Umeå University
printicon
Main menu hidden.
Syllabus:

Rule of Law, Constitutionalism and Fundamental Principles, 15 Credits

Swedish name: Rule of Law, Constitutionalism and Fundamental Principles

This syllabus is valid: 2020-08-31 and until further notice

Course code: 2JU198

Credit points: 15

Education level: Second cycle

Main Field of Study and progress level: Law: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Grading scale: VG Pass with distinction, G Pass, U Fail

Responsible department: Department of Law

Revised by: Head of Department of Law, 2020-02-24

Contents

Contents
The course describes, analyses, and critically discusses key concepts and issues necessary to understand constitutional law as a national and international legal phenomenon, as well as the rule of law as a principle of governance and an international policy area. The course addresses historical phases of constitutional development, fundamental principles of constitutional law, and the relationship between constitutionalism and democracy. The course approaches the issues from primarily a European perspective of multi-layer constitutionalism, using recent legal developments and scholarly debate as a point of departure for further analysis.

Expected learning outcomes

Expected lerning outcomes
At the end of the course the students shall:
-    exhibit advanced knowledge of key issues and concepts relating to constitutional law, constitutionalism and the rule of law,
 
-    exhibit an understanding of the relationship between different constitutional and rule of law issues and concepts, and
 
-    exhibit an ability to independently identify and assess complex constitutional and rule of law issues, present these clearly, and argue for solutions from various points.

Required Knowledge

A minimum of 120 university credits in law.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course.

Form of instruction

Form of instruction
The instruction is in the form of lectures and seminars. Presence at the seminars is compulsory. The students are expected to prepare assignments for the seminars and be active participants in the seminars. The teacher responsible for the course may grant dispensations.
 
The language of the course including its literature and examination is English.
 
A student who has been accepted and registered for the course has the right to teaching and guidance only during the term/academic year when he/she was accepted and registered.

Examination modes

Examination modes
Examination takes place through fulfillment of two parts, partly the compulsory course elements specified in component 1 below, partly writing a final written assignment as specified in component 2 below.
 
Component 1
Active participation during compulsory seminars and fulfillment of any written assignments belonging to those seminars. Component 2
Fulfillment of an individual written assignment.
 
Grades
A passing grade on the activities under components 1-2 above are required to receive a passing grade for the course as a whole. For component 1 the grades Fail (U) or Pass (G) can be awarded. On the written assignment the grades awarded are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG).
 
On the entire course, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG). The grade for the course as a whole is based on the result of the written assignment and awarded after the completion of all compulsory course elements.
 
The appointed examiner may decide to use other forms of examination if required by particular circumstances. A student who has not received a passing grade on a test will be afforded an opportunity for re-examination. A student who has passed examination may not be re-examined. A student who has taken two tests for a course or segment of a course, without passing, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless special reasons exist. A written request for change of examiner is submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Education.
 
Students who have participated in but failed a test, including essays, seminars, written and oral assignments et cetera, have the right to do a make-up assignment in order to reach the grade Pass (but not higher grades). The student may still achieve a higher grade than Pass on the course overall, if all requirements for the grade in question are fulfilled. The make-up assignment must be completed no later than two months after the student learned of the failed grade and using the same form of examination.

Other regulations

Students have the right to apply to have a previous education or experience evaluated for transfer of credits.

Literature