International Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution

International Dispute Resolution is a four-credit course that examines the theory and
practice of resolving legal disputes on the basis of international law. Drawing from the
disciplines of public international law, private international law, international relations and
conflict resolution, the course examines the full array of dispute resolution methods in
contemporary international practice. Part I of the course focuses on the foundations of
international dispute resolution, covering its historical development, substantive sources
of law and theoretical frameworks. The course also introduces recent trends in modern
practice, such as arbitration ethics in international commercial disputes, current issues in
investor-state disputes and hybrid dispute resolution. Part II introduces the practical
application of diplomatic (conciliation, negotiation, mediation) and adjudicative (judicial
settlement, arbitration) methods for resolving legal disputes and the political and armed
conflicts they can be a part of. Students will engage in a series of mandatory simulations
designed to teach negotiation, arbitration and judicial decision-making skills in an
experiential manner. Part III of the course engages in critical analysis of central discourses
and normative debates in this field, reading and responding to key themes and experts.
Herein, we will examine inclusive approaches to international law from a variety of global
and cultural perspectives. Students will learn to craft legal and policy advice responsive to
recent and current disputes before the International Court of Justice, arbitral tribunals, and
the United Nations.

Grades are based on simulation participation and response papers (30%), an in-class final
exam (60%) and overall participation in class discussions (10%). This course prepares
students for the practice of law in international and transnational contexts in a dynamic
world.This course was previously numbered 271B.