Legal Clinic On "rule of Law and Democracy"
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The legal clinic introduces students to two core concepts of constitutional theory - democracy and the rule of law - showing their multifaceted and complex nature, how they intersect in constitutionalism, and how they relate to other important constitutional principles like federalism, separation of powers, protection of minorities, etc. The legal clinic also explores contexts in which democracy and the rule of law evolve, including challenges brought by illiberal regimes and globalization.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students should have developed a broad understanding of the rule of law and democracy, as well as a comparative and critical vision of constitutionalism.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Course 1 - Introduction to legal clinic
Course 2 - Defining democracy
Course 3 - Exploring the rule of law
Course 4 - Democracy, rule of law and constitutionalism
Course 5 - Democracy, rule of law and accountable government
Course 6 - Democratic backsliding
Course 7 - Democracy and rule of law in authoritarian regimes
Course 8 - Democracy, rule of law and the promotion of self-government
Course 9 - Democracy, rule of law and respect for minorities
Course 10 - Democracy, rule of law and globalization
Course 2 - Defining democracy
Course 3 - Exploring the rule of law
Course 4 - Democracy, rule of law and constitutionalism
Course 5 - Democracy, rule of law and accountable government
Course 6 - Democratic backsliding
Course 7 - Democracy and rule of law in authoritarian regimes
Course 8 - Democracy, rule of law and the promotion of self-government
Course 9 - Democracy, rule of law and respect for minorities
Course 10 - Democracy, rule of law and globalization
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisite needed
Teaching methods
The course will take place in presence (classroom)
The course will be organized mainly through lectures, but students' participation and discussion are highly encouraged and expected.
The course will be organized mainly through lectures, but students' participation and discussion are highly encouraged and expected.
Teaching Resources
The instructor will prepare a list of suggested and optional readings, which include a mix of book chapters and journal articles on the topic. Suggested material is available online at no additional cost through the University Library. Students shall complete the readings indicated for each course before coming to class.
Assessment methods and Criteria
This is a pass/fail course
1- Course evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
i. Class participation (10%) - active attendance ad participation in class discussion are important aspects of the course and are therefore evaluated. Students are strongly encouraged to come to class prepared in order to discuss the readings, as well as with questions and/or observations regarding the course material
ii. Class presentations (60%) - individual or group presentations on a specific topic will be discussed and agreed upon by students and the instructor on the first day of the course
iii. Final assignment (written) (30%) - students will receive detailed instructions to complete the final written assignment, which will be on the same topic of the oral presentation
2- Evaluation criteria
Both written assignments and oral presentations will be assessed and evaluated based on the quality of the analysis performed; the quality of language; the quality of research done; organization, adequacy and relevance of the research performed
1- Course evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
i. Class participation (10%) - active attendance ad participation in class discussion are important aspects of the course and are therefore evaluated. Students are strongly encouraged to come to class prepared in order to discuss the readings, as well as with questions and/or observations regarding the course material
ii. Class presentations (60%) - individual or group presentations on a specific topic will be discussed and agreed upon by students and the instructor on the first day of the course
iii. Final assignment (written) (30%) - students will receive detailed instructions to complete the final written assignment, which will be on the same topic of the oral presentation
2- Evaluation criteria
Both written assignments and oral presentations will be assessed and evaluated based on the quality of the analysis performed; the quality of language; the quality of research done; organization, adequacy and relevance of the research performed
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Upon appointment