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Short summer courses about law, society, and governance

Summer School courses about law and society

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Explore a variety of legal issues, from human rights to environmental law. Learn from experts and gain a new perspective on the world.

Curious about how law shapes our world? Are you fascinated by the complex relationship between law and society? Our short summer courses delve into the complex relationship between legal systems and social issues.

From human rights and criminal justice to international law and environmental law, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the legal and societal forces that impact our lives.

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Courses

VU Amsterdam Summer School courses

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Courses

VU Amsterdam Summer School law room with scales

Summerschool International Criminal Justice

VU Amsterdam Summer School law room with scales This one-of-a-kind course takes a multidisciplinary approach to the challenges that emerge in the field of international criminal justice.
International development summer school

Summerschool International Development: Global Trends via Local Case Perspectives

International development summer school In this summer school course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of international development to address global challenges.

Summerschool Water Politics and Governance

This course builds knowledge on the governance of freshwater resources with emphasis on the institutional, political and organisational dimensions.
AML banner

Summerschool Introduction to Anti-Money Laundering Law & Compliance: An International and Regional Perspective

AML banner The course delves into the multifaceted nature of AML compliance, emphasizing its impact on designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs). We'll explore the evolving legal and regulatory landscape, the critical role of DNFBPs focusing mainly on legal professionals in combating money laundering, and your ethical and professional obligations. This program equips law students and practitioners alike with the expertise to ensure compliance and navigate the ever-changing world of AML.
Microclimate inside a light bulb

Summerschool Environmental Justice in Theory and Practice

Microclimate inside a light bulb Explore one of the most urgent challenges of our time—how to make environmental action just. This interactive summer course delves into environmental justice, asking: who benefits, who loses, and why? You'll engage with contemporary philosophical debates, real-world case studies, and justice movements from around the globe. Learn how environmental decisions affect vulnerable communities, ecosystems, and future generations across land, sea, and climate. With expert lecturers, guest practitioners, and a hands-on city walk, this interdisciplinary course invites you to critically rethink sustainability, justice, and your role in shaping a more just world.

Summerschool Governing Climate Change: Theory and Practice

This course will examine different approaches for coping with climate change: international agreements, market-based solutions and private activities.

Summerschool Legal Constructions of Race in the Netherlands

Why does racial discrimination and inequality remain a problem in modern society? By now, most people accept that the idea that ‘race’, when used to describe people, is not a biological fact, but a social construct. However, explaining how this social construction works in practice can be difficult. This course aims to remedy that difficulty. Using the Netherlands as a case study, it provides historical context and concrete examples of how ‘race’ has functioned as a legal concept throughout history and how laws regulating race have adapted to the postcolonial, some say even post-racial world. By examining how race is enacted through laws in different eras and territories, we will get to the central question of why racial inequality and discrimination persist.
Course VU Graduate Winter School

Summerschool Hybrid Warfare and Peacebuilding in Countries Influenced by the Soviet Legacy

Course VU Graduate Winter School The course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of political, social, and military conflicts in states influenced by the Soviet legacy, including former Soviet republics and states of the former Warsaw Treaty Organization. It explores their historical roots, geopolitical implications, and the role of international actors. It explores their historical roots, geopolitical implications, and the role of international actors. The course focuses on key contemporary cases such as the Russian–Ukrainian war, the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict, and the ongoing tensions in Moldova, Georgia, and other tensions caused by Russian hybrid influence.

Are you interested in courses about the environment and sustainabilty?

Summer school courses about the environment and nature

Explore environmental science and sustainability with VU Amsterdam's summer courses. Learn about climate change, biodiversity, and more. Apply now!

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+31 20 59 86429

Microsoft Teams: by appointment via amsterdamsummerschool@vu.nl

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  • Yota
  • Programme Coordinator
  • Esther
  • International Officer

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