Constitutional Comparative Law
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The main objective of this course is to analyze, under a comparative point of view, the constitutional law of countries belonging to an area in the past submitted to the socialist rule (Central and Eastern Europe). This will underline similarities and differences with Western constitutional models. The countries concerned are almost all members of the European Union (including the Baltic States, formerly part of the Soviet Union). The constitutional system of Russia is instead quite different, because of its different historical and constitutional background, the knowledge of which is crucial for a better comprehension of political and constitutional system and for casting a foresight on the future development of the country. The teaching method will stimulate the students' making judgments and applying knowledge, in addition to the traditional understanding ability.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course, the student will have acquired the knowledge necessary to understand the constitutional dynamics of Central and Eastern European countries, in a historical and comparative perspective, and will be able to analyse the different types of transition and the differences in relevant areas (consolidated democracies, illiberal democracies, post authoritarian regimes). Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: The acquired knowledge will allow the student to analyze autonomously the constitutional characteristics of the new democracies and to express both in written and oral presentations (the latter resulted from team work), an in-depth analysis based on the autonomous gathering of sources (legislation, case-law and doctrine) and on the use of a specific language
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
After setting out the fundamentals of constitutional democracy and the most recent developments in constitutionalism, the course will focus on a historical and political region of particular significance to the security of the European continent and the balance of power among the world's major powers. This region encompasses Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the former Soviet Union. Adopting a macro-comparative approach, the course will examine the historical and constitutional evolution of this region in depth, as well as its various constitutional cycles, relations with European institutions and processes of democratisation and democratic decline. Particular attention will be given to post-Soviet authoritarian regimes, especially Russia's.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the general concepts of comparative public law (forms of state and government, constitutions and constitutionalism, judicial review, protection of rights and democracy), which will be recalled at the beginning of the course, of international law and the law of the European Union (with particular reference to the democratic conditionality of the main international organizations), and of the contemporary history of the 20th century (in particular the Bolshevik revolution, the geopolitical balances after the Second World War and the collapse of the European socialist systems since 1989) will help to understand the content of the course.
Teaching methods
Lectures are preferred for the acquisition of knowledge. However, in order to facilitate the application of the acquired knowledge and the taking of the intermediate exams, research will be carried out in databases and institutional websites, also with the help of specialized librarians, and seminars will be organized with Italian and foreign guests to discuss current topics.
Teaching Resources
For in-person students: Due to ongoing developments in the region and the lack of up-to-date Italian reference texts, the lecturer will make the course materials available in a dedicated ARIEL folder.
For non-attending students:
For non-attending students: Due to the ongoing developments in the countries of the region and the lack of up-to-date reference texts, the materials will be made available by the lecturer in a dedicated ARIEL folder.
For non-attending students:
For non-attending students: Due to the ongoing developments in the countries of the region and the lack of up-to-date reference texts, the materials will be made available by the lecturer in a dedicated ARIEL folder.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students attending the course will take midterm exams to assess their mastery of the material covered in class.
Assessment criteria include: clarity of expression in both written and oral form; active participation during lectures, seminars, and other course activities. The final grade is not based solely on the average of individual test scores but rewards the spirit of participation and attention demonstrated throughout the entire course. Results are communicated by the instructor in class or via email. Grades are expressed on a scale of 30.
Assessment criteria include: clarity of expression in both written and oral form; active participation during lectures, seminars, and other course activities. The final grade is not based solely on the average of individual test scores but rewards the spirit of participation and attention demonstrated throughout the entire course. Results are communicated by the instructor in class or via email. Grades are expressed on a scale of 30.
GIUR-11/B - Comparative Public Law - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Di Gregorio Angela
Professor(s)
Reception:
(può variare, si prega di inviare mail per concordare)
MICROSOFT TEAMS oppure stanza 5