120 / 216
LAW-2738 International Environmental Law
Prof. Sharmila Murthy,
3 credits day; 3 credits evening.
This course will provide an introduction to the field of international environmental law and
policy. The class will be interactive, incorporating problem-solving activities and role-play
simulations (such as a mock climate change negotiation). In addition to readings from the
textbook, videos and news-articles will be frequently assigned in an attempt to link class
discussions with the real-world.
The class will cover a myriad of pressing global topics such as: ozone, climate change, water,
biodiversity, hazardous materials, and corporate social responsibility. The class will also
consider how U.S. law intersects with the international environmental regime, and examines
creative and business-oriented strategies (such as shareholder resolutions on environmental
issues).
Throughout the course, we will explore key tensions in international environmental law and
policy, including between economic development and ecological limitations; between state
sovereignty and the global nature of environmental problems; and between scientific
understanding and the desire for certainty. We will consider the limitations of the traditional
state-oriented approach to international law and consider the increasing relevance of non-state
actors, such as NGOs, corporations and multi-lateral actors. Guest speakers may also offer
different real-world perspectives on the practice of international environmental law and policy.
There are no prerequisites except an interest in the topic!
The class will be taught in an innovative format: the first half will be primarily in person, while
the second half will be primarily online. In the second half, students will watch online lectures
with integrated powerpoint slides, and then respond to a series of multiple choice questions. The
class will also make use of Blackboard features, such as the online discussion board. This class
promises to be exciting, and will also offer more flexibility than a traditional course. This class
qualifies as a 'distance education course' under the ABA rules because more than one-third of the
instruction will be online.
The grade will be based on a final paper (and interim steps such as an outline, etc.) as well as on
class participation. The final paper may fulfill the legal writing requirement.
Enrollment is limited: 20
Elective Course
Meets International Law Concentration Requirements
May Fulfill Legal Writing Requirement
Final Paper Required
LLM Course