This course explores the methodology and substance of comparative constitutional law. Attention will be given to several constitutional schemes including those of the United States and the United Kingdom, which have historically served as models for constitutional structures in many jurisdictions including especially Australia and other parts of the Commonwealth.
This course will also consider variations on common constitutional themes as well as context-driven divergences in several other jurisdictions in Africa, South Asia and South East Asia.
The framework for analysis will include questions as to when, how and why to compare constitutions, and an analysis of the vastly different constitutional arrangements that govern the relationship between the state, society and citizens across the world.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Students who have successfully completed this course will:
- have a better understanding of the range of constitutional models throughout the world
- have an appreciation of the role and relevance of constitutional comparison
- contextualise the current trends towards protecting human rights in the Australian and other legal systems
- understand the accomplishments and shortcomings of the Australian constitutional system through a comparative lens
Indicative Assessment
It is anticipated that the assessment will comprise:
- Take-home exam - 75%
- Option of class presentation or current issues portfolio assignment - 15%
- Class participation - 10%
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Twenty-six hours of intensive classes plus private study.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
It is proposed to use Vicki C Jackson and Mark Tushnet, Comparative Constitutional Law, Foundation Press, 2nd ed, 2006.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 3
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $2958 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $4146 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6799 | 29 Jul 2016 | 29 Jul 2016 | 12 Aug 2016 | 17 Sep 2016 | In Person | N/A |