LSJ 469 A: Law and Rights in Authoritarian Regimes

Spring 2024
Meeting:
TTh 12:30pm - 2:20pm / MGH 074
SLN:
16607
Section Type:
Seminar
Joint Sections:
POL S 469 A , JSIS B 469 A
Instructor:
Susan H Whiting
Syllabus Description (from Canvas):

The course syllabus is here

Course Description

   During this quarter, we will compare democratic and authoritarian regimes and consider whether they are convergent or divergent regime types. Both democratic and authoritarian regimes have adopted legal forms, including constitutions, court systems and professional judges and lawyers. Further, authoritarian regimes have established “democratic-looking” institutions like legislatures, which have enacted extensive bodies of law. We will analyze the roles of these institutions in both democratic and authoritarian regimes and consider how they affect political life. We will also consider citizens’ legal consciousness and their participation in real and virtual civil society and social movements in both types of regimes.

Catalog Description:
Explores role of law and courts and nature of rights in authoritarian regimes. Questions addressed include why authoritarian regimes promote "rule-of-law", who is empowered by law, and the political consequences of "rule-of-law' promotion. Offered: jointly with JSIS B 469/POL S 469.
GE Requirements Met:
Social Sciences (SSc)
Credits:
5.0
Status:
Active
Last updated:
October 11, 2024 - 2:37 pm