International Law: Protecting the World's Interests
If the U.S. legal system seems complex, imagine the intricacies of how laws work across an international landscape. In International Law: Protecting the World's Interests, you will explore how international law is created, how jurisdiction works, how international treaties are negotiated, and how international law is enforced. You’ll even break down a simulated case study on the war in Ukraine and complete a Final Capstone Project in which you will take on the role of advisor. This fascinating course is a great choice for anyone who aspires to learn about international law and its impact on the world.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Fees
$1,795
Develop a Legal Mindset Before College
Explore the Nature and Sources of International Law.
Use real-life examples to define international law. Study how treaties are negotiated. Review treaties like Diplomatic Immunity. Work through a current issue and its existing legal rules.
Learn the Fine Points of Jurisdiction.
Understand the nature of state jurisdiction under international law by focusing on three key issues: law of the sea, air law, and outer space law.
Study the Relationship Between International Law and Military Force.
Study the U.N. Charter recourse to force, and its challenges. Review the conduct of hostilities’ legal principles, and provide examples of mechanisms in international law enforcement.
Discover How International Law Is Enforced.
Review international law enforcement methods and their difficulties. Using the Gulf War, Iranian Hostage Crisis, and genocide in Myanmar as examples, explore how international law was applied.
Consider the Future of International Law.
Study the changes in international law since inception. Understand emerging actors, NATO and the EU. Learn how cyberattacks, social media, and climate change will impact its future.
Explore College Majors and Future Careers.
Topics in this course offer a foundation for potential college majors and career paths related to international law, such as attorney, activist, corporate counselor, journalist, and NGOs.
How You Will Benefit
- Identify the nature and sources of international law.
- Discuss the importance of jurisdiction and how it is defined by land, sea, and air.
- Explain the treaties intended to manage the use of military force.
- Explore the enforcement of international law.
- Understand the future of international law.
- Complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Capstone Project
This online course culminates in a Final Capstone Project, where you will analyze a simulation involving the use of military force. You will:
- Apply international law in defining the conflict and decide what actions to recommend.
- Play the role of advisor and assess the legality or resolution of the conflict.
- Incorporate what you’ve learned from each module.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you succeed.
- Brainstorming and ideation help as you prepare for your Final Capstone Project.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Flexible format: you’ll learn through video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- 20 to 30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Hear from Georgetown University
Course Designed by Georgetown University Faculty
Anthony Clark Arend, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of the Department of Government at Georgetown University
Dr. Arend, a renowned and popular professor at Georgetown University, designed and leads both the international relations and the international law pre-college courses. He earned a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Foreign Affairs from the Department of Government and Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia, and he received his B.S.F.S from Georgetown University. He is also the author of Legal Rules and International Society.
Meet Your Mentors
Makiah
Holds a Juris Doctor degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Currently works as an education attorney.
Gabrielle
Georgetown University student working toward a Ph.D. in American Government. Served as a TA for U.S. Politics and Polling and Survey Methodology courses at Georgetown. Gabrielle's research is primarily focused on environmental politics, with a secondary focus on research related to political science pedagogy and democracy in the U.S.
Mallory
Georgetown University graduate with a B.A. in Government & History and minor in Women's Gender and studies. Currently works at a D.C. firm that contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Courthney
Received a B.A. in Political Science. Passionate about justice and equality for all. Currently working towards becoming a lawyer.
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application asks you to provide the following:
- Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian.
- Why you wish to take this course, and a bit of your story, through writing, video, photos—any media you prefer.
Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes to answer the questions.
Begin the process
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Answers to Your Questions HereScholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.