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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to International Criminal Law by Case Western Reserve University

4.8
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3,968 ratings

About the Course

-- About the Course -- From the Nuremberg trial to the case against Saddam Hussein, from the prosecution of Al-Qaeda terrorists to the trial of Somali pirates – no area of law is as important to world peace and security as international criminal law. Taught by one of the world’s leading experts in the field, this course will educate students about the fundamentals of international criminal law and policy. We will explore the contours of international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, terrorism, and piracy. We will examine unique modes of international criminal liability and specialized defenses. And we will delve into the challenges of obtaining custody of the accused and maintaining control of the courtroom. -- Course Syllabus -- This course comprises eight units (or "modules"). Each will include an assigned reading, typically an article or book chapter, as well as a simulation designed to bring the readings to life. I will also offer video lectures on each of the topics, accompanied by slides. In addition, there will be online role-play exercises and debates, enabling the students to share their own insights. The order of class sessions will be: (1) History: From Nuremberg to The Hague (2) International Crimes Part 1: War Crimes, Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, and Torture (3) International Crimes Part 2: Terrorism and Piracy (4) Special modes of liability: command responsibility, co-perpetration, and incitement (5) Special defenses: insanity, obedience to orders, duress, and head of state immunity (6) Gaining custody of the accused: extradition, luring, abduction, and targeted killing (7) Pre-Trial Issues: plea bargaining, self-representation, and exclusion of torture evidence (8) Maintaining control of the courtroom -- Recommended Background -- You don’t have to be a lawyer and there are no prerequisites for this course. However, the course will be conducted at the level expected of advanced undergraduate students. Therefore, for all participants, reading and writing comfortably in English at the undergraduate college level is desirable. -- Suggested Readings -- Students should read the assigned online materials for each unit in advance of the class session. In addition, students are invited to subscribe to “War Crimes Prosecution Watch,” a free bi-weekly e-newsletter that summarizes the latest developments in the field of international criminal law. -- Course Format -- This course is made up of eight content units. Each unit is based on an online reading assignment, a video lecture of about one hour in length, and one or more role play exercises to stimulate on-line discussion. The course also offers in-video enrichment quizzes (ungraded) for each unit, a ten question multiple choice midterm diagnostics exam (ungraded), and a ten question True/False Final Exam. -- FAQ-- How will this course be graded? This course is graded on completion. In order to complete the course each student must: (1) finish each module (or “lesson”); (2) write at least one essay response of 200 words or more for at least one simulation throughout the course; and (3) get a score of 6 out of 10 or better on the Final Exam. What resources will I need for this course? For this course, all you need is an Internet connection, and the time to read and discuss the exciting materials available online. What is the coolest thing about this course? The topics we will be discussing are ripped from the headlines. The topics are often controversial and thought-provoking, and always exciting....

Top reviews

FJ

Aug 26, 2023

Professor Michael P. Scharf is an outstanding teacher, and I am happy that I could listen to his lectures and study the materials in this Course on Introduction to International Criminal Law.

II

Feb 16, 2021

super enjoyable and to the point. No stress of having to study loads, you just take in the information. The simulations were lots of fun to participate in. One of my favourite courses.

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501 - 525 of 1,007 Reviews for Introduction to International Criminal Law

By Nathan S

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Sep 24, 2020

It was a very educational and constructive lesson.

By Anjali P

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Aug 31, 2020

I learned a lot from this course. Really grateful.

By Ashwin R M 1

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Jul 23, 2020

very informative course by Case Western University

By Chinmayi D

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Dec 25, 2021

This Course is very Helpful For All Law Aspirants

By The S

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Aug 4, 2020

It was very useful.I learned a lot of new things.

By Железцов М Л

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May 23, 2020

Persistent and patient as my moto for life now ;)

By Saidou K D

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Nov 16, 2021

Excellent course with clear explanations, thanks

By Kadircan K

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Oct 9, 2020

it is very good lessons for middle-east and ww2.

By PATRICIO I A M

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Oct 6, 2020

excellent, complete, didactict and very exciting

By ronaldo p

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May 5, 2023

Great course. Organized, with a great lecturer.

By Donlapat C

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Mar 13, 2021

The best International Criminal Law course ever

By Orudzhova D K

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Jan 9, 2021

Great course! Thaanks a lot for such knowledge!

By Mustafa S G

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Jun 8, 2020

Incredible course, thanks to Proffessor Scharf.

By Syed S A

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May 21, 2020

OMG! Thats Amazing eer .Just Loved Coursera ..!

By Cleiton P

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Sep 21, 2015

Thanks for sharing this amazing course with us.

By Mohammed A M

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Jun 5, 2025

دورة من أجمل الدورات في القانون الجنائي الدولي

By Lucas M

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Apr 2, 2024

Magnnific course in International Criminal Law

By Maria M

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Jun 14, 2020

Thank you Prof. Scharf for a wonderful course!

By VITORIA Q R D S

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Apr 22, 2025

amei o curso muito obrigada pela oportunidade

By Joko S

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Apr 3, 2020

Please send me certified from Course learning

By Jairo G P

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May 13, 2019

It's very good and the professor is excelent!

By Edgardo G A

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Nov 18, 2016

Excellet course, thanks for offering for free

By Mark J C

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Aug 13, 2015

Very well structured and highly interesting !

By Azul M O B

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Nov 30, 2020

Thank you very much for this amazing course!

By Esraa

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Aug 16, 2020

It was a truly astounding course. Thank you!