This course explores the similarities and differences between written constitutions than stem from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds. While the chosen constitutions may differ according to the instructor, the emphasis is on making critical comparisons between the different constitutional systems, including substantive areas such as: Judicial Review; Individual Freedoms; Separation of Powers; Centralization of Decision Making; Pluralism; and Protection of Democratic Principles.
Comparative Constitutional Law (LAW 512)
Programs\Type | Required | Core Elective | Area Elective |
Computer Science and Engineering - With Master's Degree | * | ||
European Studies - Non Thesis | * | ||
European Studies - With Thesis | * | ||
Industrial Engineering - With Bachelor's Degree | * | ||
Industrial Engineering - With Master's Degree | * | ||
Industrial Engineering - With Thesis | * | ||
Leaders for Industry Biological Sciences and Bioengineering - Non Thesis | * | ||
Leaders for Industry Industrial Engineering - Non Thesis | * | ||
Leaders for Industry Materials Science and Engineering - Non Thesis | * | ||
Leaders for Industry Mechatronics Engineering - Non Thesis | * |
CONTENT
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this course is to introduce students the conceptual and theoretical foundations of constitutional law from a comparative perspective. By the end of this course, students should have a solid understanding of different constitutional systems, be able to analyze how constitutions functions in different settings, identify the role of constitutional law in effective government and have a full grasp of contemporary constitutional developments in the world today.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Demonstrate knowledge on varieties of institutions of constitutional design and processes of constitution-making
- Critically evaluate how different legal systems approach different legal issues and apply concepts and ideas to contemporary events
- Demonstrate knowledge about different topics/issues related to the field of comparative constitutional law
- Apply theoretical knowledge and develop writing and communication skills.
- Critique readings, analyze evidence and make informed arguments
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
1. Develop and deepen the current and advanced knowledge in the field with original thought and/or research and come up with innovative definitions based on Master's degree qualifications 4
2. Conceive the interdisciplinary interaction which the field is related with ; come up with original solutions by using knowledge requiring proficiency on analysis, synthesis and assessment of new and complex ideas. 4
3. Evaluate and use new information within the field in a systematic approach. 4
4. Develop an innovative knowledge, method, design and/or practice or adapt an already known knowledge, method, design and/or practice to another field; research, conceive, design, adapt and implement an original subject. 4
5. Critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation of new and complex ideas. 4
6. Gain advanced level skills in the use of research methods in the field of study. 3
7. Contribute the progression in the field by producing an innovative idea, skill, design and/or practice or by adapting an already known idea, skill, design, and/or practice to a different field independently. 3
8. Broaden the borders of the knowledge in the field by producing or interpreting an original work or publishing at least one scientific paper in the field in national and/or international refereed journals. 1
9. Demonstrate leadership in contexts requiring innovative and interdisciplinary problem solving. 2
10. Develop new ideas and methods in the field by using high level mental processes such as creative and critical thinking, problem solving and decision making. 3
11. Investigate and improve social connections and their conducting norms and manage the actions to change them when necessary. 2
12. Defend original views when exchanging ideas in the field with professionals and communicate effectively by showing competence in the field. 4
13. Ability to communicate and discuss orally, in written and visually with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio C1 General Level. 5
14. Contribute to the transition of the community to an information society and its sustainability process by introducing scientific, technological, social or cultural improvements. 2
15. Demonstrate functional interaction by using strategic decision making processes in solving problems encountered in the field. 1
16. Contribute to the solution finding process regarding social, scientific, cultural and ethical problems in the field and support the development of these values. 3
1. Develop the ability to use critical, analytical, and reflective thinking and reasoning 5
2. Reflect on social and ethical responsibilities in his/her professional life. 3
3. Gain experience and confidence in the dissemination of project/research outputs 4
4. Work responsibly and creatively as an individual or as a member or leader of a team and in multidisciplinary environments. 4
5. Communicate effectively by oral, written, graphical and technological means and have competency in English. 5
6. Independently reach and acquire information, and develop appreciation of the need for continuously learning and updating. 5
1. Analyze historical and contemporary developments in Europe, specifically of the European integration process, from a multi-disciplinary perspective. 3
2. Grasp the main dynamics of the European order, politically, historically and economically. 3
3. Explain the European integration process and the EU's decision-making procedures and it's institutions. 3
1. Analyze historical and contemporary developments in Europe, specifically of the European integration process, from a multi-disciplinary perspective. 3
2. Grasp the main dynamics of the European order, politically, historically and economically. 3
3. Explain the European integration process and the EU's decision-making procedures and it's institutions. 3
Update Date:
ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA
Percentage (%) | |
Final | 15 |
Midterm | 15 |
Assignment | 20 |
Term-Paper | 30 |
Participation | 20 |
RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS
Readings |
? Russell Hardin. 1989. ?Why a Constitution?? eds. Bernard Grofman et al. in The Federalist Papers and the New Institutionalism (Representation Vol 2). ? John Ferejohn, 1998. ?Independent Judges, Dependent Judiciary: Explaining Judicial Independence.? Southern California Law Review 72.2-3: 353-384. |