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

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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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201 - 225 of 928 Reviews for Introduction to International Criminal Law

By Raquel I L

May 30, 2020

Muy interesante. El profesor que lo imparte lo hace didáctico y entretenido. Las prácticas son muy interesantes y útiles. Pragmático. Muy recomendable

By michael h

Jan 2, 2018

Extremely interesting even when I didn`t agree with it. Mr Sharf or Sharp as he was once referred to did an excellent job. May the force be with you.

By Nathalia

Aug 6, 2022

Incredible, they teach you in a didactic way with simulations and the teacher explains very well and clearly and motivates you to finish the course.

By Efrain Z

Aug 23, 2020

Un curso donde aprendí aspectos que desconocía respecto a los procesos que se llevan a cabo en cortes internacionales.

Aconsejable para todo público.

By Alex A

Apr 16, 2017

Thoroughly enjoyable, even as a student with no background in law. I very much look forward to beginning my law degree after completing this course.

By Arshaan J L

Sep 11, 2021

Fantastic, Michael Scharf is one of the best professors out there who truly helps you understand the topic and teaches you how to think critically.

By Stefan R

Sep 15, 2020

A great course that is well prepared for not being too complicated nor difficult to follow as well as being interesting. Its quite good i must say.

By Shantanu P

Oct 5, 2017

It is one of the nest courses that I have done till now. I will surely recommend it to my colleagues. Thank you so much for this wonderful course.

By ACIDRI M R

Oct 4, 2020

This course has greatly helped me in appreciating the principles of international criminal law and I would like say thanks a lot dear moderator.

By Nitish K

May 2, 2020

I haven't had a lot of online courses, but in this course there was nothing to complain about. The biggest plus is the Professor Michael Scharf.

By Sir A B

Nov 2, 2020

I find it difficult but I really learned something. I saved all of the reading materials for me to read it deeply. laws is all about analytical

By DINA F R Z

Feb 18, 2018

ME ENCANTÓ, FUE UNA EXCELENTE MANERA DE APRENDER SOBRE DERECHO PENAL INTERNACIONAL. LOS VIDEOS FUERON MUY CLAROS Y LA INFORMACIÓN MUY PRÁCTICA.

By KEVIN C V S

Sep 12, 2022

Saya sangat terbantu dengan kursus yang saya ikuti ini. Saya sangat ingin mengikuti kursus yang lainnya di lain waktu. Terima kasih Coursera.

By Jean P

Dec 22, 2019

This course is an excellent refresher for legal professionals that would like to update their International Criminal Law knowledge. Thank you.

By Jomel D B

Mar 6, 2022

As someone engaged in Criminal Justice field, this course forms an essential part of our knowledge base. It is comprehensive and informative.

By Heloisa Z C

Sep 1, 2020

I really liked the course and the teacher, Michael Scharf, explains really well the basics to international criminal law and the due process.

By ALISSON L O

Mar 15, 2023

Curso excepcional! Alto nível de ensinamentos com agilidade e didática, indicado à todos que pretendam obter conhecimento referente ao tema.

By BIZIMANA D

Nov 5, 2020

THIS COURSE IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR A JURIST AS THE MODULES ARE STRUCTURED IN A MANNER WHICH HELPS THE STUDENT TO UNDERSTAND WELL THE LESSON

By 175B029 V V

Sep 12, 2020

It was fun learning this course . especially ,MR. Michael Scharf sir's lecture is amazing. Thank you cousera for providing this opportunity.

By Aide S D

Dec 23, 2015

The movie clips at the beginning made me wonder if the course was going to be worth it, but once you get past that, it gets very interesting

By Muhammad J

Oct 22, 2022

Thank you for such a great platform for learning. Thank you professor for explaining everythings clearly about international criminal law.

By EID A S

Jun 22, 2021

I am very excited to be taking this course on the introduction of criminal law and justice at Case Western University in the United States.

By Molly I

Dec 21, 2020

The videos were very easy to keep watching as they were interesting! I learnt a lot and appreciated how much reading we received as well.

By David T

Oct 8, 2015

The course is excellent, I am learning a great deal so far and enjoying it. The content is also fascinating. Thank you Professor Scharf!!!

By Peter O

Oct 26, 2015

Fantastic professor. Lots of very useful materials. Straightforward requirements. Contemporary cases. Very engaging course. Fascinating!