International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice
- Offered byCoursera
International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice at Coursera Overview
Duration | 19 hours |
Start from | Start Now |
Total fee | Free |
Mode of learning | Online |
Difficulty level | Beginner |
Official Website | Explore Free Course  |
Credential | Certificate |
International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice at Coursera Highlights
- Shareable Certificate Earn a Certificate upon completion
- 100% online Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
- Flexible deadlines Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
- Beginner Level Basic understanding of (international) law is helpful.
- Approx. 19 hours to complete
- English Subtitles: French, Portuguese (European), Russian, English, Spanish
International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice at Coursera Course details
- ?International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice? is the first MOOC of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law, which is the platform within the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University for the research, teaching and dissemination of international humanitarian law (IHL).
- In this course, Prof. Robert Heinsch, Dr. Giulia Pinzauti and Dr. Emma Irving will give you a deep insight into the rules that govern armed conflict, and aim to mitigate human suffering on the battlefield. You will explore the why and how of IHL, followed by the different types of conflict. In no time you will find out which rules apply to the civil war in Syria, the military intervention in Ukraine and the occupation of the West Bank. During this course, you will learn how hostilities should be waged: Which weapons can be used by combatants and other fighters? And, who should never be a target during military operations? We will also look into the concept of protected persons, and you will find out how IHL affords protection to the sick and wounded, medical personal, detainees, children, journalists and other persons who are not - or not anymore - fighting. At the end of this course, you are introduced to the different implementation and enforcement mechanisms that aim to increase respect for IHL. Here, you are invited to think critically whether IHL works!
- Throughout this course you will benefit from a mix of theory and practice, which is at the heart of the vision and mandate of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum. You can participate for instance in an ongoing case study where drones are flying over the fictitious country Arfula, and detainees are locked up in tiny cells. Or, you can join our discussions about IHL success stories and the major IHL challenges we face today, with distinguished speakers from the International Committee of the Red Cross and US Naval War College! This course is free to join and to participate in. There is the possibility to get a verified certificate for the course, which is a paid option. If you want a certificate, but are unable to pay for it, you can request financial aid via Coursera.
International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice at Coursera Curriculum
Welcome to this course!
Trailer and course introduction
How to succeed in your online class?
Meet the instructor and his team
Leiden University: Facts & Figures
Welcome to Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum and the respective partners
Overview legal texts and abbreviations
Copyright note
Community Guidelines
Basic concepts and history of IHL
Welcome to the Arfula case study
Textbook and introduction podcast interview
Introduction case study and further readings
Test your IHL knowledge
Conflict classification
Conflicts in Syria, Ukraine & Yemen
International armed conflicts
Non-international armed conflicts
Military interventions, NIAC spill-over and situations below armed conflict
Arfula case study
Legal sources and textbook
Legal sources and textbook
Textbook and introduction podcast interview
Further readings
Test your IHL knowledge
Arfula case study
Conduct of hostilities
Drone strikes in Pakistan, cyber warfare in Georgia and the development of "killer robots"
Distinction
Proportionality and precautions
Military operations in civil wars
Lawful weapons
Arfula case study
Textbook
Textbook and introduction podcast interview
Further readings
Combatant status
Test your IHL knowledge
Arfula case study
Protection of persons
Guantanamo, hospital attack Afghanistan and child soldiers Colombia
The sick and wounded
Prisoners of war and other detainees
Civilians in the hands of the enemy
Protection of women, children and journalists
Arfula case study
Textbook
Textbook
Legal sources and textbook
Women and children affected by war share their story
Introduction podcast interview
Further readings
ICRC's access to detainees
Your contribution to the "IHL in Action" platform
Test your IHL knowledge
Arfula case study
Implementation and enforcement
Ethiopia Eritrea Claims Commission and prosecutions before the ICTY and ICC
Demands for compensation
Prosecuting war crimes
Arfula case study
Legal sources and textbook
Textbook
Introduction podcast interview
Further readings
Test your IHL knowledge
Arfula case study
International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice at Coursera Admission Process
Important Dates
Other courses offered by Coursera
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?