Course Catalog of the Online Exchange Initiative (OEI) at University of Mannheim – fall semester 2025
- Lecture period: 1 September 2025 – 5 December 2025
- Examination period: 8 December 2025 – 20 December 2025
- For the detailed course schedule and description, please click on the courses title.
- Make sure you read the syllabus thoroughly as it contains information on live online sessions, the schedule and course requirements.
Please go to the section Application Process (OEI) to learn how to apply!
Sozialwissenschaften
Bachelor
HS Sozialpsychologie: „The irrational mind: How biases and heuristics shape our social life“ (Hauptseminar, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Hauptseminar
ECTS:
6
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor
Kurssprache:
englisch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Online live
Lernziel:
Will be announced and discussed in detail during the seminar.
Empfohlene Voraussetzungen:
Literatur:
Will be announced and discussed in detail during the seminar.
Prüfungsleistung:
Term paper („Hausarbeit“)
Lektor(en):
Jana Berkessel
Termin(e):
| Dienstag (wöchentlich) | 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-006; Virtuelles Gebäude |
Beschreibung:
Have you ever wondered why people make decisions that seem irrational or illogical? Why do we sometimes rely on mental shortcuts, even when it leads us astray? In this seminar, you will learn about the social psychology of cognitive biases and heuristics, exploring how these mental shortcuts influence our social perceptions, judgments, and decision-making. We will not only learn about existing theory and research but will also discuss how biases shape the societies we live in and how we can reduce them in the long run.
This seminar will be held virtually via zoom and in English.
Contact: Dr. Jana Berkessel; jana.berkessel@uni-mannheim.de; 0621 181 2801; A310 in A5, 6
This seminar will be held virtually via zoom and in English.
Contact: Dr. Jana Berkessel; jana.berkessel@uni-mannheim.de; 0621 181 2801; A310 in A5, 6
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
Philosophische Fakultät
Bachelor
IDV 401 International Cultural Studies Lecture (Vorlesung, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
5.0
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor
Kurssprache:
englisch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Präsenz/Online live & aufgezeichnet
Registrierungsinformationen:
Registration: All incoming exchange students at the School of Humanities need to register for their courses via Portal2. For further details, please check the instructions for course registration or contact incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Anmeldung: Alle Austauschstudierenden der Philosophischen Fakultät müssen sich über Portal2 für ihre Kurse anmelden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Anleitung oder wenden Sie sich an incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Anmeldung: Alle Austauschstudierenden der Philosophischen Fakultät müssen sich über Portal2 für ihre Kurse anmelden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Anleitung oder wenden Sie sich an incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Empfohlene Voraussetzungen:
Prüfungsleistung:
Written Exam („Bring your own device“)
Lektor(en):
Prof. Dr. Philipp Gassert, Dr. Ana-Sofia Uhl, Nico Stab
Termin(e):
| Mittwoch (Einzeltermin) | 10.09.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 | EO 145 Hörsaal (Bürgerhörsaal); Schloss Ehrenhof Ost |
| Mittwoch (Einzeltermin) | 08.10.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 | EO 145 Hörsaal (Bürgerhörsaal); Schloss Ehrenhof Ost |
| Mittwoch (Einzeltermin) | 29.10.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 | EO 145 Hörsaal (Bürgerhörsaal); Schloss Ehrenhof Ost |
| Mittwoch (Einzeltermin) | 26.11.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 | EO 145 Hörsaal (Bürgerhörsaal); Schloss Ehrenhof Ost |
Beschreibung:
Please contact ics@uni-mannheim.de if you have any questions.
Content
The lecture International Cultural Studies introduces students to basic select topics and concepts fundamental to the field of Cultural Studies by discussing texts and theories from international scholars. It provides an overview of key terms such as race, class, gender, and identity, among others, and seeks to enable students to understand and reflect upon these key terms and their underlying concepts within their historical, societal, and cultural context. To do so, it raises questions on how cultural texts and practices shape our understanding of society, politics, history and culture.
Organizational Information
Lecture in Inverted Classroom (IC) Format
The course follows an Inverted Classroom (IC) format. Each week, students will gain online access to a 45-minute video lecture along with supplementary materials (texts, presentations, links, etc.). These materials are to be studied independently during a self-learning phase. Weekly online quizzes and additional interactive tools help students consolidate their understanding of the course content.
Students also have the opportunity to further discuss the material and clarify open questions in weekly tutorial sessions led by master’s student tutors.
The video lectures are complemented by four Inverted Classroom (IC) sessions held on-site in a hybrid format (both in-person and online). These sessions aim to embed the content of each thematic unit into a broader context and to highlight connections to current developments and phenomena.
The course concludes with a written exam consisting of single-choice questions and short essay responses. The exam will be conducted in a “Bring Your Own Device” format, meaning students will answer the questions in a university exam room using their own laptops.
Please note: A different examination format applies for students participating in the Engage.EU Online Exchange Initiative. Further details will be provided upon admission to the course.
Content
The lecture International Cultural Studies introduces students to basic select topics and concepts fundamental to the field of Cultural Studies by discussing texts and theories from international scholars. It provides an overview of key terms such as race, class, gender, and identity, among others, and seeks to enable students to understand and reflect upon these key terms and their underlying concepts within their historical, societal, and cultural context. To do so, it raises questions on how cultural texts and practices shape our understanding of society, politics, history and culture.
Organizational Information
Lecture in Inverted Classroom (IC) Format
The course follows an Inverted Classroom (IC) format. Each week, students will gain online access to a 45-minute video lecture along with supplementary materials (texts, presentations, links, etc.). These materials are to be studied independently during a self-learning phase. Weekly online quizzes and additional interactive tools help students consolidate their understanding of the course content.
Students also have the opportunity to further discuss the material and clarify open questions in weekly tutorial sessions led by master’s student tutors.
The video lectures are complemented by four Inverted Classroom (IC) sessions held on-site in a hybrid format (both in-person and online). These sessions aim to embed the content of each thematic unit into a broader context and to highlight connections to current developments and phenomena.
The course concludes with a written exam consisting of single-choice questions and short essay responses. The exam will be conducted in a “Bring Your Own Device” format, meaning students will answer the questions in a university exam room using their own laptops.
Please note: A different examination format applies for students participating in the Engage.EU Online Exchange Initiative. Further details will be provided upon admission to the course.
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
IDV 402 Developing a Global Mindset (Seminar, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor
Kurssprache:
englisch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Online live
Registrierungsinformationen:
Registration: All incoming exchange students at the School of Humanities need to register for their courses via Portal2. For further details, please check the instructions for course registration or contact incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Anmeldung: Alle Austauschstudierenden der Philosophischen Fakultät müssen sich über Portal2 für ihre Kurse anmelden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Anleitung oder wenden Sie sich an incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Anmeldung: Alle Austauschstudierenden der Philosophischen Fakultät müssen sich über Portal2 für ihre Kurse anmelden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Anleitung oder wenden Sie sich an incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Empfohlene Voraussetzungen:
Prüfungsleistung:
Term Paper (12–15 pages)
15-minute group presentation
15-minute group presentation
Lektor(en):
Agnes Bamford
Termin(e):
| Freitag (Einzeltermin) | 10.10.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-144; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Freitag (Blocktermin + Sat) | 24.10.2025 – 25.10.2025 | 08:30 – 13:30 | ZOOM-Lehre-039; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Freitag (Blocktermin + Sat) | 07.11.2025 – 08.11.2025 | 08:30 – 13:30 | ZOOM-Lehre-039; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Freitag (Einzeltermin) | 14.11.2025 | 10:15 – 15:15 | ZOOM-Lehre-039; Virtuelles Gebäude |
Beschreibung:
In a globalised world, the ability to work effectively across cultures is crucial for businesses to succeed. From an individual perspective, cultural intelligence (Thomas, 2008), involves knowledge and awareness of cultural differences and developing communication skills to build trust between people from different backgrounds.
The course will cover the origins and history of intercultural communication', including intercultural business communication and the taxonomies developed by scholars such as Hofstede, Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner, Hall and Meyer. The course theories are illustrated by case studies, which the students will work through in class. Critical perspectives on the classic taxonomies and the concept of culture are also discussed. The students will learn to distinguish between etic and emic perspectives on culture as well as between static and dynamic perspectives. Furthermore, social constructivist and critical cross cultural management perspectives are covered, specifically related to diversity management and language management. Diversity management and inclusive leadership will also be linked to social sustainability. There is also an emphasis on reflection, critical incidents, cultural adaptation and working in global teams.
Learning outcomes include knowledge, skills and general competencies. Students will develop knowledge of fundamental theories from the field of intercultural business communication, knowledge about cross cultural management and how it links to diversity management and inclusion.
Students will become skilled in critically assessing the theories on intercultural business communication in light of practical cases, develop personal reflection skills and how to work effectively in multicultural groups.
General competencies include demonstrating sensitivity towards and respect for diversity in the workplace and understanding the importance of diversity management and inclusive leadership.
Teaching methods include readings, videos, websites, interactive lectures, case studies and group discussions. The course requires active participation, with an emphasis on written and oral reflection on learning.
This course is taught by Agnes Bamford from the Norwegian School of Economics (Bergen, Norway) and is offered with the generous support of Engage.EU.
The course will cover the origins and history of intercultural communication', including intercultural business communication and the taxonomies developed by scholars such as Hofstede, Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner, Hall and Meyer. The course theories are illustrated by case studies, which the students will work through in class. Critical perspectives on the classic taxonomies and the concept of culture are also discussed. The students will learn to distinguish between etic and emic perspectives on culture as well as between static and dynamic perspectives. Furthermore, social constructivist and critical cross cultural management perspectives are covered, specifically related to diversity management and language management. Diversity management and inclusive leadership will also be linked to social sustainability. There is also an emphasis on reflection, critical incidents, cultural adaptation and working in global teams.
Learning outcomes include knowledge, skills and general competencies. Students will develop knowledge of fundamental theories from the field of intercultural business communication, knowledge about cross cultural management and how it links to diversity management and inclusion.
Students will become skilled in critically assessing the theories on intercultural business communication in light of practical cases, develop personal reflection skills and how to work effectively in multicultural groups.
General competencies include demonstrating sensitivity towards and respect for diversity in the workplace and understanding the importance of diversity management and inclusive leadership.
Teaching methods include readings, videos, websites, interactive lectures, case studies and group discussions. The course requires active participation, with an emphasis on written and oral reflection on learning.
This course is taught by Agnes Bamford from the Norwegian School of Economics (Bergen, Norway) and is offered with the generous support of Engage.EU.
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
IDV 406: Film: Geschichte, Theorie, Genre und Analyse / Film: History, Theory, Genre and Analysis (Vorlesung, deutsch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
5.0
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor
Kurssprache:
deutsch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Online live
Prüfungsleistung:
Klausur / Take Home Exam
Lektor(en):
Dr. Andreas Wagenknecht
Termin(e):
| Montag (wöchentlich) | 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 |
Beschreibung:
Die Vorlesung gibt einen Ein- und Überblick in die Geschichte und Theorie des Films und zeigt ausgewählte Bereiche der filmwissenschaftlichen Forschung exemplarisch auf. Kanonische Werke und Entwicklungsphasen des Films werden ebenso thematisiert wie der „Kampf“ um die (künstlerische) Wesensbestimmung des Films, die Unterscheidung zwischen fiktionalen und dokumentarischen Formen oder beispielsweise die Rolle der Musik im Film.
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
Volkswirtschaftslehre
Bachelor
Labor Economics (Vorlesung, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
5
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor
Kurssprache:
englisch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Online live
Registrierungsinformationen:
Information for students participating in this course as part of the online exchange initiative of the ENGAGE programme
Prerequisites: Intermediate Microeconomics
ECTS credits: 5
Teaching method (hours per week): lecture (2)
Workload: time in class 21 hours, independent study time and preparation for the exam 119 hours
Course language: English
Prerequisites: Microeconomics A + B
Grading: open book exam
Expected number of students in class: max. 5 ENGAGE-Students
Goals and contents of the module: This course provides an introduction into the field of labor economics. The emphasis is on applied microeconomics and empirical analysis. Topics to be covered include: labor supply and demand, tax policy, minimum wage, inequality, gender wage gap, discrimination, and unemployment.
Expected competences acquired after completion of the module: The goal of the course is to provide a thorough understanding of central concepts in labor economics and to provide an introduction into empirical research in labor economics. Students will learn to use Stata to replicate some research results.
Contact Information: Han Ye, email: han.ye@uni-mannheim, Office: L7, 3–5 Raum 2.23
Prerequisites: Intermediate Microeconomics
ECTS credits: 5
Teaching method (hours per week): lecture (2)
Workload: time in class 21 hours, independent study time and preparation for the exam 119 hours
Course language: English
Prerequisites: Microeconomics A + B
Grading: open book exam
Expected number of students in class: max. 5 ENGAGE-Students
Goals and contents of the module: This course provides an introduction into the field of labor economics. The emphasis is on applied microeconomics and empirical analysis. Topics to be covered include: labor supply and demand, tax policy, minimum wage, inequality, gender wage gap, discrimination, and unemployment.
Expected competences acquired after completion of the module: The goal of the course is to provide a thorough understanding of central concepts in labor economics and to provide an introduction into empirical research in labor economics. Students will learn to use Stata to replicate some research results.
Contact Information: Han Ye, email: han.ye@uni-mannheim, Office: L7, 3–5 Raum 2.23
Lektor(en):
Prof. Ph. D. Han Ye
Termin(e):
| Donnerstag (wöchentlich) | 04.09.2025 – 16.10.2025 | 08:30 – 11:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-115; Virtuelles Gebäude |
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
Rechtswissenschaften
Bachelor
International and Comparative Company Law (Vorlesung, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
8.0
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor, Master
Kurssprache:
englisch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Präsenz/Online live
Registrierungsinformationen:
This course examines the legal framework that applies to companies as key actors on the international plane in the 21st century.
In its first part, the course will introduce the company as a legal institution and will analyze the stark contrast between the often multinational nature of company activities and the lack of unified international rules on company law. In its second part, the course will focus on the private international law of companies, explaining how to determine the domestic legal rules that apply to companies engaged in cross-border activities. The third and final part of the course will compare how core questions of substantive company law are treated in different jurisdictions (including, but not restricted to, Germany and the U.S.).
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of the international and comparative dimensions of company law, enabling them to work successfully in an international business environment, whether in a law firm, a multinational company, or a regulatory agency. The course is suitable for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) of law and related fields, as well as for LL.B. students.
The course will cover the following subjects:
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. For introductory and further readings (optional):
Assessment: Class participation and final written exam
Lecturer: Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford)
Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford), is a senior research associate at the Chair of Civil Law, International and European Commercial Law at the University of Mannheim. He has studied law at the Universities of Heidelberg (First State Exam) and Cambridge. During his practical legal training, he clerked inter alia at the dispute resolution department of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Frankfurt office and at the German Federal Constitutional Court. After his Second State Exam at the Higher Regional Court Stuttgart, he completed an LL.M.-program at Stanford Law School and obtained a doctorate at the University of Mannheim with the thesis ‘Transnationale Verträge im nationalen Recht’ (‘Transnational Contracts in National Law’). His research focuses on conflict-of-laws, international commercial, company and financial law, procedural law and private law theory.
In its first part, the course will introduce the company as a legal institution and will analyze the stark contrast between the often multinational nature of company activities and the lack of unified international rules on company law. In its second part, the course will focus on the private international law of companies, explaining how to determine the domestic legal rules that apply to companies engaged in cross-border activities. The third and final part of the course will compare how core questions of substantive company law are treated in different jurisdictions (including, but not restricted to, Germany and the U.S.).
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of the international and comparative dimensions of company law, enabling them to work successfully in an international business environment, whether in a law firm, a multinational company, or a regulatory agency. The course is suitable for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) of law and related fields, as well as for LL.B. students.
The course will cover the following subjects:
- Concept and different forms of companies
- Public international law of companies
- Private international law of companies
- Comparative company law
- Companies in international dispute resolution
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. For introductory and further readings (optional):
- Cahn, Andreas/
Donald, David C.: Comparative Company Law, 2nd edition, Cambridge 2020, Cambridge University Press - Gerner-Beuerle, Carsten/
Anderson Schillig, Michael: Comparative Company Law, Oxford 2018, Oxford University Press - Kraakman, Reinier et al.: The Anatomy of Corporate Law, 3rd edition, Oxford 2017, Oxford University Press
Assessment: Class participation and final written exam
Lecturer: Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford)
Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford), is a senior research associate at the Chair of Civil Law, International and European Commercial Law at the University of Mannheim. He has studied law at the Universities of Heidelberg (First State Exam) and Cambridge. During his practical legal training, he clerked inter alia at the dispute resolution department of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Frankfurt office and at the German Federal Constitutional Court. After his Second State Exam at the Higher Regional Court Stuttgart, he completed an LL.M.-program at Stanford Law School and obtained a doctorate at the University of Mannheim with the thesis ‘Transnationale Verträge im nationalen Recht’ (‘Transnational Contracts in National Law’). His research focuses on conflict-of-laws, international commercial, company and financial law, procedural law and private law theory.
Lektor(en):
Dr. Torsten Andreas Kindt
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
International Civil and Commercial Litigation (Vorlesung, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
8.0
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor, Master
Kurssprache:
englisch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Präsenz/Online live
Registrierungsinformationen:
This course examines all major aspects of cross-border litigation as the conventional and most important method of international dispute resolution between private parties. The primary emphasis is on the conduct of international litigation in EU Member States, but there will also be comparative treatment of other major jurisdictions (notably the UK and the U.S.).
After introducing the concept of international litigation and the main policy issues at stake, the course will comprehensively address the crucial procedural questions lawyers must consider when bringing a cross-border civil or commercial dispute to a national court. These include: international jurisdiction (Which court is competent?), coordination between different jurisdictions (lis pendens, provisional measures), conduct of proceedings (service of documents, taking evidence abroad), as well as recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of international procedural law that will enable them to work successfully in a litigation context, be it in the judiciary, a law firm or a legal department. The course is suitable for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) of law and related fields, as well as for LL.B. students aiming to cover the relevant aspects of international procedural law required for taking the First German State Exam according to § 8 Abs. 2 Nr. 5 JAPrO.
The course will cover the following subjects:
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. Introductory and further readings (optional):
Assessment: Class participation and final written exam
Lecturer: Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford)
Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford), is a senior research associate at the Chair of Civil Law, International and European Commercial Law at the University of Mannheim. He has studied law at the Universities of Heidelberg (First State Exam) and Cambridge. During his practical legal training, he clerked inter alia at the dispute resolution department of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Frankfurt office and at the German Federal Constitutional Court. After his Second State Exam at the Higher Regional Court Stuttgart, he completed an LL.M.-program at Stanford Law School and obtained a doctorate at the University of Mannheim with the thesis ‘Transnationale Verträge im nationalen Recht’ (‘Transnational Contracts in National Law’). His research focuses on conflict-of-laws, international commercial, company and financial law, procedural law and private law theory.
After introducing the concept of international litigation and the main policy issues at stake, the course will comprehensively address the crucial procedural questions lawyers must consider when bringing a cross-border civil or commercial dispute to a national court. These include: international jurisdiction (Which court is competent?), coordination between different jurisdictions (lis pendens, provisional measures), conduct of proceedings (service of documents, taking evidence abroad), as well as recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of international procedural law that will enable them to work successfully in a litigation context, be it in the judiciary, a law firm or a legal department. The course is suitable for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) of law and related fields, as well as for LL.B. students aiming to cover the relevant aspects of international procedural law required for taking the First German State Exam according to § 8 Abs. 2 Nr. 5 JAPrO.
The course will cover the following subjects:
- Concept and practical relevance of international litigation
- Advantages and disadvantages of international litigation
- Sources of international procedural law
- International jurisdiction
- Coordination between different jurisdictions
- Conduct of proceedings
- Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. Introductory and further readings (optional):
- Fentiman, Richard: International Commercial Litigation, 2nd edition, Oxford 2015, Oxford University Press
- Hartley, Trevor C.: International Commercial Litigation, 3rd edition, Cambridge 2020, Cambridge University Press
- Junker, Abbo: Internationales Zivilprozessrecht, 6th edition, München 2023, C. H. Beck
Assessment: Class participation and final written exam
Lecturer: Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford)
Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford), is a senior research associate at the Chair of Civil Law, International and European Commercial Law at the University of Mannheim. He has studied law at the Universities of Heidelberg (First State Exam) and Cambridge. During his practical legal training, he clerked inter alia at the dispute resolution department of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Frankfurt office and at the German Federal Constitutional Court. After his Second State Exam at the Higher Regional Court Stuttgart, he completed an LL.M.-program at Stanford Law School and obtained a doctorate at the University of Mannheim with the thesis ‘Transnationale Verträge im nationalen Recht’ (‘Transnational Contracts in National Law’). His research focuses on conflict-of-laws, international commercial, company and financial law, procedural law and private law theory.
Lektor(en):
Dr. Torsten Andreas Kindt
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
International Criminal Law (Vorlesung, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
8
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor, Master
Kurssprache:
englisch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Online live
Literatur:
Required reading materials will be provided electronically.
Introductory Readings (optional):
Introductory Readings (optional):
- Cassese, Antonio, ‘International Criminal Law’ (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2008)
- Cryer, Robert, ‘An Introduction to International Criminal Law and Procedure’ (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2010)
- Schabas, William A., ‘The International Criminal Court: A Commentary on the Rome Statute’ (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2010)
- Werle, Gerhard, ‘Principles of International Criminal Law’ (The Hague, Asser, 2005)
Lektor(en):
Raphael Oidtmann
Beschreibung:
Over the past two decades, the international community has taken significant steps to combat impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the global community. Through the creation of international and hybrid tribunals, as well as the establishment of the permanent International Criminal Court (ICC), a renewed and increasingly robust system of international criminal justice has emerged—redefining the intersection between international law and global politics.
This course introduces students to the foundational principles, institutions, and evolving challenges of international criminal law (ICL). In the first part, students will explore the historical evolution and theoretical underpinnings of ICL, including the legacy of the Nuremberg and Tokyo Tribunals and the development of ad hoc tribunals in the 1990s, such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Special attention will be given to the ICC—its jurisdiction, structure, and contemporary relevance.
The second part of the course focuses on substantive aspects of international criminal law. Core crimes under the Rome Statute—genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression—will be analyzed in depth. The course also examines other international crimes such as piracy and terrorism, and engages with key legal issues including modes of individual criminal responsibility, head-of-state immunity, complementarity, and the tension between state sovereignty and international accountability.
In addition to legal doctrine and historical precedent, the course will examine current and pressing case studies that illustrate the practical challenges and political significance of international criminal law in action. These include ongoing investigations and proceedings relating to the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza and Israel, and other recent conflicts and allegations of international crimes. Through these examples, students will gain insight into the role of ICL in contemporary global affairs and the constraints of enforcing accountability in real-world contexts.
Throughout, students will engage critically with legal texts, judicial decisions, and academic commentary to develop a comprehensive understanding of how international criminal law functions as both a legal framework and a tool of global justice.
Assessment:
Student performance will be evaluated through a closed-book written examination, designed to test both conceptual understanding and the application of legal principles to complex factual scenarios.
Recommended Readings:
This course introduces students to the foundational principles, institutions, and evolving challenges of international criminal law (ICL). In the first part, students will explore the historical evolution and theoretical underpinnings of ICL, including the legacy of the Nuremberg and Tokyo Tribunals and the development of ad hoc tribunals in the 1990s, such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Special attention will be given to the ICC—its jurisdiction, structure, and contemporary relevance.
The second part of the course focuses on substantive aspects of international criminal law. Core crimes under the Rome Statute—genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression—will be analyzed in depth. The course also examines other international crimes such as piracy and terrorism, and engages with key legal issues including modes of individual criminal responsibility, head-of-state immunity, complementarity, and the tension between state sovereignty and international accountability.
In addition to legal doctrine and historical precedent, the course will examine current and pressing case studies that illustrate the practical challenges and political significance of international criminal law in action. These include ongoing investigations and proceedings relating to the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza and Israel, and other recent conflicts and allegations of international crimes. Through these examples, students will gain insight into the role of ICL in contemporary global affairs and the constraints of enforcing accountability in real-world contexts.
Throughout, students will engage critically with legal texts, judicial decisions, and academic commentary to develop a comprehensive understanding of how international criminal law functions as both a legal framework and a tool of global justice.
Assessment:
Student performance will be evaluated through a closed-book written examination, designed to test both conceptual understanding and the application of legal principles to complex factual scenarios.
Recommended Readings:
- Cassese, Antonio, Cassese’s International Criminal Law (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2013, 3rd ed.)
- Cryer, Robert, Robinson, Darryl & Vasiliev, Sergey, An Introduction to International Criminal Law and Procedure(Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2019, 4th ed.)
- Guilfoyle, Douglas, International Criminal Law (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2016, 1st ed.)
- Heller, Kevin Jon, Mégret, Frédéric, Nouwen, Sarah M.H., Ohlin, Jens David & Robinson, Darryl (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of International Criminal Law (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2020, 1st ed.)
- O’Keefe, Roger, International Criminal Law (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2017, 1st ed.)
- Schabas, William (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to International Criminal Law (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2016, 1st ed.)
- Stahn, Carsten, A Critical Introduction to International Criminal Law (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2018, 1st ed.)
- Werle, Gerhard & Jessberger, Florian, Principles of International Criminal Law (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2020, 4th ed.)
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
International Humanitarian Law / The law of armed conflict (Vorlesung, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
8.0
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor, Master
Kurssprache:
englisch
Registrierungsinformationen:
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a body of rules that seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict. IHL protects those who are not participating in hostilities, and those who are no longer participating in hostilities. This body of law imposes limits on the methods and means of warfare. IHL forms part of public international law and is largely based on treaties and rules of customary international law.
In this course the development as well as the basic concepts of IHL will be explored. Students will be introduced to the most important documents governing armed conflict, learn how to apply these and will consider the challenges posed to the application of IHL in armed conflicts. A large part of the course will focus on the new developments in IHL including the emergence of new forms of armed conflicts and the development and use of new technologies in armed conflict.
Assessment
Assessment for this course will consist of one presentation and one take-home exam.
In this course the development as well as the basic concepts of IHL will be explored. Students will be introduced to the most important documents governing armed conflict, learn how to apply these and will consider the challenges posed to the application of IHL in armed conflicts. A large part of the course will focus on the new developments in IHL including the emergence of new forms of armed conflicts and the development and use of new technologies in armed conflict.
Assessment
Assessment for this course will consist of one presentation and one take-home exam.
Lektor(en):
Marelie Manders
Master
Comparative Law I: European Legal Traditions (Vorlesung, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
6.0
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor, Master
Kurssprache:
englisch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Präsenz/Online live
Registrierungsinformationen:
This class makes the nature of Comparative Law as well as its functions and aims accessible to students from different legal backgrounds. As studying even one legal system fully is difficult and time-consuming, the course must necessarily take a selective approach to comparative law and to the multitude of legal systems in the world. The class Comparative Law I therefore will focus on European Legal Traditions, whose similarities and differences are an important driver of European harmonization. Matching the overall aim of this module the course will focus on private law and business law aspects of comparative law.
The course has three main components. The first part will cover the origins and utility of comparative law, its aims, tools and methods. This part will particularly focus on the legal orders, which the participants of the class are most familiar with.
The main second part of the course will look at common features of generally accepted concepts of both contract law and of building bricks necessary for any business law, such as division of work, liability, tort law and insurance. The different possible solutions for these problems, which appear in different forms in many jurisdictions, will be presented, followed by an analysis of how they are governed by legal orders belonging to different legal families. Lines of influence and hybrids will similarly be covered.
Furthermore, the course will give comparative legal insights to laws in transition as well as legal transplants. Whereas former socialist European countries may serve as an example for the first, the adoption of economic concepts in contract law (such as merchandising and franchising from the US in Europe and the respective related problems of integration into European Union law) are paradigmatic for the second. The third part of the course will cover a comparison of legal education and profession (e.g. role of the judiciary), a critical matter for proper delivery of legal services to foreign clients and working effectively with international law partners.Prüfungsleistung:
Written examination
Lektor(en):
Prof. Dr. Oliver Brand
Termin(e):
| Dienstag (wöchentlich) | 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 | 12:00 – 13:30 | O 129 Göhringer Hörsaal; Schloss Ostflügel |
Beschreibung:
Contents:
This class makes the nature of Comparative Law as well as its functions and aims accessible to students from different legal backgrounds. As studying even one legal system fully is difficult and time-consuming, the course must necessarily take a selective approach to comparative law and to the multitude of legal systems in the world. The class Comparative Law I therefore will focus on European Legal Traditions, whose similarities and differences, are an important driver of European harmonization. Matching the overall aim of this module the course will focus on private law and business law aspects of comparative law.
The course has three main components. The first part will cover the origins and utility of comparative law, its aims, tools and methods. This part will particularly focus on the legal orders, which the participants of the class are most familiar with.
The main second part of the course will look at common features of generally accepted concepts of both contract law and of building bricks necessary for any business law, such as division of work, liability, tort law, insurance. The different possible solutions for these problems, which appear in different forms in many jurisdictions will be presented, followed by an analysis of how they are governed by legal orders belonging to different legal families. Lines of influence and hybrids will similarly be covered. Furthermore the course will give comparative legal insights to laws in transition as well as legal transplants. Whereas former socialist European countries may serve as an example for the first, the adoption of economic concepts in contract law (such as merchandising and franchising from the US in Europe and the respective related problems of integration into European Union law) are paradigmatic for the second.
The third part of the course will cover a comparison of legal education and profession (e.g. role of the judiciary), a critical matter for proper delivery of legal services to foreign clients and working effectively with international law partners.
The course Comparative Law deals with nature, technique and purpose of legal comparison both from a theoretical and from a practical point of view. Further it aims at introducing students to fundamental concepts of the European Legal families, which more often than not serve as model for European harmonization. The insight will provide students with the necessary analytical background allowing them to carry out comparative legal analysis in their respective further fields of studies.
This class makes the nature of Comparative Law as well as its functions and aims accessible to students from different legal backgrounds. As studying even one legal system fully is difficult and time-consuming, the course must necessarily take a selective approach to comparative law and to the multitude of legal systems in the world. The class Comparative Law I therefore will focus on European Legal Traditions, whose similarities and differences, are an important driver of European harmonization. Matching the overall aim of this module the course will focus on private law and business law aspects of comparative law.
The course has three main components. The first part will cover the origins and utility of comparative law, its aims, tools and methods. This part will particularly focus on the legal orders, which the participants of the class are most familiar with.
The main second part of the course will look at common features of generally accepted concepts of both contract law and of building bricks necessary for any business law, such as division of work, liability, tort law, insurance. The different possible solutions for these problems, which appear in different forms in many jurisdictions will be presented, followed by an analysis of how they are governed by legal orders belonging to different legal families. Lines of influence and hybrids will similarly be covered. Furthermore the course will give comparative legal insights to laws in transition as well as legal transplants. Whereas former socialist European countries may serve as an example for the first, the adoption of economic concepts in contract law (such as merchandising and franchising from the US in Europe and the respective related problems of integration into European Union law) are paradigmatic for the second.
The third part of the course will cover a comparison of legal education and profession (e.g. role of the judiciary), a critical matter for proper delivery of legal services to foreign clients and working effectively with international law partners.
- Aims and methods of comparative law research
- Principle of equality of all legal orders
- Grouping of legal families according to historic origin or structure
- Basic concepts of contract law: party autonomy, formation of contract, performance
- Basic concepts of business law: division of work, liability, tort law, insurance
- Hybrids and legal transplants
The course Comparative Law deals with nature, technique and purpose of legal comparison both from a theoretical and from a practical point of view. Further it aims at introducing students to fundamental concepts of the European Legal families, which more often than not serve as model for European harmonization. The insight will provide students with the necessary analytical background allowing them to carry out comparative legal analysis in their respective further fields of studies.
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
International and Comparative Company Law (Vorlesung, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
8.0
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor, Master
Kurssprache:
englisch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Präsenz/Online live
Registrierungsinformationen:
This course examines the legal framework that applies to companies as key actors on the international plane in the 21st century.
In its first part, the course will introduce the company as a legal institution and will analyze the stark contrast between the often multinational nature of company activities and the lack of unified international rules on company law. In its second part, the course will focus on the private international law of companies, explaining how to determine the domestic legal rules that apply to companies engaged in cross-border activities. The third and final part of the course will compare how core questions of substantive company law are treated in different jurisdictions (including, but not restricted to, Germany and the U.S.).
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of the international and comparative dimensions of company law, enabling them to work successfully in an international business environment, whether in a law firm, a multinational company, or a regulatory agency. The course is suitable for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) of law and related fields, as well as for LL.B. students.
The course will cover the following subjects:
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. For introductory and further readings (optional):
Assessment: Class participation and final written exam
Lecturer: Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford)
Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford), is a senior research associate at the Chair of Civil Law, International and European Commercial Law at the University of Mannheim. He has studied law at the Universities of Heidelberg (First State Exam) and Cambridge. During his practical legal training, he clerked inter alia at the dispute resolution department of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Frankfurt office and at the German Federal Constitutional Court. After his Second State Exam at the Higher Regional Court Stuttgart, he completed an LL.M.-program at Stanford Law School and obtained a doctorate at the University of Mannheim with the thesis ‘Transnationale Verträge im nationalen Recht’ (‘Transnational Contracts in National Law’). His research focuses on conflict-of-laws, international commercial, company and financial law, procedural law and private law theory.
In its first part, the course will introduce the company as a legal institution and will analyze the stark contrast between the often multinational nature of company activities and the lack of unified international rules on company law. In its second part, the course will focus on the private international law of companies, explaining how to determine the domestic legal rules that apply to companies engaged in cross-border activities. The third and final part of the course will compare how core questions of substantive company law are treated in different jurisdictions (including, but not restricted to, Germany and the U.S.).
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of the international and comparative dimensions of company law, enabling them to work successfully in an international business environment, whether in a law firm, a multinational company, or a regulatory agency. The course is suitable for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) of law and related fields, as well as for LL.B. students.
The course will cover the following subjects:
- Concept and different forms of companies
- Public international law of companies
- Private international law of companies
- Comparative company law
- Companies in international dispute resolution
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. For introductory and further readings (optional):
- Cahn, Andreas/
Donald, David C.: Comparative Company Law, 2nd edition, Cambridge 2020, Cambridge University Press - Gerner-Beuerle, Carsten/
Anderson Schillig, Michael: Comparative Company Law, Oxford 2018, Oxford University Press - Kraakman, Reinier et al.: The Anatomy of Corporate Law, 3rd edition, Oxford 2017, Oxford University Press
Assessment: Class participation and final written exam
Lecturer: Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford)
Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford), is a senior research associate at the Chair of Civil Law, International and European Commercial Law at the University of Mannheim. He has studied law at the Universities of Heidelberg (First State Exam) and Cambridge. During his practical legal training, he clerked inter alia at the dispute resolution department of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Frankfurt office and at the German Federal Constitutional Court. After his Second State Exam at the Higher Regional Court Stuttgart, he completed an LL.M.-program at Stanford Law School and obtained a doctorate at the University of Mannheim with the thesis ‘Transnationale Verträge im nationalen Recht’ (‘Transnational Contracts in National Law’). His research focuses on conflict-of-laws, international commercial, company and financial law, procedural law and private law theory.
Lektor(en):
Dr. Torsten Andreas Kindt
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
International Civil and Commercial Litigation (Vorlesung, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
8.0
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor, Master
Kurssprache:
englisch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Präsenz/Online live
Registrierungsinformationen:
This course examines all major aspects of cross-border litigation as the conventional and most important method of international dispute resolution between private parties. The primary emphasis is on the conduct of international litigation in EU Member States, but there will also be comparative treatment of other major jurisdictions (notably the UK and the U.S.).
After introducing the concept of international litigation and the main policy issues at stake, the course will comprehensively address the crucial procedural questions lawyers must consider when bringing a cross-border civil or commercial dispute to a national court. These include: international jurisdiction (Which court is competent?), coordination between different jurisdictions (lis pendens, provisional measures), conduct of proceedings (service of documents, taking evidence abroad), as well as recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of international procedural law that will enable them to work successfully in a litigation context, be it in the judiciary, a law firm or a legal department. The course is suitable for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) of law and related fields, as well as for LL.B. students aiming to cover the relevant aspects of international procedural law required for taking the First German State Exam according to § 8 Abs. 2 Nr. 5 JAPrO.
The course will cover the following subjects:
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. Introductory and further readings (optional):
Assessment: Class participation and final written exam
Lecturer: Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford)
Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford), is a senior research associate at the Chair of Civil Law, International and European Commercial Law at the University of Mannheim. He has studied law at the Universities of Heidelberg (First State Exam) and Cambridge. During his practical legal training, he clerked inter alia at the dispute resolution department of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Frankfurt office and at the German Federal Constitutional Court. After his Second State Exam at the Higher Regional Court Stuttgart, he completed an LL.M.-program at Stanford Law School and obtained a doctorate at the University of Mannheim with the thesis ‘Transnationale Verträge im nationalen Recht’ (‘Transnational Contracts in National Law’). His research focuses on conflict-of-laws, international commercial, company and financial law, procedural law and private law theory.
After introducing the concept of international litigation and the main policy issues at stake, the course will comprehensively address the crucial procedural questions lawyers must consider when bringing a cross-border civil or commercial dispute to a national court. These include: international jurisdiction (Which court is competent?), coordination between different jurisdictions (lis pendens, provisional measures), conduct of proceedings (service of documents, taking evidence abroad), as well as recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of international procedural law that will enable them to work successfully in a litigation context, be it in the judiciary, a law firm or a legal department. The course is suitable for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) of law and related fields, as well as for LL.B. students aiming to cover the relevant aspects of international procedural law required for taking the First German State Exam according to § 8 Abs. 2 Nr. 5 JAPrO.
The course will cover the following subjects:
- Concept and practical relevance of international litigation
- Advantages and disadvantages of international litigation
- Sources of international procedural law
- International jurisdiction
- Coordination between different jurisdictions
- Conduct of proceedings
- Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. Introductory and further readings (optional):
- Fentiman, Richard: International Commercial Litigation, 2nd edition, Oxford 2015, Oxford University Press
- Hartley, Trevor C.: International Commercial Litigation, 3rd edition, Cambridge 2020, Cambridge University Press
- Junker, Abbo: Internationales Zivilprozessrecht, 6th edition, München 2023, C. H. Beck
Assessment: Class participation and final written exam
Lecturer: Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford)
Dr. Torsten Kindt, LL.M. (Stanford), is a senior research associate at the Chair of Civil Law, International and European Commercial Law at the University of Mannheim. He has studied law at the Universities of Heidelberg (First State Exam) and Cambridge. During his practical legal training, he clerked inter alia at the dispute resolution department of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Frankfurt office and at the German Federal Constitutional Court. After his Second State Exam at the Higher Regional Court Stuttgart, he completed an LL.M.-program at Stanford Law School and obtained a doctorate at the University of Mannheim with the thesis ‘Transnationale Verträge im nationalen Recht’ (‘Transnational Contracts in National Law’). His research focuses on conflict-of-laws, international commercial, company and financial law, procedural law and private law theory.
Lektor(en):
Dr. Torsten Andreas Kindt
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
International Criminal Law (Vorlesung, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
8
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor, Master
Kurssprache:
englisch
SWS 1:
2
Teilnahme:
Online live
Literatur:
Required reading materials will be provided electronically.
Introductory Readings (optional):
Introductory Readings (optional):
- Cassese, Antonio, ‘International Criminal Law’ (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2008)
- Cryer, Robert, ‘An Introduction to International Criminal Law and Procedure’ (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2010)
- Schabas, William A., ‘The International Criminal Court: A Commentary on the Rome Statute’ (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2010)
- Werle, Gerhard, ‘Principles of International Criminal Law’ (The Hague, Asser, 2005)
Lektor(en):
Raphael Oidtmann
Beschreibung:
Over the past two decades, the international community has taken significant steps to combat impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the global community. Through the creation of international and hybrid tribunals, as well as the establishment of the permanent International Criminal Court (ICC), a renewed and increasingly robust system of international criminal justice has emerged—redefining the intersection between international law and global politics.
This course introduces students to the foundational principles, institutions, and evolving challenges of international criminal law (ICL). In the first part, students will explore the historical evolution and theoretical underpinnings of ICL, including the legacy of the Nuremberg and Tokyo Tribunals and the development of ad hoc tribunals in the 1990s, such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Special attention will be given to the ICC—its jurisdiction, structure, and contemporary relevance.
The second part of the course focuses on substantive aspects of international criminal law. Core crimes under the Rome Statute—genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression—will be analyzed in depth. The course also examines other international crimes such as piracy and terrorism, and engages with key legal issues including modes of individual criminal responsibility, head-of-state immunity, complementarity, and the tension between state sovereignty and international accountability.
In addition to legal doctrine and historical precedent, the course will examine current and pressing case studies that illustrate the practical challenges and political significance of international criminal law in action. These include ongoing investigations and proceedings relating to the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza and Israel, and other recent conflicts and allegations of international crimes. Through these examples, students will gain insight into the role of ICL in contemporary global affairs and the constraints of enforcing accountability in real-world contexts.
Throughout, students will engage critically with legal texts, judicial decisions, and academic commentary to develop a comprehensive understanding of how international criminal law functions as both a legal framework and a tool of global justice.
Assessment:
Student performance will be evaluated through a closed-book written examination, designed to test both conceptual understanding and the application of legal principles to complex factual scenarios.
Recommended Readings:
This course introduces students to the foundational principles, institutions, and evolving challenges of international criminal law (ICL). In the first part, students will explore the historical evolution and theoretical underpinnings of ICL, including the legacy of the Nuremberg and Tokyo Tribunals and the development of ad hoc tribunals in the 1990s, such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Special attention will be given to the ICC—its jurisdiction, structure, and contemporary relevance.
The second part of the course focuses on substantive aspects of international criminal law. Core crimes under the Rome Statute—genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression—will be analyzed in depth. The course also examines other international crimes such as piracy and terrorism, and engages with key legal issues including modes of individual criminal responsibility, head-of-state immunity, complementarity, and the tension between state sovereignty and international accountability.
In addition to legal doctrine and historical precedent, the course will examine current and pressing case studies that illustrate the practical challenges and political significance of international criminal law in action. These include ongoing investigations and proceedings relating to the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza and Israel, and other recent conflicts and allegations of international crimes. Through these examples, students will gain insight into the role of ICL in contemporary global affairs and the constraints of enforcing accountability in real-world contexts.
Throughout, students will engage critically with legal texts, judicial decisions, and academic commentary to develop a comprehensive understanding of how international criminal law functions as both a legal framework and a tool of global justice.
Assessment:
Student performance will be evaluated through a closed-book written examination, designed to test both conceptual understanding and the application of legal principles to complex factual scenarios.
Recommended Readings:
- Cassese, Antonio, Cassese’s International Criminal Law (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2013, 3rd ed.)
- Cryer, Robert, Robinson, Darryl & Vasiliev, Sergey, An Introduction to International Criminal Law and Procedure(Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2019, 4th ed.)
- Guilfoyle, Douglas, International Criminal Law (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2016, 1st ed.)
- Heller, Kevin Jon, Mégret, Frédéric, Nouwen, Sarah M.H., Ohlin, Jens David & Robinson, Darryl (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of International Criminal Law (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2020, 1st ed.)
- O’Keefe, Roger, International Criminal Law (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2017, 1st ed.)
- Schabas, William (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to International Criminal Law (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2016, 1st ed.)
- Stahn, Carsten, A Critical Introduction to International Criminal Law (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2018, 1st ed.)
- Werle, Gerhard & Jessberger, Florian, Principles of International Criminal Law (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2020, 4th ed.)
Weitere Informationen
1 SWS geben die Dauer eines Kurses an, der wöchentlich während eines Semesters angeboten wird. Eine SWS entspricht 45 Minuten.
International Humanitarian Law / The law of armed conflict (Vorlesung, englisch)
Kurstyp:
Vorlesung
ECTS:
8.0
Kurs geeignet für:
Bachelor, Master
Kurssprache:
englisch
Registrierungsinformationen:
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a body of rules that seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict. IHL protects those who are not participating in hostilities, and those who are no longer participating in hostilities. This body of law imposes limits on the methods and means of warfare. IHL forms part of public international law and is largely based on treaties and rules of customary international law.
In this course the development as well as the basic concepts of IHL will be explored. Students will be introduced to the most important documents governing armed conflict, learn how to apply these and will consider the challenges posed to the application of IHL in armed conflicts. A large part of the course will focus on the new developments in IHL including the emergence of new forms of armed conflicts and the development and use of new technologies in armed conflict.
Assessment
Assessment for this course will consist of one presentation and one take-home exam.
In this course the development as well as the basic concepts of IHL will be explored. Students will be introduced to the most important documents governing armed conflict, learn how to apply these and will consider the challenges posed to the application of IHL in armed conflicts. A large part of the course will focus on the new developments in IHL including the emergence of new forms of armed conflicts and the development and use of new technologies in armed conflict.
Assessment
Assessment for this course will consist of one presentation and one take-home exam.
Lektor(en):
Marelie Manders
Bild: Katrin Glückler
Claudius Werry (er/ihn)
ENGAGE.EU Local Work Package Coordinator Campus & Academic Affairs (WP2)
Mo und Mi und Fr im Home-Office; an diesen Tagen nur per E-Mail erreichbar.
Universität Mannheim
Dezernat II – Studienangelegenheiten
Akademisches Auslandsamt
L 1, 1 – Raum 106
68161 Mannheim
Dezernat II – Studienangelegenheiten
Akademisches Auslandsamt
L 1, 1 – Raum 106
68161 Mannheim