Conflict and Crimes - Period 1

This introductory course familiarizes students of the master programme International Crimes, Conflict and Criminology with each other and with the main (legal) concepts, (criminological) theories and judicial and non-judicial responses in relation to conflict-related crimes. The core concepts and definitions of international crimes (war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide) and modes of liability will be discussed and illustrated. Similarly, attention will be given to conflict-related transnational crimes such as human smuggling, human trafficking, weapons smuggling and terrorism. In this course you will discuss the workings of transnational modes of cooperation such as Interpol and transitional justice responses such as truth commissions.

During the 'practical week' students will visit relevant institutions such as the International Criminal Court. Apart from focusing on the content, this intensive course also trains students on their practical skills, in particular how to write an academic research paper, how to interview respondents, and how to make a legal analysis.

Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course therefore, CEA's recommended credits are based on the ECTS credits assigned by VU Amsterdam. 1 ECTS equals 28 contact hours assigned by VU Amsterdam.