Module B: Public Law and Politics (compulsory module, 14 ECTS)

Content: The module will familiarize students with the constitutional and political systems of South-Eastern European countries from a comparative perspective. Topics dealt with include, amongst others, the main constitutional/political models in South-Eastern Europe, electoral and party systems, rule of law and good governance in South-Eastern Europe; post-communist democratization in South-Eastern Europe and consolidation of democracy. This is the necessary background in order to be able to understand where the region stands in the context of European integration and enlargement, which will be a second focus of this module. Students will learn about the fundaments of the EU, former enlargement waves and current negotiation processes. Finally, due to the recent history of the region marked by human rights violations and ethnic conflict, students will be familiarized with instruments for the protection of human and minority rights, their monitoring mechanisms and European standards in the field. 

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this module, students will:

  • be able to understand the interrelationship of political concepts, legal systems and instruments and their role in political processes, in particular in political crises and conflicts
  • be equipped with the necessary tools in order to understand legal and political processes and dynamics
  • have the technical knowledge needed for the future negotiations during the EU enlargement processes
  • be able to make use of the instruments available for the protection of human and minority rights and for the management of conflicts

Teaching methods: lectures and seminars

Preconditions for participation: none

The courses of this module will be offered in such a way that the module can be completed within one academic year.