Universität Wien

030096 KU Postcolonial Perspectives (2026S)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 3 - Rechtswissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
We 15.04. 09:30-12:00 Seminarraum SEM31 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG

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Details

max. 40 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 22.04. 09:30 - 12:00 Seminarraum SEM33 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Wednesday 29.04. 09:30 - 12:00 Seminarraum SEM31 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Wednesday 06.05. 09:30 - 12:00 Seminarraum SEM33 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Wednesday 13.05. 09:30 - 12:00 Seminarraum SEM33 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Wednesday 20.05. 09:30 - 12:00 Seminarraum SEM34 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Wednesday 27.05. 09:30 - 12:00 Seminarraum SEM51 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum 5.OG
  • Wednesday 03.06. 09:30 - 12:00 Seminarraum SEM34 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Wednesday 10.06. 09:30 - 12:00 Seminarraum SEM31 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Wednesday 17.06. 09:30 - 12:00 Seminarraum SEM31 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Law is an instrument of domination. In the context of colonialism, law created hierarchies and reinforced structures of violence. Even after decolonialisation, the influence of these structures of violence on law persists. In this course, we will analyse the structures of colonialism in law and discuss how law has to be reconsidered and reconceived in order to break up these structures – and if that is even possible.

After general discussions about postcolonial theories and law, we will consider, in particular, questions of how colonial power structures linger in constitutions, what effects they have on criminal law and criminology, how gender constructions are established through law, and what ideological role can be assigned to property law.

The course aims to foster an in-depth understanding of (post-)colonial power structures in law and the role of law as an instrument of domination.

Assessment and permitted materials

Short presentations during the reading sessions presenting the main arguments of a text, as well as a written essay reflecting on the discussion in class based on the short presentation.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The assessment is based on regular, active participation (20%), the presentation (30%) and the written essay (50%).

Examination topics

The presentations and essays will be based on the research literature discussed in the course.

Reading list

The reader will be made available on Moodle.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Tu 03.03.2026 13:45