Comparative Law and Interculturality

The general objective of the course is to provide the theoretical and methodological tools of comparative and intercultural law, to help students understand today's complex legal framework. Notably, the course aims to introduce students to the major legal traditions of the world and their circulation, as well as to certain national and religious legal systems, selected using a non-Eurocentric approach. This will support students in identifying common features, similarities and differences in those areas of law where comparative and intercultural methodologies can be more useful, for example family or parentage law. To achieve these goals, and if the number of attending students allows for it, students will be actively involved in exercises and seminars focusing on real-life cases and/or court decisions that revealed underlying cultural elements.

By the end of the course, students will have a comparative overview of the major European and non-European legal traditions, being able to make independent judgements on them and to critically examine their national legal system. They will be encouraged to translate their knowledge into practical applications and to autonomously assess situations based on what they have learnt, also with a view to independently identifying and analysing in depth particular academic issues, whether pertaining to their own legal system and tradition, or to others. Moreover, students will have developed communication skills and team management skills to be used during practical seminars.