Law, Society and Politics in Comparative Perspective

Overview

After an introduction to comparative law and legal culture, we read some classical social theorists (Durkheim, Weber and Marx), and consider their relevance to contemporary debates about morality, (dis)obedience, conflict, and property. 

Next, we investigate the role and operation of law in totalitarian settings such as Nazi and Communist Germany. Finally, we consider the difficulties that such legacies pose for democracy, the rule of law, and the economy in post-totalitarian societies. In this context, we examine the need for ‘transitional justice’, the relationship between law and the market, and the challenges posed by freedom of speech.

Overall, the  Law, Society and Politics in Comparative Perspective course from  Freie Universität Berlin aims to develop skills at using theory and history to inform debates on contemporary challenges, such as multiculturalism, punishment, (illegal) downloading/streaming/file-sharing, and economic development. 

In addition to gaining substantive expertise in various socio- and politico-legal fields, students develop communicative competence through participatory exercises, and intercultural competence through discussion with other students.

Student Profile  

This course is designed for all students with an interest in social sciences – in particular, history, sociology or political science – or in law. 

It is conceived as an undergraduate class, but the variety of students taking this course typically ranges from first-year students to postgraduate students. 

This experiential diversity provides unique opportunities for students to learn from one another.