Program Overview

Course Profile

General Course Information

The course code is LLAW3142, and the course name is Law and Politics of Constitutions. This course is offered under the LLB Programme and is scheduled for the second semester. It is designated as a research course, with no specialization or prerequisites/co-requisites required. The course is not available to non-law students and carries a credit point value of 6 credits.

Course Description

Almost every modern state has a written constitution, which serves not only as a legal document but also as a political instrument. The purpose, functions, and interpretation of a constitution depend on the interaction between law and politics. This course adopts an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to analyze the interaction between law and politics in Asia, examining communist regimes, dominant party democracies, and liberal democracies. Specific topics covered include judicial politics, authoritarian regimes, and constitutional remedies.

Course Teachers

• Course convenor: Po Jen Yap
  • Office: CCT 510
  • Consultation: By email

Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• CLO 1: Describe and explain the political systems in China, Vietnam, HKSAR, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea.
• CLO 2: Critically examine how the political system affects judicial behaviour and the enforcement of human rights.
• CLO 3: Apply and demonstrate one’s understanding of the interaction of law and politics to other regime types in Asia and the world.

Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

The course contributes to the achievement of the following PLOs:

• PLO A
• PLO B
• PLO C
• PLO D
• PLO E
• PLO F

Assessment

Assessment Summary

• Class presentation: 25% of the total grade
• Research paper: 75% of the total grade

Assessment Detail

To be advised by the course convenor.

Grading Criteria

To be advised by the course convenor.

Learning Activities

Learning Activity Plan

• Seminar: 3 hours/week for 12 teaching weeks
• Private study time: 9.5 hours/week for 12 teaching weeks

Details of Learning Activities

To be advised by the course convenor.

Learning Resources

• Reading materials: Available on Moodle
• Core reading list: To be announced
• Recommended reading list: To be announced