Expert Seminar 2

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/R_ExpS2

Course Objective

In this expert seminar we will discuss and critically assess victim-centred transitional justice. In a series of interactive seminars, with guest lectures by practitioners and academics working in the field, we will seek to unravel and identify possible innovative measures or best practices in relation to victim participation in judicial, extra-judicial, and non-judicial transitional justice. At the end of the course the student: A. Has knowledge of and insight into:Goals, tools and methods of local, national and international, extra-, non
- and judicial actors with regard to victim-centred transitional justice.Recent theories and (research) findings from various academic disciplines in relation to transitional justice and victim participation. B. Is capable of:Critically evaluating the rationale and practice of victim participation with regard to currently adopted transitional justice mechanisms within different societies;Examining their weaknesses, strengths and consequences; Independently setting up, carrying out and reporting the results of small-scale research on a specific topic related to victim-centred transitional justice. C. Shows evidence of:An independent, critical attitude with regard to existing theories and knowledge on transitional justice and victim participation; An investigative, original and creative attitude with regard to existing issues and solutions in a postconflict era.

Course Content

Four times a year researchers of VU University’s Center for International Criminal Justice or speakers from other universities or practitioners are invited to share with our students their knowledge and expertise on a specific topic related to international crimes, conflict or international criminal justice (two in period 3 and two in period 5). The purpose of these seminars is to stimulate students to critically think and reflect upon one specific topic for several days. Group size will be limited, thereby allowing, and indeed, forcing, students to actively engage in the interactive class setting. Topics will change per year. At the start of the academic year the content of the different Expert Courses will be shared with students of the Master Programmes International Crimes, Conflict and Criminology.

Teaching Methods

The course will consist of a number of interactive workshops.

Method of Assessment

The course is evaluated with two written assignments.

Literature

A selection of academic or other literature that is available online or through the VU library.

Target Audience

The course is in principle only open to master students International Crimes, Conflict and Criminology.

Custom Course Registration

Registration for the course will be made possible after the introduction meeting with the coordinator of the programme.