Piracy and the History of International Law

2026-2027

Algemene informatie

Vakcode R_PHIL
Studiepunten 6 EC
Periode P4+5
Vakniveau 300
Onderwijstaal Engels
Faculteit Faculteit der Rechtsgeleerdheid
Vakcoördinator prof. dr. L.H.J. Sicking
Examinator prof. dr. L.H.J. Sicking
Docenten
Onderdeel van opleiding(en)

Praktische informatie

Voor dit vak moet je zelf intekenen. De inteken- en afmeldtermijnen staan op VU.nl

Onderwijsvorm Werkgroep, Hoorcollege
Dit vak wordt in het Engels aangeboden. Omschrijvingen kunnen daardoor mogelijk alleen in het Engels worden weergegeven.

Doel vak

Insight in the historical development of both piracy and public international law and their connections.

Awareness of the relevance of pre-modern developments for the understanding of present-day international relations.

Ability to do bibliographical research.

Ability to use published primary sources next to secondary literature.

Ability to write a research-based paper departing from a central question.

Eindtermen: 2-3, 5-6, 9-10, 15-20, 22.

Inhoud vak

This course examines the historical and legal dimensions of piracy and maritime conflict from a global and long-term perspective. Particular attention is given to piracy’s unique status in international law, especially the principle of universal jurisdiction, which permits any state to seize pirate vessels on the high seas and prosecute those responsible. Contemporary examples, including Somali and West African piracy, are considered alongside earlier historical precedents.

The course explores the central role of piracy in pre-modern maritime trade, when commerce and predation were closely intertwined and rulers frequently recruited admirals from among experienced pirates and privateers. Students will investigate how princes, states, and cities distinguished between legitimate and illegitimate violence at sea, and how maritime disputes were managed both between political powers and among their subjects and citizens.

Adopting a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, the course situates maritime conflict management within broader European and global contexts while critically avoiding anachronistic and teleological interpretations. It further considers the continuing relevance of pre-modern practices for understanding contemporary issues of maritime security and international governance in the twenty-first century.

Aanvullende informatie onderwijsvormen

This course is part of the honours programme. This is a seminar, which

expects active participation of the students!

Toetsvorm

Course participation (active discussion) (25%), oral presentation (25%), written paper (50%).

Vereiste voorkennis

None.

Literatuur

The literature to be used will be announced later.

Aanvullende informatie doelgroep

This course is open to honours students.

Overige informatie

Introductory Lectures and Seminars; reading and discussing relevant literature; writing a paper during the course; instructions concerning the demands of the paper will be given step by step along with the seminar series. The course starts in the first week of March! Students will be notified in time via an email generated via Canvas.

Afwijkende intekenprocedure

The literature to be used will be announced later.

Toelichting Canvas

The course description, the course schedule and other information will become available via Canvas.

Aanbevolen voorkennis

None.