Legal Studies

This course assesses private International law; its various theories, its sources, its methods, and techniques. The course addresses the problems of applying different provisions to the same legal relationship between people of different nationalities;  the solutions provided by immediately applicable rules and regulations; materials; the traditional conflict system, model laws, and uniform law. By the end of the course, students are expected to identify factual situations and adopt a decision based on law, acting in a loyal, diligent and transparent manner in the defense of the interests of the people they represent.

This course identifies contracts as a field of study of law and obligations. The course analyzes the different international organisms that enter international contract treaties. It distinguishes the practical study and identifies the types of international contracts with the greatest impact on private relationships and international business.

This course engages students in the exploration of political rights, the legal framework governing political parties, and electoral processes in Mexico. Through the analysis of rulings by the Supreme Court and the Electoral Tribunal, students gain both institutional and jurisdictional perspectives on elections. Throughout the semester, students are encouraged to observe the U.S. electoral process, engage in a post-US election debate, and delve into related topics such as party politics, electoral systems, and the analysis of U.S. presidential elections.
 

This course features an active learning of laws through international moot court and simulation. It also provides opportunities to do legal research, legal writing and oral advocacy. For instance, students write memorials and practice oral pleadings on a timely legal dispute case. 

The course outlines the law relating to refugee and immigration in Ireland in the light of EU membership and international human rights law, develops a critical understanding of the policy behind refugee and immigration law, and develops a practical understanding of the implications of refugee and immigration law. The course is divided in to three parts, Part I deals with the International Framework for Refugee Protection, Part II addresses the European dimension, and Part III considers the Irish framework on Refugee and Immigration law. Topics covered include Principles and Key Concepts in Refugee Protection, the Convention relating to Status of Refugees 1951, Alternative Forms and Instruments of Protecting, the Evolving EU Acquis on Asylum, European Refugee Protection: Practices and Policies, the Refugee in Irish Law, Citizenship and Naturalization in Irish law and Immigration Law in Ireland.

This course focuses on the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to negotiate, execute, and monitor the performance of international commercial contracts. This course provides undergraduate law students with a comprehensive understanding of the life cycle of international commercial contracts. It covers key aspects such as contract formation, interpretation, performance, non-performance, remedies for breach, exemptions, and dispute resolution. By the end of the course, students have a strong foundation in the principles and practices governing international commercial contracts, enabling them to effectively draft, analyze, and negotiate such contracts.

This course provides students with knowledge of the fundamental concepts, principles, processes, and rules of public international law as well as a more in-depth knowledge of selected areas of the law. This course covers different aspects of general international law, including the sources of international law, statehood and international legal personality, the law of international responsibility, and dispute settlement. It also examines more specialized areas of public international law, with a focus on jurisdiction, immunities, the use of force, and human rights, land and sea, and the environment. The course addresses theoretical debates and uses practical examples of international law in action, many of them relating to contemporary events in international relations.

This course examines contemporary issues in outer space at the the intersection of outer space law, telecommunications, science, security and defense. It covers how to navigate and apply the Outer Space Treaties to contemporary issues including rocket launches, scientific missions, satellite mega-constellations, space debris, rescue of astronauts, space tourism, electronic satellite warfare, the settlement of the Moon and Mars, and use of space resources. The course provides an opportunity to develop and propose new regulation and policy in order to address burgeoning challenges, as well as the ability to advocate for change and support the global community in realizing the benefits of space activities. The course provides an understanding of the geopolitical history of the space race; the international framework governing activities in outer space, including the Outer Space Treaty (1967), the astronaut Rescue Agreement, and allocation of radio frequencies and orbits by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU); the application of principles in the Outer Space Treaties to real-life case studies; the political forces shaping EU and international space policy; and the escalating risk to global peace and security in a space arms race.

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director or Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. The internship may be taken during one or more terms but the units cannot exceed a total of 12.0 for the year.

What if pop culture is not only about entertainment but also raises critical issues about our human condition? For instance, Taylor Swift's lyrics often rely on introspective work between choices and values. Game of Thrones reminds us of the pervasiveness of violence in our societies. The current ‘sneakers hype’ reveals how our bodies are expressions of status and identity. This course examines TV series, movies, music, fashion, and other ‘popular objects’ to explore ethical and philosophical questions connected to our times.