Course title

Comparative Constitutional Law

Responsible person
Shih-An WANG
to enter grades
Numbering Code

Day・Period, etc. Tues1(対面)

開講区分

単位数

2nd semester

2.0

Timetable Slot
Code

3J398

Lesson topic
This course aims to survey the major topics in the scholarship of comparative constitutional law. Instead of
focusing purely on constitutional doctrines, we will take a functional viewpoint to discuss the design andfunctions of different constitutional institutions, including constitutions, courts, political parties,
legislatures, and executives. We will explore the implications of these constitutional institutions onconstitutional developments. To facilitate this goal, we will study recent developments in constitutional law andpolitics in different countries, including constitutionally influential countries, as well as those outside thescope of our traditional focus.
Lesson target
By the end of this course, students shall be able to appreciate the major topics in comparative constitutional law.
Students shall be able to analyze constitutional issues of their own countries
and other countries from a comparative perspective. Additionally, students can enhance their English communicativeskills by exchanging their opinions in class.

Syllabus and plan
1. Introduction to the Course / Constitutions & Constitutionalism
2. Constitutions & Constitutionalism
3. Constitution-making
4. Constitutional amendments
5. Separation of powers
6. Political parties, electoral systems, and democracy
7. Constitutional rights (1): Political rights
8. Constitutional rights (2): Equality
9. Constitutional rights (3): Social and economic rights
10. Judicial review (1)11. Judicial review (2)12. Judicial review (3)13. Emergencies
14. Foreign relations & International law15. Q&A Session

Evaluation method- Class participation (25%).
- Final exam or research paper (75%)

Evaluation baseline- Class participation (25%). All students are expected to participate and exchange their perspectives on the course
materials in class. Students who contribute regularly will receive extra credit that will significantly figure into
their final grade. Students will not be penalized for making errors in English.
- Final exam or research paper (75%)
o Final exam: The exam will require students to write responses to a few questions in English. Grades will bedetermined by how well students can master and analyze course materials and the topics discussed in class. To theextent that their responses are clear and apprehensible, students will not be penalized for making grammaticalerrors in English.
o Research paper: Students may write a research paper (at least 20 pages in English) instead of taking the exam.
Students should consult the instructor about paper topics if they want to do so. The deadline for paper submissions
will be announced in class. Grades will be determined by the quality of the paper.

Notice (include info. on related class)Students interested in studying in English-speaking countries may participate in this course to develop theirfamiliarity with English materials and communicative skills.

Review and preparation
Course materials will be distributed on BEEF+, and students are expected to complete readings by the beginning ofeach class. All course materials are in English.
Kobe University requires 45 hours of study from students to award one credit, including both in- class instructions
as well as study outside classes. Students are required to prepare for each class and complete the review after
each class, depending on the respective class goals.

Office hour・Contact information
Details of office hours will be announced in the first class. Students can also schedule a meeting with theinstructor via email. The instructor’s email address will be announced before the semester starts. Students cancontact the administrative office if needed.

Message for student
The course aims to be intellectually engaging, so students should feel comfortable to ask questions and express
their viewpoints in class. Students are also encouraged to discuss the readings and lectures with classmates oranyone else.
Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to take this course.

Improvemenets in Teaching
N/AText
No textbook is required for this course. All course materials will be distributed on BEEF+.
Reference Material
Students interested in further reading are welcome to schedule a meeting with the instructor for details.
Classroom Language
EnglishKeywords
Comparative Law; Constitutional Law; Constitutionalism; Judicial Politics; Institutions; Exchange student (Specialauditing student)