Constitution-Making, Democracy and Development: Africa, Middle East and Comparative Perspectives

Language of Instruction

English

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

- Explain the interconnections between constitutions as formal documents and as political practices and how the constitution facilitates and constrains political behavior.

- Demonstrate command of theoretical and empirical texts that emphasize how constitutions shape and constrain political action in new and established democracies ¿ and how the constitutions themselves are shaped by the political and social context.

- Explain central concepts and theoretical debates such as democratic constitutionalism; human rights; rule of law, and constitutional engineering and be able to apply them to empirical contexts.

- Analyze how and why constitutions differ between countries and regions, and what the effects are on society.

Contact Information

studieveileder@sampol.uib.no/55583316

Course offered (semester)

Spring

Exam offered (semester)

Spring

Language of Instruction

English

Course Unit Level

Bachelor

Department

Department of Comparative Politics

Aim and Content

Objectives: This course introduces students to constitutional theory and empirical processes of constitution-making and constitutional change in various parts of the world, but with an emphasis on African and Middle Eastern countries. The course is taught by staff members as well as guest lecturers. Through the course, students will be familiarized with the theoretical literature on the structure and functions of constitutions; the relationship between democracy and constitutionalism; and how constitutions are constructed and changed through diverse processes. Finally, the course provides empirical insights into recent constitution-making processes in Africa and the Middle East.

Content: The course is divided into three main parts. Part one focuses on constitutional theory and how - in various forms and designs - constitutions function as power-maps as well as mechanisms to limit the exercise of power. A central focus will be on how constitutions help or hinder democracy. Part two of the course focuses on constitution-making as process. Lectures and discussions will emphasise how constitutions are made ¿ and changed ¿ in different ways and influenced by different social actors: elites negotiating constitutional deals as part of a political transition; technocratic constitutional engineering by (domestic and/or international) experts; gradual process of re-interpretation by courts and other authorities; and, increasingly, broad public participation and deliberation. In part three, we will discuss constitution-making and constitutional practice in five empirical cases, drawn primarily from Africa and the Middle East. Each country case will systematically analyze the constitution-making process and how the constitution ended up ¿ including with regard to form of government, electoral system, system of checks and balances, minority protection and federalism/decentralisation. We will also discuss at challenges that have surfaced in each of the cases with regard to the function of the constitution.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

- Explain the interconnections between constitutions as formal documents and as political practices and how the constitution facilitates and constrains political behavior.

- Demonstrate command of theoretical and empirical texts that emphasize how constitutions shape and constrain political action in new and established democracies ¿ and how the constitutions themselves are shaped by the political and social context.

- Explain central concepts and theoretical debates such as democratic constitutionalism; human rights; rule of law, and constitutional engineering and be able to apply them to empirical contexts.

- Analyze how and why constitutions differ between countries and regions, and what the effects are on society.

Teaching Methods

Lectures (12)

Compulsory Requirements

None

Assessment methods

6 hour school exam

Grading Scale

A-F

Course Unit Evaluation

Regularly

Contact Information

studieveileder@sampol.uib.no/55583316