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Comparative Equality Law

Objectives

 



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



1. Compare how different legal systems address problems of inequality and discrimination;



2. Read discrimination case decisions and analyze the theories of equality underlying the decision;



3. Read proposed statutes, constitutional amendments and treaties and analyze the theories of equality underlying the proposal;



4. Read articles about inequality and discuss the issues raised in light of the underlying theories of equality, using examples from several legal systems;



5. Connect with students from around the globe as friends/colleagues to discuss ongoing issues of inequality in light of the material they studied together;



6. Reflect on teaching and learning methods used by students and faculty from several nations; and



7. Better understand their own connections to a global community of research and learning.


General characterization

Code

33266

Credits

6

Responsible teacher

Nausica Palazzo

Hours

Weekly - Available soon

Total - 0

Teaching language

Available soon

Prerequisites

Not Applicable

Bibliography

Not Applicable

Teaching method

Comparative Equality Law uses a problem-based approach to examine how the law protects equality rights in different jurisdictions. The course adopts a comparative approach to find solutions to recurring problems across jurisdictions.



It is an interactive course: students will attend 2 hours of classes delivered by Berkeley University. 



The format for the Thursday class meetings will be as follows:




  • • A five-minute introduction.

  • • A fifteen-minute lecture.

  • • A fifteen-minute discussion in break-out rooms, with all participants able to respond/participate on a shared Google doc.

  • • A twenty-minute plenary discussion.

  • • A five-minute break.

  • • A fifteen-minute lecture.

  • • A fifteen-minute discussion in break-out rooms, with all participants able to respond/participate on a shared Google doc.

  • • A twenty-minute plenary discussion.

  • • A ten-minute wrap-up and look-ahead lecture (usually by one of the lecturers for the next week’s class).



 



The break-out room discussions will focus on a discussion problem related to the day’s reading and the lectures. (When possible, the lectures will be distributed in advance.)



 


Evaluation method

NOVA students will be assessed based on a final exam (essay), and class participation (which includes both attending and contributing to the breakout and plenary discussions).



 



Final Exam (16 pt)



Class Participation (4 pt)



 



The final exam must compare how two or more national/legal systems approach a particular problem of inequality. The final exam will present a hypothetical problem and ask how the problem would be analyzed in the two countries we have studied. Further details of the assignments will be provided to NOVA students on the first class.


Subject matter

 



 






















 

 



Employment discrimination I

 

Employment discrimination II

 

Employment discrimination III

 



 



 

































Freedom of religion as a human right                       

Religious dress and religious symbols

 

Reproductive rights and the Church

 

Rights of persons with disabilities

 

Sexual harassment / violence

 

Sexual harassment / violence

 

Affirmative action