International law (IL) is a system of principles than govern relations among states and the human rights of individuals. It is mainly studied through analyzing international agreements (treaties), customs and court decisions. The topics taught in this course are the same as those taught in almost all introductory IL courses everywhere in the world, including the history and sources of IL, states and international organizations; human rights; sea, air and space law; environmental law; the use of force; and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Many of the topics are frequently discussed in the mass media and concern events of world-wide importance.