Universität Wien

030168 KU International Investment Law (2020S)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 3 - Rechtswissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work

Anwesenheit in der ersten Einheit am 10.03.2020 für eine definitive Zuteilung zu diesem Kurs unbedingt erforderlich (auch für StudentInnen auf der Warteliste).
Presence at first seminar on 10 March 2020 is mandatory for participation in this course (also for students on the waiting list).

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 56 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Presence on 10 March 2020 is mandatory (including for students on the waiting list)

  • Tuesday 10.03. 16:00 - 17:30 Hörsaal U14 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 17.03. 16:00 - 17:30 Hörsaal U14 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 24.03. 16:00 - 17:30 Hörsaal U14 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 31.03. 16:00 - 17:30 Hörsaal U14 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 21.04. 16:00 - 17:30 Hörsaal U14 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 28.04. 16:00 - 17:30 Hörsaal U14 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 05.05. 16:00 - 17:30 Hörsaal U14 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 12.05. 16:00 - 17:30 Hörsaal U14 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 19.05. 16:00 - 17:30 Hörsaal U14 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 26.05. 16:00 - 17:30 Hörsaal U14 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Investment treaties are some of the most controversial but least understood instruments of global economic governance. This course examines substantive international investment law and explores its theoretical underpinnings and practical implications.
The course has two parts. Part 1 examines the historical origins and the economic and political rationales of the contemporary investment treaty regime. It focuses on the costs and benefits of investment treaties for investors, states, and other stakeholders, and on why developed and developing countries entered into investment treaties. Part 2 examines substantive standards of investment protection such as non-discrimination and fair and equitable treatment. It also examines the regulatory autonomy and the interaction of international investment law with other areas of international law such as international finance and international environmental law.
Note: Visiting Professor Chiara Giorgetti’s focuses on investor-state arbitration and complements this course. This course does not cover investor-state arbitration.

Assessment and permitted materials

In light of the switch to home learning, grading is modified from the original (class Participation: 40%, 2 Reflection Papers: 60%) as follows:

The two reflection papers count for 100%. Intervening in the Zoom videoconferences is a bonus and can help to improve one's grade.

2 Reflection Papers: 100%

To stimulate discussion, participants will write two response papers concerning two cases over the course of the semester. A response paper can consist of any or all of critique, summary, elaboration, expressions of disagreement or puzzlement, and so on – as long as it is directed to the case for the next class.

Response papers should be 1000 words long and need to be uploaded via Moodle 48 hours prior to the relevant class. They need to include the participant’s name, email address and word count.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Please come to class on time and prepared. I will assume that you have done the assigned reading for each class.

In light of the switch to home learning, participation in the video conferences at the regular class times is encouraged. At the same time, it is understood that it may not be possible for all students to participate in the videoconference every week for a variety of reasons. Until class teaching resumes, there is no obligation to participate and the previous rule that no more than 2 classes may be missed is suspended for the time being.

Readings will be drawn from the course book and extracts from arbitral awards.

Some background in international law is desirable.

Examination topics

There is no final exam.

Reading list

Bonnitcha, Poulsen Lauge and Waibel, The Political Economy of the Investment Treaty Regime (Oxford University Press 2017)

Case Extracts

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Fr 06.05.2022 00:15