LAW5644 - Sovereignty and globalisation - 2019

This unit will examine the relationship between sovereignty and globalisation from the 'discovery' of the Americas, to the emergence of the nation-state and popular sovereignty, through colonisation and de-colonisation, to present concerns with financial and technological integration and the 'war on terror'. It will ask what it means to be 'sovereign' in a globalised world and how this question shapes and is shaped by the allocation of legal, political and economic power in the world.

Upon completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Identify, evaluate and synthesise relevant legal, theoretical and historical issues and concepts in relation to the relationship between sovereignty and globalisation;
2. Demonstrate cognitive and creative skills in analysing complex issues about sovereignty and globalisation;
3. Critically evaluate various dominant and popular conceptions of the proper scope of sovereign authority in light of global challenges;
4. Communicate and advocate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, on issues relating to sovereignty and globalisation;
5. Reflect on and assess their own performance, including by taking into account feedback on earlier work, to improve their capabilities and understanding.

1. Class participation: 15%
2. Draft essay plan and preliminary bibliography (1875 words): 25%
3. Research essay (4500 words): 60%

Students enrolled in this unit will be provided with 24 contact hours of seminars per semester [in Prato they will have 36 contact hours] whether intensive, semi-intensive, or semester-long offering. Students will be expected to do reading set for class, and to undertake additional research and reading applicable to a 6 credit point unit.