Course description
This course offers an in-depth, comparative examination of constitutional systems and their role in addressing democratic backsliding, institutional erosion, and the challenges facing liberal democracies.
Through case studies from around the globe, we will analyse how different constitutional arrangements grapple with threats to democratic norms, the rule of law, and fundamental rights, and discuss the role of courts, institutions, and legal frameworks in safeguarding democratic governance.
By combining critical theory with real-world examples, students are equipped with the analytical tools needed to understand and respond to pressing challenges in constitutional democracy.
Learning outcome
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to critically analyse constitutional systems from a comparative perspective, assess the role of courts and institutions in protecting democracy and the rule of law, and evaluate how constitutional frameworks respond to democratic backsliding.
Students will develop the ability to apply constitutional theory to real-world cases and to engage in informed, analytical discussions of contemporary challenges to constitutional democracy.
Admission to the course
This course is intended for students pursuing a master’s degree in the social or political sciences.
Recommended academic prerequisites include basic knowledge of constitutional law and political systems, in particular familiarity with different types of political and constitutional systems and with models of constitutional review.
How to apply
First you must obtain a nomination from your home university to apply as an exchange student. Once the mobility coordinator from your home university has nominated you, you will receive the link to apply. Please note that a nomination does not guarantee admission.
Not sure who your coordinator is? Please contact the local Circle U. team for advice:
- University of Belgrade: belgrade@circle-u.eu
- University of Vienna: circle-u@univie.ac.at
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin: berlin@circle-u.eu
- Université Paris Cité: circleu.iro@u-paris.fr
- UCLouvain: infocircleu@uclouvain.be
- University of Pisa: circleU.erasmus@unipi.it
- King’s College London: circle-u@kcl.ac.uk
- University of Oslo: shortterm-uio@admin.uio.no
Teaching and workload
The course will be conducted through classroom instruction based on case studies, academic articles, and class discussions. Articles will introduce key theoretical concepts, while case studies will allow students to explore practical applications and address specific issues related to the topic. The course will be taught in English.
A full course pack and seminar plan will be mailed before the beginning of the course. Obligatory readings plus reading for the individual synopsis amount to approximately 1.200 pages.
During the course, PowerPoint presentations will be made available, containing excerpts from significant constitutional court rulings as well as short selections from scholarly articles in legal and political science literature.
Examination
Take-home assignment on a topic of the student's choice and set question, 30 min. oral exam
Funding
The summer school is free of charge. To find out about potential funding opportunities for travel and accommodation, please reach out to your international/Erasmus office at your home institution:
- University of Oslo: shortterm-uio@admin.uio.no
- University of Belgrade: Nikola Savic nikola.savic@rect.bg.ac.
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin: berlin@circle-u.eu
- UCLouvain: infocircleu@uclouvain.be
- Université Paris Cité: circleu.iro@u-paris.fr
- University of Pisa: circleU.erasmus@unipi.it and on our website.
- University of Vienna: circle-u@univie.ac.at
King’s College London: Students are not eligible for Erasmus+ funding, but may have access to internal funding. Please check for funding opportunities or contact the Circle U. Team for more information: circle-u@kcl.ac.uk
