LLAW6037 & JDOC6037

General Course Information

1.1 Course details

Course code: LLAW6037 / JDOC6037
Course name: International Environmental Law
Programme offered under: LLM Programme / JD Programme
Semester: Second
Prerequisites / Co-requisites: No
Credit point value: 9 credits / 6 credits

1.2 Course description

The course is designed to delve into the environmental legal institutions and rules across various jurisdictions, including the US, EU, mainland China, and Hong Kong SAR. Through a comparative analysis of these jurisdictions, we will explore topics such as pollution control, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change, as well as policy and market-based instruments for implementing environmental law.  

1.3 Course teachers

Name E-mail address Office Consultation
Course convenor Ying Xia yingxia@hku.hk CCT 505 By email

Learning Outcomes

2.1 Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) for this course

CLO 1 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of environmental law 

CLO 2 Compare and contrast the legal frameworks, institutions, and policy approaches to environmental protection and management in different jurisdictions. 

CLO 3 Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of different environmental laws and regulations in addressing contemporary environmental challenges, such as air and water pollution, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change.  

CLO 4 Identify areas of potential collaboration and harmonization in environmental law and policy between the various jurisdictions.  

CLO 5 Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to real-world environmental issues by examining case studies and engaging in class discussions.  

CLO 6 Communicate effectively on topics related to comparative environmental law, and present well-reasoned arguments supported by relevant legal frameworks and principles

2.2 LLM and JD Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Please refer to the following link:

LLM – https://course.law.hku.hk/llm-plo/

JD – https://course.law.hku.hk/jd-plo/

2.3 Programme Learning Outcomes to be achieved in this course

PLO A PLO B PLO C PLO D PLO E PLO F
CLO 1
CLO 2
CLO 3
CLO 4
CLO 5
CLO 6

Assessment(s)

3.1 Assessment Summary

Assessment task Due date Weighting Feedback method* Course learning outcomes
Essay TBA 100% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
*Feedback method (to be determined by course teacher)
1 A general course report to be disseminated through Moodle
2 Individual feedback to be disseminated by email / through Moodle
3 Individual review meeting upon appointment
4 Group review meeting
5 In-class verbal feedback

3.2 Assessment Detail

To be advised by the convenor.

3.3 Grading Criteria

Please refer to the following link: https://www.law.hku.hk/_files/law_programme_grade_descriptors.pdf

Learning Activities

4.1 Learning Activity Plan

Seminar: 3 hours / week for 11 teaching weeks
Private study time: 9.5 hours / week for 11 teaching weeks

Remarks: the normative student study load per credit unit is 25 ± 5 hours (ie. 150 ± 30 hours for a 6-credit course), which includes all learning activities and experiences within and outside of classroom, and any assessment task and examinations and associated preparations.

4.2 Details of Learning Activities

To be advised by the convenor.

Learning Resources

5.1 Resources

Reading materials: Reading materials are posted on Moodle
Core reading list: TBA
Recommended reading list: TBA

5.2 Links

Please refer to the following link: http://www.law.hku.hk/course/learning-resources/