An intensive module (taught over the course of four full days) in Public International Law offers an immersive and transformative learning experience for students studying an LLM (Master’s in Law) at Kent Law School.
The module, one of several international law modules available to Kent LLM students, adopts a critical approach to the nature, functioning and broader social impact of the international legal order. It runs from Tuesday to Friday during Week 5 in the Autumn term*. Classes are held from 9.30am to 4.30pm, with time allocated for breaks and discussions. All the readings for the course are available from the beginning of the academic year so students can begin preparing for the classes when they choose. The course deadline is set for the last day of term, giving students seven weeks to work on their essays. Throughout this period, Module convenor, Dr Luis Eslava is available to help students craft their final essay topics by supporting their research, offering reading recommendations and answering their questions.
As with all other international law activities at Kent Law School, from the undergraduate to the postgraduate, doctoral and postdoctoral level, students taking the intensive module are encouraged to take an active part in the rich programme of activities organised by the Centre for Critical International Law (CeCIL).
Five Kent LLM students, who studied the intensive module in Autumn 2018, share their thoughts on the experience:
‘The intensive module was a perfect opportunity to enjoy an immersive learning experience at a time that worked well with my other commitments. I found the teaching engaging and Dr Eslava used a range of strategies to maintain our interest throughout. I particularly liked the way he encouraged us to analyse, reflect on and respond to the reading material in discussions and group work, and, also, the detailed breakdown of how to approach an essay question in manageable stages. I wish I had done this intensive module last year at the start of my course. Highly recommended!’
Sheere Palmer, part-time Kent LLM in International Law
‘The intensive Public International Law module enabled me to deeply reflect on the scope and limitations of law as an international tool. Different critical approaches enhanced my understanding of contemporary issues. Furthermore, the module provided an environment to discuss and share our points of view as students.’
Meline Cilingir, Kent LLM in International Law
‘The Intensive Public International Law module followed a clear structure, which allowed us as students to easily digest a terms-worth of learning in four 9am-4pm daily sessions. The teaching was most brilliant, with Dr Eslava being informative, energetic and responsive to any queries we may have had.’
Dan Peverett, Kent LLM in International Relations
‘Dr Eslava is extremely passionate about his subject and delivers materials with enthusiasm and humour. He is also encouraging and approachable, which made this course a pleasure to attend. It was well planned, and the readings were manageable and varied.’
Lisa Morris, part-time Kent LLM
‘The PIL module was a great and fruitful experience. I think that an intensive course format is more suitable for Master’s students for four reasons:
- We are adults ergo we prefer as much freedom as possible during our weeks (without weekly classes).
- We are mature students ergo we can organise our study in an independent way (without weekly’s deadlines to force us to keep studying).
- I attend the intensive course with a general idea about not only what International Law is but what Dr Eslava’s approach is thanks to the readings assigned by the teacher four weeks before the beginning of the course. This allowed me to be conscious and to actively attend the lessons in a way that is not replicable during “fragmented” courses.
- On the basis of Dr Eslava’s approach (“unpacking” mainstream doctrine through an interactive Socratic method), I believe a full immersion-day lesson is necessary to investigate a single key-theme.
Elena Caruso, Kent LLM in International Law, in conversion to PhD
‘The Public International Law intensive has been one of the outstanding experiences of my time at Kent Law School, pairing a small class environment with stimulating lectures. Over four packed days, I acquired not only a strong grasp of the building blocks of our public international legal order, but also developed analytical tools for dissecting those structures.’
Julian Schneider, Kent LLM in International Law
*Please note modules are always in development and choices are updated yearly. Please see www.kent.ac.uk/pg for the most up-to-date information