Comparative Constitutional Law (LAW 312)

2021 Spring
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Law(LAW)
3
6
Oya Yeğen zoyayegen@sabanciuniv.edu,
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English
Undergraduate
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CONTENT

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.

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

  • Achieve a broad understanding of different constitutional systems
  • Develop an understanding of basic legal terminology
  • 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

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. Develop knowledge of theories, concepts, and research methods in humanities and social sciences. 5

2. Assess how global, national and regional developments affect society. 4

3. Know how to access and evaluate data from various sources of information. 3


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

ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA

  Percentage (%)
Final 30
Midterm 20
Assignment 20
Participation 20
Written Report 10