Description
Introduction to Law
Module title | Introduction to Law |
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Module code | INT0042 |
Academic year | 2018/9 |
Credits | 20 |
Module staff |
Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Duration: Weeks | 12 |
Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
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Description - summary of the module content
Module description
This second semester module provides an introduction to key legal skills and concepts. It refers to current legal issues in Human Rights Law and /or Criminal Law and /or Tort as representative of the different legal traditions (common and civil law) within English Law. Especially relevant for those wishing to study law at the University, the module also has great benefits for those interested in other subjects as it requires rigorous analysis of complex concepts in order to present fluent, persuasive arguments.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide a foundation in English Law for students wishing to follow a degree programme in Law, Humanities or Social Sciences.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Show knowledge of appropriate legal skills appropriate to this level.
- 2. Demonstrate an understanding of aspects of English Criminal Law and/or the English Law of Tort and/or the European Convention of Human Rights and its implementation within English Law.
- 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the limitations on the implementation of law in practice.
- 4. Develop oral and written legal arguments based on your own learning.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Undertake directed research on one topic.
- 6. Assess critically selected cases, journal articles and book chapters.
- 7. Collate material from a range of sources; organise it coherently to answer a question and support your argument.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Take responsibility for your own learning and work independently.
- 9. Communicate effectively in an appropriate format.
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
This module will introduce key skills and concepts around two or more legal areas, including Human Rights Law and/or Criminal and /or Tort Law.
Topics may include:
For Human Rights: The role of law in the implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to areas such as abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, parental chastisement, protection from domestic violence, privacy, religious freedom and freedom of expression.
For Criminal Law: Basic elements of Criminal Law, particularly offences against the person and key elements such as actus reus, mens rea, and relevant Criminal Law defences.
For Tort Law: Basic elements of Tort Law such as liability of public bodies, good Samaritan laws, privacy and defamation.
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
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60 | 140 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
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Formal lectures | 30 | Lectures |
Seminars | 30 | Seminars - these will be a mixture of class discussion, led by the tutors, and debates |
Guided independent study | 140 | Reading and preparation for class discussion and debates, research for assignment, exam revision, web materials |
Assessment
Formative assessment
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Presentation | Individual or group | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | Written report and oral feedback |
Essay | Introduction and plan | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, | Written report and oral feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
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40 | 20 | 40 |
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
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Oral Presentation | 20 | Individual or group | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | Written report |
Essay | 40 | 1,800 words | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | Written report |
Written exam | 40 | 2 hours | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | Written report |
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 |
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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Oral Presentation | Presentation | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | As soon as possible after original assessment period. |
Exam | Exam Resit (new paper) | 1,2,3,4,5,6, 7,8,9 | As soon as possible after original assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Referral will constitute a second formal examination. The grade for the referred exam, and therefore the module grade, will be capped at 40%.
Referred exams will not be capped and will include summative coursework marks (‘coursework’ includes ‘presentation’) in the final module grade.
Re-assessment of presentation may take the form of an individual viva (re-assessment method addressed on a case-by-case basis).
Re-sit exam periods are indicated on the centre timetable. Students requiring a re-take will be given as much advance notice as possible.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
James Holland and Julian Webb, Learning Legal rules: A Student’s Guide to Legal Method and Reasoning – 9th Edition – OUP
Nicola Monaghan, ‘Criminal Law’ 4th Edition OUP
Kirsty Horsey and Erika Rackley, ‘Tort Law’, 5th Edition OUP
Web based and electronic resources:
Additional reading and sources will be provided by the module convener.
Module has an active ELE page
Credit value | 20 |
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Module ECTS | 10 |
NQF level (module) | 3 |
Available as distance learning? | No |
Origin date | 01/05/2018 |
Last revision date | 15/08/2018 |