PSIA Students Gain Interdisciplinary Perspective on EU Studies

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YEREVAN – On May 6, 2014, second year students from the American University of Armenia (AUA)’s Political Science and International Affairs (PSIA) program participated in a European Union (EU) Moot Court. This is an original initiative devised and organized annually by Dr. Syuzanna Vasilyan, Jean Monnet Chair of European Studies and assistant professor in AUA’s PSIA program, within the framework of the European Integration course for students to acquire skills in adjudication by using their knowledge in EU Studies.

The second year students acted as prosecutors, defenders and/or judges, while the first year students performed the role of the jury. The verdict was delivered by the latter after deliberation with Dr. Vasilyan guiding them on legal language and substance of argumentation to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the teams.

Dr. Vasilyan stated, “While EU Studies are interdisciplinary, Political Science and International Affairs students are rarely exposed to other disciplines, such as law. Devising and organizing this EU Moot Court provides a chance for PSIA students to acquire such specific aptitude, which will also help them better understand legal processes in general. Most importantly, since the EU is a treaty-based entity with its acquis communautaire, understanding it thoroughly requires drawing on these together with its political practice as ‘evidence.’”

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values.

 

Participants in the EU Moot Court

Second-year PSIA students acted as defenders during the Moot Court.

Second-year PSIA students also acted as prosecutors during the Moot Court.

The event was organized by Jean Monnet Chair of European Studies and Assistant Professor Dr. Syuzanna Vasilyan.

 

A PSIA exchange student from California and Dr. Syuzanna Vasilyan acted as judges.

The jury, comprised of PSIA first-year students, was guided by Dr. Syuzanna Vasilyan.