Universität Wien
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030369 KU Comparative Constitutional Law (2019S)

Case Study: Western Balkans

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 3 - Rechtswissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Thursday 28.03. 16:00 - 17:00 Seminarraum SEM52 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum 5.OG (Kickoff Class)
  • Thursday 28.03. 17:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum SEM52 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum 5.OG
  • Thursday 09.05. 16:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum SEM33 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Thursday 16.05. 16:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum SEM33 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Thursday 23.05. 16:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum SEM33 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Wednesday 29.05. 16:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum SEM44 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum 4.OG
  • Thursday 06.06. 17:00 - 20:30 Seminarraum SEM43 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 4.OG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course provides an introduction to some general issues of constitutional law (constitution-making; structure of government; constitutional review; fundamental rights) from a comparative legal perspective by focusing on the Western Balkan (WB) region. During the course it is explored how the particular Western Balkan states handle these general constitutional issues, particularly in the light of the post-conflict era and processes of internationalization and democratization. By examining both the general constitutional issues and how they are realized in specific constitutional systems in the Western Balkans, the students will develop the ability to use constitutional legal material from unfamiliar legal systems, as well as the ability to analyze and evaluate it. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on similarities and differences among these constitutions and discuss the reasons and consequences related to different constitutional solutions.

Assessment and permitted materials

Oral presentations on a selected constitutional matter in a specific WB state jurisdiction. Students are required to hand in a short briefing paper (max. 5 pages) one week prior to the presentation and, where appropriate, to reflect on the provided feedback. Active participation in the discussions following the presentations is compulsory. At the end of the course there is a 90-minute test on subjects discussed during the course (open book).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

For a positive grade, students are required to:
- make an oral presentation and submit a short briefing paper prior to it (50%)
- actively participate in the discussions (10%)
- complete an open-book test (40%)

Attendance is mandatory in the first unit during which the topics will be assigned.

Examination topics

The main characteristics of the constitutional systems in the Western Balkans and the independent application of comparative analytical skills which are discussed during the course.

Reading list

Tushnet, Advanced Introduction to Comparative Constitutional Law (2018)
Country-specific reading material will be provided during the course via Moodle-Platform

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Th 31.03.2022 00:15