2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PIED5548M The Responsibility to Protect

30 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Professor Cristina Stefan
Email: c.stefan@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module explores in depth the contemporary debates related to the 'Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P) international norm, and examines what steps are being taken to meet that responsibility in situations where vulnerable populations are threatened with atrocity crimes. The module has two parts: part one explores debates surrounding the formulation, adoption and evolution of R2P as a norm across international society, focusing on how it has (or has not) influenced decision-making at the United Nations, and how the 2011 military intervention in Libya influenced perceptions of international responsibility. It considers what tools are available to prevent atrocity (as opposed to reacting to it), including the role international criminal justice, and specifically the International Criminal Court, plays. In this context, the module considers which states (if any) have a ‘special’ responsibility to protect. The second part applies the knowledge gathered in part one to consider four situations where vulnerable populations face the ongoing threat of atrocity crimes. Students will have the opportunity to research and report on topical issues, answering the question what has been / is being / should be done to protect vulnerable populations.

Objectives

This module aims to build a critical knowledge of the contemporary debates related to the 'Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P) doctrine of protection. The module aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the key legal, political, ethical issues surrounding R2P, starting with the context within which the idea of R2P took shape, and addresses the existing bodies of theory concerned with the nature of protection and the foundations of the political and international order, including theoretical debates and controversies that are relevant to R2P and international protection in mass atrocity situations. The module aims to critically assess the strength, effectiveness and legitimacy of the R2P norm by examining its influence on past crises, as well as investigating how states and civil societies should fulfil their responsibilities with respect to ongoing crises. On completion of this module, student will have an advanced understanding of debates, policies and challenges in this area, and practised in the delivery of policy-relevant analysis.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Explain and discuss key concepts and debates on international protection in cases of mass atrocity, and on The Responsibility to Protect.
2. Apply theoretical concepts on R2P to the analysis of contemporary cases of mass atrocities, and develop an ability to compare and contrast different case studies of mass atrocity crimes.
3. Understand of some of the key policy debates within international and regional organisations (the UN, EU, AU) relevant to the implementation of the R2P and its political nature.
4. Identify the distinct elements of the Three Pillars of the R2P, and how they relate to key concepts such as sovereignty, legitimacy, the use of force, and international law.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students be able to:
1. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate advanced concepts and link them to the delivery of policy-relevant analysis.
2. Identify and analyse relevant information to present reasoned and effective arguments in written and/or oral form.
3. Demonstrate the ability to exercise critical judgement, and to apply that to a number of real-world scenarios.
4. Work in a group and navigate the challenges of such methods of working.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			278.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will receive feedback on an essay plan in week 7 of the module. Feedback will be given on the unassessed presentations during seminars. Group presentations are formative and to encourage team learning.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 X 3000 Essay (End of Term)	70.00
Presentation	1 x 1500 Report and Group Presentation (Mid Term)	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Verbal Presentation as part of the group presentation assessment. Group presentation takes place in specific weeks in the term.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 12/04/2024

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