Time Schedule:
Gad Barzilai
SIS 439
Seattle Campus
Explores global and local interactions between political power and rule of law. Studies theory of law and political power; development of the concept of ' rule of law' ; development and boundaries of civil democratic supervision; political corruption; relationship between economies and law; warfare; terrorism, counter-terrorism, and human rights. Offered: jointly with LSJ 439.
Class description
This seminar covers international fascinating and controversial global issues relating to interactions between political power (e.g., governments, legislatures, and courts), on the one hand, and the rule of law on the other hand. We will address issues at the domestic level, the international level, and through comparative analysis. Among the issues to be studied: theories of law and political power; how the concept and practices of ‘rule of law' have developed from antiquity to modernity; how civil democratic supervision has developed and what are its boundaries; the nature of political corruption and how to oppose it; how economics affects law and what the interactions are between economic globalization and the rule of law; the relationships between judges/justices and politicians; warfare and human rights; counter-terrorism and human rights; how law may assist and how it may hinder efforts to gain social equality; etc.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lectures, case studies, and in-class discussion and debate.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Students will work on independent research papers as part of the overall seminar discussions. I will encourage students to be creative in unveiling and criticizing realities.
