Course Structure

International Team Project (ITP) is a comparative law course that looks at the role of law and legal institutions in the United States and a foreign country.  The faculty advisor and students develop a rigorous course curriculum. Students spend the first part of the semester immersed in the legal, social, and political history of their chosen country. Weekly class meetings follow a traditional seminar format with discussion of assigned readings. In addition, lectures are provided by guest speakers who have expertise in the country.

These studies provide the framework for the selection and development of individual group paper topics. After conducting general background research, students work in small groups to focus on particular topics of interest. They then develop proposals, begin the traditional research of their topics, and initiate contact with individuals with knowledge of their topic both here and abroad.

During spring break, ITP classes travel to their chosen country, where students meet with key players in businesses, justice systems, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations.

The final written ITP papers should be of publishable quality. ITP papers provide a comprehensive review and analysis of existing secondary literature and, through the conducting of interviews, they also provide information not otherwise available to practitioners, policymakers, and scholars. Several ITP papers have been published in legal journals.

ITP is a collaborative and team-based effort. Students communicate about expectations and delegate responsibilities. They must learn to trust in the efforts and abilities of their teammates in order for the project to be a success.