Universität Wien

030486 KU International Humanitarian Law (2026W)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 3 - Rechtswissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
Tu 13.10. 12:00-13:30 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1

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).
Register/Deregister for this course

Details

max. 56 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 20.10. 12:00 - 13:30 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 27.10. 12:00 - 13:30 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 03.11. 12:00 - 13:30 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 10.11. 12:00 - 13:30 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 17.11. 12:00 - 13:30 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 24.11. 12:00 - 13:30 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Friday 04.12. 12:00 - 13:30 Hörsaal U15 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 15.12. 12:00 - 13:30 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 12.01. 12:00 - 13:30 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 19.01. 12:00 - 13:30 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1
  • Tuesday 26.01. 12:00 - 13:30 Hörsaal U12 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, KG1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to the international law governing the conduct of hostilities (ius in bello, also known as the law of armed conflict or international humanitarian law (IHL)). It will enable students to gain a good knowledge of the principles and rules applicable in the event of armed conflict and to learn how to identify and analyze the applicable law. The teaching will focus on independent reflection and the application of academic theories to practical scenarios.
Topics include the principles of IHL (distinction, proportionality, military necessity, humanity); classification of conflicts (minimum prerequisites of an armed conflict, the distinction between international and non-international armed conflict); means and methods of warfare (‘Hague law’), protected groups hors de combat (‘Geneva law’); the law of occupation; implementation and enforcement of IHL; and the interrelationship of IHL with human rights law and international criminal law.
The course will be taught interactively, using a combination of lectures, case studies, and class discussions. It will examine the application of IHL in recent armed conflicts, including in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, and Israel/Palestine.

Assessment and permitted materials

-) The performance assessment consists of active class participation, a presentation, and a final exam.
-) Preparation of a case study in groups of 2-3 students, including slides or a handout; presentation in class (10-20 minutes). Detailed guidelines and criteria will be discussed at the first teaching unit.
-) Final open-book exam at the end of the term. The use of AI tools is not permitted.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

) Attendance at the first teaching unit is required (admission to the course, allocation of remaining places if necessary, division into groups, allocation of presentation topics).
-) This course requires regular attendance and active participation. Two unexcused absences are permitted. Repeated absences without good reason will result in a negative assessment.
-) To receive a positive grade, students must prepare and participate actively in class, give a presentation, and write a final exam.
-) Attendance, preparation and active class participation account for 20%, the presentation accounts for 30%, and the final exam accounts for 50% of the course grade.
-) The presentation and the final exam are graded separately on a scale of 1 to 5; both partial achievements must be positive. Active participation is taken into account when students fall between two grades.

Examination topics

Topics addressed in class, as reflected in the collection of slides for all teaching units and the collection of materials (legal texts, required readings) in the Moodle course.

Reading list

-) Emily Crawford/Alison Pert, International Humanitarian Law (Cambridge University Press, 3rd edition, 2024)
-) Robert Kolb, Advanced Introduction to International Humanitarian Law (Edward Elgar, 2nd edition, 2025)
-) Additional texts and materials will be provided in the Moodle course

Association in the course directory

Last modified: We 30.09.2026 09:45