Globalization is both a material and conceptual process that acts on and through the law. This seminar critically positions questions of the ‘global’ in conversation with the idea of law, legality and legal thought. Taking a historical approach, we will investigate how legal institutions and concepts evolved, travelled, and were transplanted across the globe in response to specific economic and political events and pressures. Students will critically engage with the process of ‘globalization’ to explore how power is distributed through law across hegemonic and oppressed legal jurisdictions. With an eye towards social and liberation movements, we will explore the extent to which global, local and ‘glocal’ law can be relied on to advance – and restrict – emancipatory projects. Finally, we will look at the recent turn to populism across the world to ask how and why nationalism has been one response to global interconnectedness and ideas of justice.
This seminar will be delivered using a combination of teaching methods including class discussions; mini-lectures; in-class exercises and guest lectures.
Method of Evaluation: Your grade will be based on: Podcast assignment (25%); Research paper (75%; 5,000 words for first-year students and 7,000 words for upper-year students)