International Criminal Justice

About

This course aims to introduce students to the complex nature of international crimes, its perpetrators and the reaction of the international community.

International crimes and gross human rights violations pose a threat to international peace and security and call for effective action. An effective response, however, is often hampered by a lack of knowledge on the true nature and aetiology of international crimes. Acquiring such knowledge is essential when designing effective measures and interventions to prevent and stop these crimes. Such knowledge must be multi- and interdisciplinary, but few academics and professionals working within the field are actually trained for such an undertaking.

This Summer School on International Criminal Justice aims to create a better understanding of the complex nature of international crimes, their perpetrators and the reaction by the international community. By taking an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine the juridical and empirical sides of these mass atrocities and by combining theory, interactive discussions and visits to the International Criminal Tribunals in The Hague, students will quickly develop a basic understanding of the most important issues concerning international criminal justice. Together with a group of expert lawyers and criminologists, you will explore what 'doing justice' means in practice and identify and discuss the most pressing challenges. In doing so, you will make the most of our location just 30 minutes away from the legal capital of the world, The Hague. Accompanied by experienced professionals, you will visit the most celebrated legal institutions of the world, such as the International Criminal Court, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

Course leader

Adina Nistor and Barbora Holá

Target group

This course is suitable for Advanced Bachelor's students (completed second year) with an interest in learning about crimes committed in the context of armed conflict or authoritarian regimes. Especially students with a background in criminology, law, psychology, social sciences and conflict studies will benefit from this program, but given its introductory nature, it is not necessary to study in those fields.

Apart from Bachelor's and Master's students, we also welcome PhD candidates and professionals to apply to the course. The level of assessment is Advanced Bachelor level (third year).

Course aim

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

- Summarise the central concepts of international criminal justice;
- Critically reflect on the development of international criminal justice;
- Critically reflect on empirical research methodologies;
- Analyse the shortcomings of international criminal justice;
- Formulate their opinion on different modes of transitional justice and their effects;
- Work in a small group to prepare for a presentation;
- Attractively present the findings of an explorative study.

Fee info

Students, PhD candidates and employees of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC or an Aurora Network Partner €765 Students and PhD candidates at partner universities of VU Amsterdam €1035 Students and PhD candidates at non-partner universities of VU Amsterdam €1140 Professionals €1360