This course explores the similarities and differences between written constitutions that 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 312)
Programs\Type | Required | Core Elective | Area Elective |
Political Science | * | ||
Political Science and International Relations | * | ||
Political Science and International Relations | * | ||
Political Science (Previous Name: Social and Political Sciences) | * |
CONTENT
OBJECTIVE
The course will explore the similarities and differences between two written constitutions
from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds: Turkey?s Constitution and the U.S.
Constitution. Students will examine substantive areas such as: Judicial Review; Individual
Freedoms; Separation of Powers; Centralization of Decision Making; Pluralism; and
Protection of Democratic Principles. Drafting, adoption, amendment, and methods of
interpretation of the documents will be discussed. Students should learn how these legal
texts embody the values of a society; either reflecting the society, or seeking to advance or
retard change within the society
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Students will: a) describe the main differences in substantive areas between a Constitution emerging from the civil law tradition, and one emerging from the common law tradition. b) identify both similarities, and differences, in the function of the Constitution of each country. c) describe some of the major differences in the substantive constitutional law of Turkey and the U.S. d) Analyze adoption and change of these Constitutions. e) develop independent study and legal reading skills, f) evaluate legal material (Constitutions and court cases) to produce, to a deadline, a coherent and cogent argument, developed through the mode of assessment.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
1. Understand the world, their country, their society, as well as themselves and have awareness of ethical problems, social rights, values and responsibility to the self and to others. 4
2. Understand different disciplines from natural and social sciences to mathematics and art, and develop interdisciplinary approaches in thinking and practice. 3
3. Think critically, follow innovations and developments in science and technology, demonstrate personal and organizational entrepreneurship and engage in life-long learning in various subjects; have the ability to continue to educate him/herself. 3
4. Communicate effectively in Turkish and English by oral, written, graphical and technological means. 5
5. Take individual and team responsibility, function effectively and respectively as an individual and a member or a leader of a team; and have the skills to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. 4
1. To analyze national and global events from various social science perspectives. 4
2. To demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge on political science and international relations and to state views and positions with advanced oral and written skills. 5
3. To compete for increasing career opportunities in national and global institutions. 4
4. To (be able to) understand and follow the changes in political behaviours, opinions and structures. 5
5. To gain the ability to make logical inferences on social and political issues based on comparative and historical knowledge. 5
1. Understand and follow changes in patterns of political behavior, ideas and structures. 5
2. Develop the ability to make logical inferences about social and political issues on the basis of comparative and historical knowledge. 5