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

4.8
stars
3,971 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

FJ

Aug 26, 2023

Professor Michael P. Scharf is an outstanding teacher, and I am happy that I could listen to his lectures and study the materials in this Course on Introduction to International Criminal Law.

EB

Nov 28, 2015

I thoroughly enjoyed this highly informative course - it shed a lot of light on aspects which have puzzled me over the years. Fascinating and very well presented. Thank you.

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276 - 300 of 1,008 Reviews for Introduction to International Criminal Law

By Emmanuel H

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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

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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

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Dec 6, 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

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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

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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

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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

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Jan 24, 2016

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

By Deepak B N

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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

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Mar 18, 2022

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

By Daniel C

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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

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Oct 5, 2020

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

Valeu muito a pena!

By Gabriela M G

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Jul 24, 2020

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

By Svetlana D

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May 3, 2022

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

By Purinat P

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Feb 16, 2024

The videos are a bit overwhelming in terms of length and text but simple enough to watch on a bit higher speed.

By Mahya

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Jul 23, 2022

really helpful, i enjoy it so much in my summer break and it made me even more curiuos and amazed by int. law!

By Rona D L

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Sep 27, 2020

Thumbs up for the online professors for their efforts and well explain topics about international criminal laws

By Saubhagya C

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May 26, 2020

Very helpful, knowledgeable, and easy to understand. Combination action of practicality and classroom teaching.

By Paula L J

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Apr 8, 2021

Extraordinariamente interesante. He aprendido muchísimo.

It's extraordinarily interesting. I have learnt a lot.

By Bassel K

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Aug 10, 2020

The impact of state policies on the International Court. And the difficulty of achieving international justice

By FAZIL G C 1 V C

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May 28, 2020

Absolutely informative. Got a lot to learn from it. Thank you. Looking forward to take part in future courses.

By Joseph C

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Aug 14, 2015

It was interesting. The professor was great. The Final was a little much, but fair. On balance - great course.

By Hamad U

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Feb 5, 2023

The best course I ever attend. It helps me in understanding the basic concepts of International criminal law.

By Anil D

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Jun 4, 2022

A well designed course delivered by an experienced Professor. Recommended the course for my students of LLM.

By Jhonata B

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Feb 3, 2020

The course was extremely relevant, with its materials easy to understand. Congratulations to the instructors.

By GLORIA D R

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Dec 14, 2015

MUY INTERESANTE, SALUDOS AL PROFESOR Y AGRADECIMIENTOS POR COMPARTIR CON NOSOTROS MUY BIEN EXPLICADO. GRACIAS