements, early in the semester. Students will need to make an application for support and submit it with recent, comprehensive documentation at an appointment with a Disability Officer. Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Office at the earliest possible time, to meet staff and learn about the services available to meet your specific needs. Please note that late notification or failure to disclose your disability can be to your disadvantage as the University cannot guarantee support under such circumstances.
Additional subject information
Students may be asked to respond to questions from the subject coordinator regarding the content of their assessments. Students are expected to keep evidence of drafting and research. | IMPORTANT: Successful completion of this law elective cannot be credited towards future postgraduate studies.
Subject curriculum
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Module 01
Introduction
International law
Development of international environmental law Sources of and customary international law pertaining to the environment UN, treaties and international organisations.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate knowledge of: a) International environment law, and how that law applies to factual scenarios; b) Tensions in the international arena between national sovereignty, trading relations, economic development and human rights, and international environment law; and c) legal research principles and methods for international treaties.
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Module 02
A catalogue of disasters
In-class presentation of an environmental disaster.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate knowledge of: a) International environment law, and how that law applies to factual scenarios; b) Tensions in the international arena between national sovereignty, trading relations, economic development and human rights, and international environment law; and c) legal research principles and methods for international treaties.
- Demonstrate the reasoning, research and communication skills to: a) Represent a State or NGO or other party in an international environment conflict; and b) Present a topic and lead discussion on current issues in international environmental law.
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Module 03 SDGs, regime interaction and coverage
Sustainable Development Goals Regime interaction Regime coverage.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate knowledge of: a) International environment law, and how that law applies to factual scenarios; b) Tensions in the international arena between national sovereignty, trading relations, economic development and human rights, and international environment law; and c) legal research principles and methods for international treaties.
- Demonstrate the reasoning, research and communication skills to: a) Represent a State or NGO or other party in an international environment conflict; and b) Present a topic and lead discussion on current issues in international environmental law.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the above knowledge and skills: a) with creativity and initiative to new situations; b) with high-level personal autonomy and accountability; and c) to plan and execute substantial research based projects.
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Module 04
Pollution issues - pt 1
Protection of the marine environment Shipping pollution Trans-boundary pollution.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate knowledge of: a) International environment law, and how that law applies to factual scenarios; b) Tensions in the international arena between national sovereignty, trading relations, economic development and human rights, and international environment law; and c) legal research principles and methods for international treaties.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the above knowledge and skills: a) with creativity and initiative to new situations; b) with high-level personal autonomy and accountability; and c) to plan and execute substantial research based projects.
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Module 05
Pollution issues - pt 2
Climate change Hazardous wastes Persistent organic pollutants Ozone Mercury.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate knowledge of: a) International environment law, and how that law applies to factual scenarios; b) Tensions in the international arena between national sovereignty, trading relations, economic development and human rights, and international environment law; and c) legal research principles and methods for international treaties.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the above knowledge and skills: a) with creativity and initiative to new situations; b) with high-level personal autonomy and accountability; and c) to plan and execute substantial research based projects.
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Module 06
Polar issues
Antarctic Arctic.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate knowledge of: a) International environment law, and how that law applies to factual scenarios; b) Tensions in the international arena between national sovereignty, trading relations, economic development and human rights, and international environment law; and c) legal research principles and methods for international treaties.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the above knowledge and skills: a) with creativity and initiative to new situations; b) with high-level personal autonomy and accountability; and c) to plan and execute substantial research based projects.
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Module 07
Biological diversity
Trade in endangered species Whaling.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate knowledge of: a) International environment law, and how that law applies to factual scenarios; b) Tensions in the international arena between national sovereignty, trading relations, economic development and human rights, and international environment law; and c) legal research principles and methods for international treaties.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the above knowledge and skills: a) with creativity and initiative to new situations; b) with high-level personal autonomy and accountability; and c) to plan and execute substantial research based projects.
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Module 08
Human rights
Trade and the environment Environmental displacement Environmental security Nuclear energy.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate knowledge of: a) International environment law, and how that law applies to factual scenarios; b) Tensions in the international arena between national sovereignty, trading relations, economic development and human rights, and international environment law; and c) legal research principles and methods for international treaties.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the above knowledge and skills: a) with creativity and initiative to new situations; b) with high-level personal autonomy and accountability; and c) to plan and execute substantial research based projects.
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Module 09
Failures of international law
Current and emerging problems Space debris Plastic waste Tipping points.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate knowledge of: a) International environment law, and how that law applies to factual scenarios; b) Tensions in the international arena between national sovereignty, trading relations, economic development and human rights, and international environment law; and c) legal research principles and methods for international treaties.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the above knowledge and skills: a) with creativity and initiative to new situations; b) with high-level personal autonomy and accountability; and c) to plan and execute substantial research based projects.