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

4.8
stars
3,985 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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601 - 625 of 1,009 Reviews for Introduction to International Criminal Law

By Ben B

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Sep 1, 2015

Michael Scharf is awesome!!!

By ŞEYDA B

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Jan 31, 2023

loved the course so much 💯

By Muhammad A M

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Sep 27, 2021

Very knowldgeable contents.

By Nuwan D (

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May 1, 2021

It’s very valuable to me...

By Aido O

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Nov 11, 2020

Informative, great lecturer

By SHIVAM A

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Sep 7, 2020

very interestingly taught!!

By Marco A Q M

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Jan 21, 2017

Excelente curso y profesor.

By MARIA Z

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Oct 27, 2025

excelente curso me encantó

By Katharina N

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Jul 4, 2022

The teacher was AMAZING!!

By Daniela T

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Mar 11, 2021

I really enjoy the course.

By Gisella G

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Dec 17, 2020

gracias, aprendi un monton

By margarita r

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Nov 17, 2020

Thank you for this course!

By aashima s

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Sep 28, 2020

a great leaning experience

By ellis r

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Jul 12, 2018

Really interesting course!

By YATIRAJ B

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Nov 18, 2024

its great learning for me

By Jose Q

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Sep 22, 2024

Buen curso para segurirlo

By Kavya T

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Jan 19, 2022

it was of great knowledge

By Turabaeva Z Y

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Jan 18, 2022

it was very useful for me

By Alireza A N

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Nov 4, 2021

Alireza Allahverdi Nejad

By MANTHIA T

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Jan 5, 2021

VERY INTERESTING COURSE !

By Mandla N

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Nov 2, 2020

The course is exceptional

By Farjana A j

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Jun 19, 2020

iT WAS AN AWESOME JOURNEY

By Antoine C

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Jul 21, 2019

Awesome course, thank you

By Monique J

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Oct 23, 2020

I enjoyed the challange.

By LAURA C C B

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Sep 4, 2020

it was a good experience