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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to International Criminal Law by Case Western Reserve University

4.8
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3,659 ratings

About the Course

-- About the Course -- From the Nuremberg trial to the case against Saddam Hussein, from the prosecution of Al-Qaeda terrorists to the trial of Somali pirates – no area of law is as important to world peace and security as international criminal law. Taught by one of the world’s leading experts in the field, this course will educate students about the fundamentals of international criminal law and policy. We will explore the contours of international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, terrorism, and piracy. We will examine unique modes of international criminal liability and specialized defenses. And we will delve into the challenges of obtaining custody of the accused and maintaining control of the courtroom. -- Course Syllabus -- This course comprises eight units (or "modules"). Each will include an assigned reading, typically an article or book chapter, as well as a simulation designed to bring the readings to life. I will also offer video lectures on each of the topics, accompanied by slides. In addition, there will be online role-play exercises and debates, enabling the students to share their own insights. The order of class sessions will be: (1) History: From Nuremberg to The Hague (2) International Crimes Part 1: War Crimes, Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, and Torture (3) International Crimes Part 2: Terrorism and Piracy (4) Special modes of liability: command responsibility, co-perpetration, and incitement (5) Special defenses: insanity, obedience to orders, duress, and head of state immunity (6) Gaining custody of the accused: extradition, luring, abduction, and targeted killing (7) Pre-Trial Issues: plea bargaining, self-representation, and exclusion of torture evidence (8) Maintaining control of the courtroom -- Recommended Background -- You don’t have to be a lawyer and there are no prerequisites for this course. However, the course will be conducted at the level expected of advanced undergraduate students. Therefore, for all participants, reading and writing comfortably in English at the undergraduate college level is desirable. -- Suggested Readings -- Students should read the assigned online materials for each unit in advance of the class session. In addition, students are invited to subscribe to “War Crimes Prosecution Watch,” a free bi-weekly e-newsletter that summarizes the latest developments in the field of international criminal law. -- Course Format -- This course is made up of eight content units. Each unit is based on an online reading assignment, a video lecture of about one hour in length, and one or more role play exercises to stimulate on-line discussion. The course also offers in-video enrichment quizzes (ungraded) for each unit, a ten question multiple choice midterm diagnostics exam (ungraded), and a ten question True/False Final Exam. -- FAQ-- How will this course be graded? This course is graded on completion. In order to complete the course each student must: (1) finish each module (or “lesson”); (2) write at least one essay response of 200 words or more for at least one simulation throughout the course; and (3) get a score of 6 out of 10 or better on the Final Exam. What resources will I need for this course? For this course, all you need is an Internet connection, and the time to read and discuss the exciting materials available online. What is the coolest thing about this course? The topics we will be discussing are ripped from the headlines. The topics are often controversial and thought-provoking, and always exciting....

Top reviews

AM

Sep 21, 2020

learned so much from this course, absolutely loved it, and the way the professor taught the lessons showed his experience and his knowledge even for fist timers it would be a great course to opt for.

LS

Oct 24, 2020

Extremely well-organized. Really glad to see how all previous examples and history records were referenced to every topic. Neatly explained topics. Every aspect was discussed and explained in detail.

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251 - 275 of 928 Reviews for Introduction to International Criminal Law

By SATVIK T

Jul 19, 2021

Highly informative and interesting! Recommended for anyone interested in the confluence of international and criminal law.

By María A H

Jun 28, 2020

Very usefull and well-organized course. I trully recommend this course for anyone interested in International criminal law.

By Dr R K

May 3, 2020

wonderful programme and most important, wonderful instructor. I recommend this course for Law professors and Law students.

By Alina A

Oct 29, 2016

This course can develop skills of legal analysis of the international trials and shows the foundations for legal opinions.

By Aalok N C

Sep 9, 2020

Just a brilliant course to understand international law . I want to thank Mr. Micheal who presented this very beautifully

By Andrés F R C

Jul 15, 2020

Maravilloso profesor. Muy claras las explicaciones y muy pertinente el uso de muchos casos para lograr mayor comprensión.

By Rosalina d M P M

May 4, 2020

I found the course wonderful !!! The teacher is excellent, congratulations on the wisdom of teaching Michael. Thank you!

By Aarti v

Apr 1, 2020

This course was very interesting and gave me detailed knowledge about international law with help of various case study.

By jamesmalumo

May 17, 2018

This course was very good and it really helped me alot to understand what going around with international criminal law

By Hardlife R

Mar 17, 2023

this is a very good course. lots of appreciation to my lecture the topics are well explain and they are understandable.

By Daniel H A M

Jun 20, 2020

I really have enjoyed this course a lot and learned many new concepts about Internation Criminal Law.

Thank you so much

By Marija R

Mar 21, 2020

Michael Scharf is an excellent professor, I greatly enjoyed the course, which was extremely imteresting and motivating.

By Emmanuel H

Dec 27, 2018

I observe this course with intentionally and critically , i hope i will get some vital education and necessary lessons.

By Houda B

Oct 3, 2022

Je vous remercie pour ce cours, cela m'a vraiment aidé pour conprendre cette matière. un cours riche en informations.

By María D L A P L

Dec 7, 2020

¡Es un increíble curso para sumergirse en el DPI, con el mejor profesor en una de las mejores universidades del mundo!

By Umair A S

Mar 30, 2020

It was a great experience, this course offers a lot of knowledge and learning one needs on International Criminal law.

By Hasham A

Jul 16, 2020

One of the Best teachers on Coursera. This course gave me an insight into how the International Criminal Court works.

By Magda O

Jul 21, 2017

Great course! I highly recommend it to anyone interested in International Criminal Law and/or international politics.

By Lavinder K A A K S

Jan 24, 2016

Very informative and comprehension modules and video teachings to enhance my interests in International Criminal Law.

By Deepak B N

Sep 27, 2015

if you planning to learn International Criminal Law even with out law background this course will help you understand

By Julian V

Mar 18, 2022

Excelente oportunidad que me han otorgado para poder complementar mis estudios. Muchas gracias por este gran curso.

By Daniel C

Feb 15, 2021

The professor is excellent and the lectures are very helpful. Useful & informative. Lectures are long but worth it.

By Pedro V F C

Oct 5, 2020

Curso extraordinário, parabéns ao organizadores aprendi muito, história, organização e cultura.

Valeu muito a pena!

By Gabriela M G

Jul 24, 2020

Es un curso muy completo, claro, con materiales de lectura concisos y una gran línea jurisprudencial internacional.

By Svetlana D

May 3, 2022

Excellent and a fairly dense overview of key international issues. Great job by Prof. Scharf and the course team!