Admission requirements
This course is suitable for 2nd and 3rd year students in law, social sciences (anthropology, sociology of development, public administration), and humanities (history, area studies, arts). Non-law students should be willing to acquire a basic understanding of legal scholarship, whereas law students should be willing to engage in subjects beyond the rules of black letter law. For this course a sufficient command of English is required (IELTS 6.5 or higher).
Description
This course explores the relationship between law and culture and looks into two fundamental questions in socio-legal studies: How does culture affect the production of laws and the functioning of legal institutions? And how do laws and legal institutions affect culture and people's behavior - These questions become increasingly relevant through globalisation, migration, and the frictions of multiculturaism. Building on theories and experiences from both the Global North and South, students will consider the relationship between law, power, and culture. How should criminal law deal with the cultural background of those who have committed a crime? 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?
The course combines legal with sociological/anthropological perspectives and uses a comparative approach, looking at topics across different states and societies. It will use ‘real life’ cases to clarify the theoretical issues raised, taken from a variety of countries across the globe.
Students are expected to come prepared to participate actively in the classes, which combine lecturing, writing assignments, and discussions.
Course objectives
After having taken this course students will understand the main distinctions between legal and socio-scientific approaches to social problems and disputes. They will have become familiar with the answers to the question how law and culture are related one to the other. This will enable them to better understand and participate in debates about rule of law, human rights, and cultural defence, both orally and in writing. Students will practice writing and analysis skills via several practical assignments.
At the end of this course,, students should be able to:
Compare different perspectives regarding the relation between law, culture and society;
Explain and illustrate the role of law in culturally constructing personhood, territory, and culture;
Analyze the relationship between formal and informal norms and their role in shaping social control;
Critically assess the challenges of mobilizing law for social transformation; and
Evaluate qualitative and ethnographic methodologies for legal research.
Timetable
Check MyTimetable.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Number of (2 hour) lectures: 12
Name(s) of lecturer(s): Dr. M. C. Canfield
Required preparation by students: reading of two academic articles before each session.
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
Written exam through ANS (100%);
Reading response assignment.
During the course, students will carry out reading response assignments. There will be no grade for these assignments, that counts for your final grade. However, submission of all assignments is obligatory to be able to register for the exam.
This course will be examined through a written exam that will count for 100% for your final grade.
If a student has not passed the course by the end of the academic year, the score on the exam is no longer valid.
Submission procedures
Will be announced on Brightspace.
Areas to be tested within the exam
The examination consists of the required reading (literature) for the course, the course information guide, the contents of the lectures and seminars and all other instructions which are part of the course.
Regulation retake passed exams
In this course it is possible to retake an exam that has been passed (cf. art. 4.1.8 and further of the Course and Examination Regulations) on the condition that this course is not part of the minor. Students who have passed the exam may retake the final written assessment (test) of the course if they meet certain requirements. For more information, go to the website > ‘Law’ tab > ‘Retake a passed exam’.
Reading list
Obligatory course materials
Literature:
- Reader
Course information guide:
None
Reader:
- Reader will be made available via Brightspace.
Recommended course materials
None
Registration
Registration for courses and exams takes place via MyStudymap. If you do not have access to MyStudymap (guest students), look here (under the Law-tab) for more information on the registration procedure in your situation.
Exchange students have priority and will be registered for the course first. Any remaining seats will be available for students from Leiden University and other Dutch Universities.
Contact
Coordinator: Dr. M.C. Canfield
Work address: KOG, Steenschuur 25, 2311 ES Leiden
Contact information: by appointment via email
Email: m.c.canfield@law.leidenuniv.nl
Institution/division
Institute: Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of the Law
Department: Van Vollenhoven Institute for Law, Governance and Society (VVI)
Room number secretary: KOG, room B1.14
Telephone number secretary: +31 (0) 71 527 7260