The MOOC Revolution: Law Schools

Introduction to International Criminal Law

School: Case Western Reserve University
Platform: Coursera
Link: Introduction to International Criminal Law
Start Date: March 1, 2014
Workload: 3-4 Hours Per Week (12 Weeks Long)
Instructor: Michael Scharf
Credentials: Before joining Case Western, Professor Scharf worked in the U.S. Department of State during the Clinton and Bush administrations, holding positions as Attorney-Adviser for Law Enforcement and Intelligence and United Nations Affairs, along with being a delegate to the U.N. Human Rights Commission. Scharf, along with his Public International Law and Policy Group, were also nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for helping with the prosecution of Charles Taylor, the former President of Liberia.
Graded: Students who score 60% or better on their midterm and final exams will receive a signed Statement of Accomplishment. “With Distinction” will be added to any statement where students publish five or more posts of 200 words or more.
Description: This course focuses on the procedures and challenges inherent to prosecuting international crimes like genocide, terrorism, war crimes, torture, and piracy. The material will cover the history of international criminal law, the various levels of liability, defenses and immunity, gathering evidence, extradition, and maintaining control of the court room. An eight unit course, it includes readings, role play simulations and debates, hour-long video lectures, online discussions, and midterm and final exams.
Review: “I had some previous study of law prior to this course which was helpful but wasn’t necessarily vital as this was such a clearly explained and fascinating course. Compared with a couple of other MOOCs I have done, this is very clear and well structured. The video lectures are exceptionally good (not just a camera stuck at the back of a lecture theatre). And the readings are all topical, relavant and interesting. I’d recommend this course to anyone with an interest in the law or current affairs as your understanding of both will be enriched.” For additional reviews, click here.