The course introduces students to key issues of European and international law, institutions and governance, drawing on a wide range of current difficult and complex “real world” problems, which are relevant in the context of socio-ecological policies and transformations. Taking into account students’ diverse backgrounds, it provides an introduction to the foundations of European and international law and institutions in a wide range of fields, including human rights, the environment, international trade and investment, European integration (and disintegration) and multi-level governance in the EU. A particular focus throughout the course will be on the role of courts and on issues of democratic legitimacy in various contexts.

Students gain sound knowledge of foundations of European and international law, institutions and governance. Students understand the relevance of law in the context of socio-ecological policies and for transformations as well as the function and constraints of law as a regulatory tool. They understand how international agreements in various fields function and how they interact with other legal systems. Students acquire insights into the working of international and EU institutions as well as current attempts at institutional reform, both at the European and international level. They understand key features of EU multi-level governance and the complex interplay of domestic and European actors in EU law- and decision-making. Students can analyze and evaluate existing institutional arrangements and governance structures and develop creative ideas for alternative approaches.

Students improve their academic writing skills and are able to develop and present well-founded arguments in academic discussions. They are able to reflect critically on academic and policy papers and present complex topics in a concise manner. Finally, they are able to reflect on their own performance and to give constructive peer-feedback.

Subject to any COVID-related regulatory changes, classes will take place on-site.

Students are strongly encouraged to regularly attend Tuesdays' lectures, which introduce them to weekly topics.

For the interactive sessions on Thursdays, attendance is mandatory. There will be two on-site interactive sessions (09.00-10.30; 10.45-12.15) with students rotating on a weekly basis. Further information and details as regards the rotation will be provided at the beginning of the semester.

Please note that for the first lecture on 12 October 2021 attendance is mandatory. Exceptionally, this session may take place as a "live" online session. Final information will be provided in due time via e-mail.

The course combines lecture-type sessions and interactive sessions on a weekly basis. The lecture-type sessions introduce students to new topics, while the interactive sessions open the floor to in-class discussions based on readings assigned and require active student participation.

In preparation for both lecture-type and interactive sessions, students are required to read the literature assigned on a weekly basis.

Evaluation criteria: study reports, written mid-term exam, active in-class participation, self-assessment, peer-assessment.

Details on grading:

§ Students have to hand in two study reports (one from each pool of topics). The study reports account for 40% of the final grade (each study report 20%).

§ Students have to sit a written mid-term exam, accounting for 20% of the final grade.

§ Active in-class participation in the interactive sessions accounts for 20% of the final grade. Quality of contributions and/or familiarity with the assigned readings are of crucial importance.

§ Students have to submit a self-assessment of one of their study reports, accounting for 10% of the final grade.

§ Students have to submit a blind peer-assessment of one anonymized study report, accounting for 10% of their (own) final grade.

The final grade is calculated the following way: 0-50% = 5 (fail), 51-63%=4, 64-76%=3, 77-89%=2, 90-100%=1 (excellent)

In addition, there is a basic pass/fail course attendance requirement. That is, you cannot miss more than 3 hours of class (equivalent to two interactive sessions) over the entire semester. This allowance is for serious unforeseen circumstances.