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 familiarise themselves with the outlines of law, whereas law students should be willing to engage in subjects beyond the rules of black letter law. For this course is a sufficient command of English (IELTS 6.5 or higher) required.
Description
Law, governance, and Africa; all three are general concepts that hide a world of diversity. In this course we explore the complex relationships and interactions between law, governance and society in Africa, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. What influence does colonial domination have at law systems that are in place in present Africa? How do different legal systems (traditional, religious, international, state) interact? How is access to land regulated according to the law? And how do people get access to land in practice? How do state courts deal with spiritual accusations about witchcraft if no material evidence is available? Why do people resort to justice ‘with their own hands’ under certain circumstances? Which mechanisms do societies use to restore order and bring reconciliation to war-torn communities? Who rules in failing states?
In this course we look at legal phenomena in their social context in today’s Africa, while taking into account historical pathways that have led to the current situation. We take a broad definition of law and governance that includes both formal and informal rules, practices, and authorities. We explore interactions between these different sources of ordering in society, how they function in practice, and the impact they have on everyday life in an Africa context. This will enable students not only to get a better understanding of law and governance in its context, but also about functioning of African societies, and ways in which people organise their lives.
Course objectives
Objective(s) of the course
Generally, this course prepares students to make an informed contribution in debates on the relationship between law and governance in Africa. Students are able to apply a socio-legal lens, which will for example help them to better participate in debates about rule of law and human rights. The course helps equip students for research in law, social sciences or humanities, or for work in, for example, policy, development or legal professions.
Achievement levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:
Students can describe some general features of law and governance in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Students can explain the complexity of relationships and interactions between law, governance, and society in Africa and can set out factors that contribute to this complexity.
Students can explain the working of law and governance in specific (local) contexts by analysing particular case studies. They can situate these cases within their larger context.
Students are aware of the importance of non-state law in the state legal system and in local realities, and the complicated relationship between state law and other laws. They can explain this by referring to concrete cases.
Students are able to apply different conceptual frameworks to analyse concrete cases in relation to issues such as legal pluralism, law, governance, rule of law, access to justice, natural resource management and land tenure, conflicts, disputes etc.
Students can indicate the limits of the law in addressing some of the main challenges that many African countries face.
Within the course topic, students can choose their own topic of interest, formulate a research question and scope of research and write a literature-based research paper.
Timetable
Available on the website.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Number of (2 hour) lectures: 12
Names of lecturers: Dr. Carolien Jacobs & guest lecturers
Required preparation by students: see syllabus
Seminars
None
Other methods of instruction
None
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
- Written exam (100%)
If the overall grade is lower than 5,5 the student can do a retake of the exam.
During the course, students will carry out five formative, practical assignments. Students have to submit at least four out of five assignments to be admitted to the exam.
Submission procedures
Not applicable
Areas to be tested within the exam
The examination material consists of the required reading (literature) for the course and the subjects taught in the lectures, the seminars and all other instructions which are part of the course.
Reading list
Obligatory course materials
Literature:
- Links to articles will be available in the course reader.
Course information guide:
- Not applicable
Reader:
- Reader will be available via Brightspace.
Recommended course materials
None
Registration
Students have to register for this course in uSis.
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 information
Coordinator: Dr. Carolien Jacobs
For administrative matters, please contact Ms K.E. van Weeren: vollenhoven@law.leidenuniv.nl
For other matters: c.i.m.jacobs@law.leidenuniv.nl
Institution/division
Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of the Law
Department: Van Vollenhoven Institute
Remarks
None