96108 - Law and Globalization

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student understands the different theoretical-legal paradigms regarding the normative understanding of economic and political processes commonly referred to as “globalisation”. The student comprehends the crises faced by traditional concepts of sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law in a globalized context. They are able to analyze whether and how these concepts can still be employed in governing globalization phenomena and develop a critical approach to the challenges posed by globalization to legal and institutional governance.

Course contents

After an introduction aimed at briefly describing the transnational economic and socio-political processes connected to the concept of ‘globalisation’, the course aims to represent the complex, varied and pluralistic nature of new legal relationships, new ‘sources’ of law, and the emergence of new active legal entities. The regulatory scenario that is emerging seems to transcend or circumvent state borders, reinventing its own space and functions, as well as its relationship with politics and technology. From trade to the environment, from the Internet to financial policies, the world is governed by entities that appear to have no political mandate and are not dependent on either states or peoples.
Is it therefore possible to speak of a “global law" capable of regulating and limiting them?

By describing the transformations in governance, exemplary cases and court decisions, the course aims to assess the role of legality in the globalised world, both from a theoretical and a legal-political point of view. In other words, it aims to question the validity of the ideal of the Rule of Law as a premise that law limits power, but above all as the guardian of the public nature of law.


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Readings/Bibliography

Attending and non-attending students:


At the beginning of the semester, the lecturer will communicate the materials and texts relevant to the course and to passing the final exam.

Teaching methods

The course is held at the Bologna campus during the first semester and consists of classroom lectures (24 lessons, each lasting 2 hours). Each lesson consists of a presentation of a topic followed by an open discussion with students. The aim is to involve students as much as possible in the argumentative process developed by the lecturer in order to promote their ability to critically engage with the topics covered.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of an oral test involving the discussion of two topics, one proposed by the student and the other chosen by the teacher. The test aims both to ascertain the level of knowledge acquired by the student and to assess the degree to which the course objectives have been met, particularly with regard to the ability to critically analyse and independently elaborate on the topics covered.


Final grade scale:

Preparation on a very limited number of topics; analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher; generally correct language → 18-19.

Preparation on a limited number of topics; limited analytical skills; correct language → 20-24.
Preparation on a wide range of topics; above-average critical skills; mastery of specific terminology → 25-29.
Exhaustive preparation; above-average critical skills; full mastery of specific terminology; ability to argue independently → 30-30L.

Thesis:

Students who intend to request a thesis in this subject are asked to 1) contact the professor at least seven months before the session in which they intend to graduate, and 2) consult the titles of theses already completed, which appear in the ‘Teaching-Thesis’ section of the professor's website.

Teaching tools

Slides, texts and any in-depth seminars organised by the teacher with the aim of stimulating interest and promoting student participation.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Vida