Coordinator
Name: A. Bedner
Work address: KOG, room B3.20
Telephone: 071-5277668
Email: a.w.bedner@law.leidenuniv.nl
Department: Metajuridica
Division: Van Vollenhoven Instituut
Address secretariat: KOG, room B3.05
Telephone secretariat: 071-5277769
Contact hours: Monday – Thursday 9.00 – 12.30 and 13.30 – 16.00 hrs
Email: vollenhoven@law.leidenuniv.nl
Description
This course explores the relationship between law and culture – a topic that through globalisation, a perceived ‘clash of civilizations’, and the problems of an effectively multicultural society has become increasingly relevant. How should criminal law deal with the cultural background of those who have committed a crime? Can you copyright ‘culture’? Is law itself a ‘codification’ of cultural norms and values, or can law be used to change culture? To what extent can law facilitate multiculturalism?
Lecturers from various backgrounds will address such questions, combining legal with sociological/anthropological approaches. They will use ‘real life’ cases to clarify the theoretical issues raised, including many taken from developing countries, where the above questions have been even more pressing than in western societies.
Students are expected to prepare well and participate actively in the classes, which combine lecturing, discussions and assignments.
Methods of instruction
Lectures: – Number of 2-hour lectures: 6 – Lecturers: Dr. Adriaan Bedner and others
Seminars:
– Number of 2-hour lectures: 4
– Instructors: Dr. Adriaan Bedner, and others
– Required preparation by students: Students will have to make a weekly assignment, ranging from written essays to oral presentations
Course materials: – Reader
Examination:
Examination forms: – Written exam – Written assignments – Oral presentation
Areas to be tested within the exam: – The reader and any other topics discussed during classes
Course requirements: – This course is suitable for 2nd and 3rd year students in Law, Social Sciences, Public Administration, History, Arts. Non-Law students should be willing to familiarise themselves with the outlines of law.
Time table
See: http://www.leidenuniv.nl/rechten/osi/wg/
Application
Via u-twist
Blackboard
Yes
Remarks
None