This course assesses the formation and development of law based on the history of European and Chinese legal cultures. Specific focus is made on continental legal systems. Topics include European ancient law (Hebrew law, Greek law, Roman law, etc.), European medieval law (Canonic law, Germanic law, Feudal law, Mercantile law, the revival of Roman law and the formation of common European law), modern European law after the Renaissance and the legal evolution of Western Europe after the French Revolution, namely the sources of contemporary European law. The course also examines the ancient and contemporary legal philosophy of China, legal history and culture in China. The course will also draw examples of unique legal cultures and legal pluralism from other jurisdictions like Japan and India.

CILO-1: Students will be able to demonstrate the formation and development of law based on the history of European and Chinese legal cultures. CILO-2: Students will be able to elaborate on the differences of sources of contemporary European law, namely European ancient law, European medieval law, modern European law, and the legal evolution of Western Europe after the French Revolution. CILO-3: Students will be able to identify the differences between ancient and contemporary legal philosophy of China, and establish the main elements of legal history and culture in China. CILO-4: Students will be able to contextualise different legal cultures in a legal pluralism theoretical framework, and to compose a reasoned argument regarding legal culture and legal pluralism independently.