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LS1026: CASE STUDIES ON LAW IN SOCIETY (2015-2016)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2016 11:36


Course Overview

This module examines, through the use of current, high-profile case-studies, the varying role played by law in wider society. The course departs from the traditional ‘black letter’ approach to studying law and will focus primarily upon current legal problems facing society and the related ethical, economic and social arguments. It will be seen that law is not merely a static body of rules but a mechanism for facilitating and inspiring change in all aspects of our society. 

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Colin Mackie

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Either Law (LS) (Studied) or Legal Studies (Ma Honours) (LX) (Studied)
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Programme Level 1

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Course Aims: The overriding aim of the course is to examine, through the use of case-studies, the varying role played by law in wider society. By considering current legal problems facing society and the related ethical, economic and social arguments, the complexities associated with the regulation of certain aspects of society are considered.

Main Learning Outcomes: Students would be exposed at an early stage of their legal career to a broad range of legal topics and the associated economic, moral and ethical arguments. It is hoped that this would enthuse students at the outset of their studies thus demonstrating that law was not a static body of rules but a mechanism for facilitating and inspiring change in all aspects of our society. It will also draw attention to what the law can and cannot do i.e. what are the limits of the law?

Subject-Specific Skills and Concepts

Students should be able to:
  • Retrieve up-to-date information, legal and non-legal, using paper and electronic sources.
  • Use a variety of sources, legal and non-legal, to support arguments and conclusions.
  • Present arguments for and against propositions.
  • Think critically and make critical judgements on the merits of particular arguments and solutions and make choices as to the most preferable.
  • recognise, analyse, and rank arguments and evidence in terms of relevance and importance.
  • Bring together, integrate and synthesise information and materials from a variety of different sources, which explore policy and ethical issues.
  • Communicate orally and in writing tailored to the intended audience.
  • Display informed knowledge and understanding of the social, economic, moral and ethical contexts in which law operates.

Key Skills (Transferable)

Students will be able to:
  • Communicate orally and in writing.
  • Work independently and manage time in the performance of tasks.
  • Critically analyse.
  • Argue logically and synthesise and organise complex materials.
  • Conduct oral presentations.
  • Make appropriate use of technology in research, writing and oral presentations.
  • Reflect on own learning and to seek and make use of feedback.

Content: The case-studies covered in the course would fall under the following two broad themes: Regulation and Citizens; and Regulation and Commerce.

Further Information & Notes

Available to LLB and MA Legal Studies students in their first year of study only.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: 2 x 2,000 word essays (100%)

Resit: If a student does not achieve a pass of D3 in both essays, a resit attempt will be offered in respect of the essay(s) not passed at first attempt.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided on the feedback form within three weeks from the date of submission.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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