Last modified: 31 Jul 2023 11:19
This course addresses the international legal rules and principles applicable to activities in outer space, including the UN-based space treaties and international customary (space) law, and also the many specialised regimes such as those applicable to the protection of the outer space environment, the regulation of military activities and the peaceful settlement of international space law disputes.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
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| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course addresses the international legal rules and principles applicable to activities in outer space, including the UN-based space treaties and international customary (space) law, and also the many specialised regimes such as those applicable to the protection of the outer space environment, the regulation of military activities and the peaceful settlement of international space law disputes.
The aims of this course are fivefold.
First, this course aims to introduce students to the legal framework under international law that pertains to the rights and obligations of States in relation to the various uses of outer space, and the mechanisms in place that allow States to settle their disputes peacefully.
Second, students will become familiar with the history and underlying legal principles of law addressing outer space and how space law has been influenced by the principles of sovereignty, common heritage of mankind and the freedom of the high seas. This will enable a better understanding of the tensions between these principles when applied to specific areas of space law, such as the utilization of outer space resources and the protection of the outer space environment against space debris pollution.
Third, students may further advance their legal skills by applying their knowledge of general public international law principles to the specialist international law governing the activities of States in the exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies.
Fourth, students will develop their legal skills in relation to reading and analysing existing legal provisions as applicable to the regulation of space-based military activities and the approaches developed in the practice of the United Nations and individual States.
Fifth, students will be exposed to cutting-edge developments in international law, such as recent decisions and resolutions by international organisations and agencies relating to space law, and the ongoing work of competent international bodies such as the European Space Agency (ESA).
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 39 | Feedback Weeks | 41 | |
| Feedback |
Feedback will be provided via the gradebook on MyAberdeen. |
Word Count | 3000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 31 | Feedback Weeks | 34 | |
| Feedback |
Feedback will be provided via the gradebook on MyAberdeen. |
Word Count | 3000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Conceptual | Understand | Develop practical understanding of concepts and rules of international space law by analysing examples using general principles, rules and procedures of international law and crafting legal arguments. |
| Reflection | Analyse | Be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the area of international space law. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Recognize and analyse the different conflicts that arise from the governance of outer space and the activities which take place on it from a jurisdictional and sectoral perspective. |
| Procedural | Apply | Develop reasoning, research and communication skills to generate critical and creative ideas relating to the use of law in the peaceful and sustainable utilization of outer space resources. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Obtain grounding in international legal and regulatory framework governing space, the sources of space law, international treaties, and custom, and how these elements are tested in different contexts. |
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