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/p This module introduces students to the comparative study of constitutions, constitution-making and constitutional change. We will start with an examination of methodological questions such as why and what we compare and continue with a comparative exploration of institutional arrangements, models of rights protection, and mechanisms for constitutional reform. Readings and discussions will cover jurisdictions from both the Global South and the Global North, looking at influential case studies such as the US, the UK, France, Germany, India, and South Africa, but also at what are often considered jurisdictions at the periphery, from Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. We will look beyond liberal democratic constitutions, including at socialist constitutions and what have been termed ‘authoritarian’ or ‘illiberal’ constitutions. Running themes throughout the course include: the interplay between constitutional law and politics and between constitutional and international law; tensions between constitutionalism and democracy and current forms of democratic backsliding; constitutional identity – its uses and abuses; transformative constitutionalism and constitutions as the basis for the empowerment versus the suppression of citizens; and rights protection and regression, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups.\p