School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences

Course Syllabus

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall
- further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
- develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
- develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

Knowledge and comprehension
At the end of the course the student should be able to.
- describe various interpretations of the concept "the best interest of the child" in international criminal justice for and with children,
- describe the purpose and function, components and premises of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,
- show awareness and understanding of relevant areas within international criminal justice for and with children.

Ability and capacity
At the end of the course the student should be able to
- identify and analyse issues of child rights violations in specific situations and apply legal norms in these cases,
- show ability to critically discuss phenomena, questions and situations within the relevant area of international criminal justice for and with children,
-show ability to independently identify, formulate and solve problems within relevant areas,
- show ability to complete assignments within set time frames,
- show ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions both orally and written within relevant areas.

Valuation and perspective
The student should, at the end of the course, be able to independently reflect over international criminal justice in relation to the main principles of the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Furthermore, the student has gained a deeper knowledge and understanding with regards to relevant research within the specific filed of children in international criminal justice as well as current affairs with legal political dimensions of importance to the specific field studied. In addition, the student shall have an indepth understanding of societal consequences of international criminal justice; and its function, as a tool, in relation to impunity. Finally the student shall have gained, with the assistance of a critical approach, a well developed ability to identify, analyse and present solutions to problems within the relevant legal system.

In the course 'International Criminal justice for children' we begin by defining the notion of 'child'. The key principles of children's rights are then introduced and discussed throughout the course with the focus on international criminal justice and such protection standards for children.
The course looks at the development within international criminal justice towards an end to impunity. We study case law and case-like situations with children involved, e.g. gender related questions where the girl child is often in focus. Situations with children as victims, witnesses to and potential perpetrator of crimes under international law are discussed in relation to international core crimes, as are important international protection rules for children. Lastly international criminal justice institutions and courts are studied, ending with a look at the International Criminal Court and how it relates to the rights of the child.

This course is taught in English. It is a web-based course, mainly conducted online but with one compulsory physical meeting at the end of the course.
The course is to some extent problem-based, whereby the teaching is based on case-oriented assignments with the purpose of stimulating students own knowledgebased search, critical reflection, analytical ability and capacity development.
The course is conducted with the help of a few lectures, online meetings and seminars. Compulsory attendance applies to all grade-based assignments, and at any additional moment as ascribed in the course schedule.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Course grade
Grades used for the course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
Max. points for the course are 100 points. Each seminar is compulsory and demands participation. To gain grade G, 50 points are required. For grade VG, 80 points are required.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

180 credits at the first level of which 90 credits with increasing depth within law, or successful completion of the first level, 180 credits, within the Law Programme. Additional requirements: English Course B/English Course 6.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

This course is taught in English. It is a web-based course, mainly conducted online but with one compulsory physical meeting, towards the end of the course.
The course is problem-based, whereby the teaching is based on case-oriented assignments with the purpose of stimulating students own knowledgebased search, critical reflection, analytical ability and capacity development.
The course is conducted with the help of a few lectures, online meetings and seminars. Compulsory attendance applies to all grade-based assignments, and at any additional moment as ascribed in the course schedule.


Transitional Provisions

For a course that has been cancelled or significantly changed in content or scope, there may be examinations on three occasions within 12 to 18 months after the changes have been made.

Required Reading

Tillägg på artiklar och rättsfall omfattande ca 300 sidor kan tillkomma och anges i början av kursen på Blackboard. Additional articles and case law of approx. 300 pages may be added at the beginning of the course on Blackboard.

See this Course Syllabus as PDF