Foundations of Transitional Justice

Program Overview

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This program provides a comprehensive understanding of transitional justice, exploring its theoretical foundations, legal frameworks, and practical applications in post-conflict and authoritarian settings. It equips participants with critical thinking skills to engage with contemporary challenges and debates in transitional societies, preparing them for careers in international organizations, government agencies, legal professions, and research.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

Additionally, it develops knowledge and understanding of the legal aspects of international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international criminal law. The course also examines pressing contemporary dilemmas faced by transitional societies. Exploration of these issues and case studies will allow participants to apply their foundational knowledge to pertinent legal and political issues.

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The main objectives of the course are:

• Familiarity with the theoretical and norm-based content of transitional justice discourses and practice.

• Understanding the intersections between transitional justice discourses and complementary legal frameworks of international humanitarian, human rights, and criminal law.
• Critical engagement with contemporary transitional justice problems in comparative contexts.

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Outline:

The course content covers various aspects of transitional justice, including theoretical frameworks, legal considerations, and practical applications in post-conflict and authoritarian settings.

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Module Structure:

The program consists of two modules, each focusing on specific topics within transitional justice:

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Module 1: Foundations of Transitional Justice (15 credits)

• Introduction to transitional justice concepts, principles, and scope
• Historical and philosophical underpinnings of transitional justice
• Relationship between transitional justice and international legal frameworks (human rights, humanitarian law, criminal law)
• Dilemmas of transitional justice in practice: truth commissions, reparations, justice, and reconciliation

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Module 2: Contemporary Issues in Transitional Justice (15 credits)

• Advanced examination of contemporary challenges in transitional societies
• Comparative analysis of transitional justice approaches in specific countries/regions
• Evaluating the effectiveness of different transitional justice mechanisms
• Engaging with current debates on accountability, peacebuilding, and reconciliation
• Individual research project on a chosen transitional justice case study or context

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Course Schedule:

• The course will run for one semester (11 weeks) starting from 23 September 2024.
• Attendance is mandatory, with specific days and times confirmed closer to the start date.

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Assessment:

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The final grade for the course is calculated based on two assessed tasks:

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Written assignment (1000 words):

Critical reflection on weekly readings and participation in online forum discussions. 25% weightage.

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Major written assignment (3000 words):

• Option 1: Essay addressing a chosen question based on course topics, demonstrating knowledge, critical analysis, and argumentation skills.
75% weightage.
• Option 2: Case study report on a chosen transitional justice setting/context.
The report should describe the context, evaluate the chosen transitional justice mechanisms, and analyze their effectiveness. 75% weightage.

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Teaching:

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Teaching methods:

• Interactive lectures and seminars
• Case studies and simulations
• Group discussions and collaborative work
• Guest lectures by experts in the field

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Faculty:

The course is taught by experienced academics from the Ulster University School of Law, specializing in international law, human rights, and transitional justice.

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Unique features:

• Focuses on both theoretical frameworks and practical applications of transitional justice.
• Provides opportunities for critical engagement with current debates and challenges.
• Offers flexibility to tailor the learning experience through the choice of written assignment format.
• Integrates real-world case studies into the curriculum for in-depth analysis.

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Careers:

• Graduates of this program may pursue careers in a range of fields related to transitional justice:
• International organizations (UN, NGOs) involved in peacebuilding, human rights, and conflict resolution
• National and regional government agencies responsible for post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation initiatives
• Legal professions focused on human rights advocacy and international criminal law
• Research and academia, specializing in transitional justice studies and related topics
• Civil society organizations working on human rights and conflict resolution

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Other:

• Students will have access to the University Library, which provides extensive resources on transitional justice.
• The program is also suitable for those working in related fields who seek professional development and advanced understanding of transitional justice principles and practices.

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Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlements Status Fees:

£1,166.70

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England, Scotland, Wales and the Islands Fees:

£1,166.70

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Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees. Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses. Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.