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Learner Reviews & Feedback for International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice by Universiteit Leiden

4.8
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1,678 ratings

About the Course

“International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice” is the first MOOC of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law, which is the platform within the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University for the research, teaching and dissemination of international humanitarian law (IHL). In this course, Prof. Robert Heinsch, Dr. Giulia Pinzauti and Dr. Emma Irving will give you a deep insight into the rules that govern armed conflict, and aim to mitigate human suffering on the battlefield. You will explore the why and how of IHL, followed by the different types of conflict. In no time you will find out which rules apply to the civil war in Syria, the military intervention in Ukraine and the occupation of the West Bank. During this course, you will learn how hostilities should be waged: Which weapons can be used by combatants and other fighters? And, who should never be a target during military operations? We will also look into the concept of protected persons, and you will find out how IHL affords protection to the sick and wounded, medical personal, detainees, children, journalists and other persons who are not - or not anymore - fighting. At the end of this course, you are introduced to the different implementation and enforcement mechanisms that aim to increase respect for IHL. Here, you are invited to think critically whether IHL works! Throughout this course you will benefit from a mix of theory and practice, which is at the heart of the vision and mandate of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum. You can participate for instance in an ongoing case study where drones are flying over the fictitious country Arfula, and detainees are locked up in tiny cells. Or, you can join our discussions about IHL success stories and the major IHL challenges we face today, with distinguished speakers from the International Committee of the Red Cross and US Naval War College! This course is free to join and to participate in. There is the possibility to get a verified certificate for the course, which is a paid option. If you want a certificate, but are unable to pay for it, you can request financial aid via Coursera....

Top reviews

AK

Dec 14, 2018

this course is helpful in basic understanding of IHL and in understanding the difference between Human rights laws and IHL enforcements . Teaching Faculty clarified simplified the overview very well.

VS

May 30, 2019

A really very wonderful, articulate and helpful course. The Professors were great with their knowledge and presentations. The practical insight given by the guest-speakers were just priceless.

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26 - 50 of 383 Reviews for International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice

By J P W

Dec 22, 2018

Outstanding course. The materials was clear and well presented. Some of the quiz questions could have been clearer. The presentation takes into account the advances and positive aspects of IHL, but in some respects fails to recognize the inherent flaws relating to implementation and enforcement in the face of a new and ambiguous transnational type of armed conflict.

By Gesine W

Apr 18, 2020

I really enjoyed taking this class because it helped me to deepen my existing knowledge on IHL and to learn much more about the details and challenges of IHL. The videos just have the perfect length and podcasts and the Arafula case study make this class a really comprehensive programme which easily helps you to remember what you have learned. I would definitely recommend this class to everyone who is working on international relations and international security because it constitutes a great complement to the classical approaches of political science.

By Jesse R

Jul 24, 2022

A comprehensive dive into the application of IHL. This course has taught me the various guidelines set out in the many articles and policies. I recommend this course to all with an interest to understand the similarities, differences, and purpose of use, with IHL & HRL in both NIACs and IACs. Great content and reading materials. This course was executed professionally and has been designed to educate, inform, provoke opinions, and ensure the student completes with a newfound understanding of IHL and how conflicts are/should be managed in wars.

By Corellia W

Apr 23, 2023

As a young student with little to no prior experience with law and legal terminology, this course was incredibly easy to understand. All legal concepts and definitions were given, so that at no point I didn't understand the meaning of anything that was referenced.

Really great length with a huge amount covered ! Very clear and concise with varied learning source types.

would highly recommend, I have come away feeling much more able to have a go understanding things going on in the world I live.

Thank you to all the staff, it was great !

By Daryna D

Sep 30, 2023

This is such a great course! I can't help being grateful to the whole team of creators and especially Prof. Robert Heinsch. The course provides its participant with a great insight into IHL. Also, the messages you receive from the team in the beginning and the end of the course are very warm and kind. I definitely recommend to take this course not only to lawyers but to everyone who would like to broaden their mind because IHL is interesting indeed. Thank you again for such a good course on IHL!

By Everson B F

Jan 30, 2023

Deixarei um comentário em português para que outros brasileiros e demais falantes da língua portuguesa possam compreender que apesar do curso ser ministrado em inglês, vale cada segundo de esforço! É um curso extremamente rico, com profissionais de mais alta excelência! Mesmo que você não tenha conhecimento em Direito Humanitário, o curso te dará todas as bases necessárias (materiais de leitura, podcasts, atividades para fixar o conhecimento). Recomendaria mil vezes!

By Daniel R

Jun 25, 2023

The course gave me great insights into the legal framework governing International Humanitarian Law. I also learnt about the various types of armed conflicts and the various rules governing the hostilities. I love that the course is self paced and also included lenghty interviews from experts which gave the course a more practical sense.

Thank you for the opportunity Leiden Univeristy. I will soon take up another course with you.

By Éloïse E

Jan 2, 2021

I have a law degree, but no prior knowledge of international humanitarian law. I found the class to be an interesting and well-structured introduction to international humanitarian law. The videos explaining the theoretical concepts were clear, and the podcasts with different practitioners of IHL covered an interesting range of current issues. In my opinion, a legal background is not required to understand and enjoy this class.

By Taiba K

Jul 3, 2023

Thank you to all the Professors for giving an detailed insight on how IHL works in war like situations, how it makes a war situation more humane, the measures taken by IHL, its various implementation and enforcement. The Professors also gave detailed information about important conventions and treaties related to IHL. I really enjoyed learning this course and I am looking forward to take up more courses like this. Thank you.

By Riham F

Mar 8, 2020

The course is incredibly presented and the material is outstanding! Just the right amount of knowledge and study with further enrichment applicable. The case study is perfect to implement what was learned in each module. Perfect presentation from the Professors. I am focusing to get tangible career path out of this course.

Please offer more relative courses to International work and sustainability.

Thank you so much!

By Tom M G

Dec 6, 2018

I would have no hesitation in recommending this course. The content was excellent and the lectures were presented in a manner which allowed one to easily absorb and understand the subject matter. The pod casts from the outside experts during the course were absolutely fantastic. Many thanks for putting on such an interesting course which has further fueled my interest in International Humanitarian Law.

By Steven E d G

Dec 22, 2018

The content is sufficient and well presented, without overloading the student with too much information. Theories are also connected with real-world examples, which makes the lessons easy to appreciate and relate to. The overall structure of the course is organized and well planned. Thanks to Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum, Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies, and Leiden University.

By Maria L

Sep 11, 2023

Un curso muy interesante, toca los conceptos más importantes para tener una idea general del Derecho Humanitario Internacional, y los ejemplos facilitan mucho el entendimiento de la teoría. Recursos como vídeos, lecturas o incluso podcast, muy completo. Aunque, realicé todas la tareas con honores y aprobé dichos tests pero no me han reconocido el curso with honours, no sé por qué.

By Ibrahim O

Jul 19, 2020

A course that has a decent amount of work and a lot of content to cover in a short amount of lectures and readings. There are optional discussion prompts, but if a student is well-engaged into the course they would be partaking in those too. The course intends not just for you to learn about IHL, but also to analyse, evaluate and debate different IHL concepts with other students.

By HENRIETTA G M

Oct 24, 2021

This was a wonderfully arranged course.The facilitators and experts who put in their time and shared their expertise did an amazing job.

I started as a novice ,but each module got more interesting and detailed.I got through this course with a very good working knowledge and understanding of the history,importance,implementation and challenges of IHL,

THANK YOU

By Reem M E A

Oct 23, 2022

One of the things that I've never regregted doing was enrolling in this course. Powered by Leiden University, this might have been the most informative syllabus I've ever had for International Humanitarian Law. Prof. Dr. Robert Heinsch, Dr. Giulia Pinzauti, Dr. Emma Irving, and Ms. Cinny Buys have made it easier for me to understand the whole course.

By Enrico C

Feb 29, 2024

The IHL online course provided a comprehensive understanding of international humanitarian law, blending theory with real-world examples. Hearing from field experts added practical insights, highlighting the crucial role of IHL in protecting human dignity during conflicts. Highly recommended for those interested in this subject

By Candela F G

May 31, 2020

I enjoyed this online course very much and the content and explanations were simply perfect. The interviews were also a good idea to introduce us more to the subject we were studying at that moment. It was also very helpful for what I want to do in the future. If you ever do another course like this I would definitely join in!

By Dhruv G

May 26, 2020

The course was an awesome experience. It helped me to understand the basics and intricacies related to the International Humanitarian Law, while providing a way of applying the knowledge earned from it practically, through the use of the Arfula Case Study.

Thank you so much for the great course material and knowledge sharing

By Nicole N

Oct 15, 2022

A comprehensive foundational course on IHL. The whole materials and structure allowed me to understand the basics of IHL and its applications by showing examples from actual cases. I also really enjoyed the case study in the honour's track - it was an excellent add-on to "apply" the knowledge that I learn from each week.

By Bešir I

Mar 21, 2020

This was my first online course and I am very pleased with this kind of education and learning. It is interesting and a huge advantage is that you have an opportunity to access the course whenever you want. I am sure I will attend many more courses, especially because of positive experience on this one. I recommend it!

By Marlon G

Nov 6, 2020

It's enlightening to learn more about IHL. It really opened more horizons to explore and act more towards realization of IHL concepts and principles. You'll be more confident in dealing with realities of life in the communities we belong. Looking forward to continue this learning platform for the welfare of mankind.

By Katie S

Jul 11, 2020

I learned a lot from this course, content that will be relevant for me in my pursuit of a specialized graduate degree and in my career. I would recommend to those beginning the course to plan on the weekly assignments taking a bit longer than indicated if you want to get through all of the readings. Time well spent!

By Molly A W

Oct 19, 2019

I completely loved this course and I learnt so much about IHL and how its put into practice and it has helped me realize that I really want to study Law and so I am now applying for Bachelors Programs at various universities in The Netherlands and Ireland, my dream is now to become a Human Rights Lawyer.