This course introduces students to the core features of comparative constitutional law. It explores the role of methodology in comparative approaches, the main concepts (the primacy of the constitution, the processes of constitutional change, the rule of law), and questions of constitutional design (parliamentarism vs presidentialism, constitutions in divided and in authoritarian societies). Emphasis is placed throughout on inter-disciplinary studies as well as on the constant tension between law and politics, constitutionalism and democracy, legality and legitimacy.