Introduction to Discrimination Law
| Module title | Introduction to Discrimination Law |
|---|---|
| Module code | LAW3030 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Inga Thiemann (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
How can law ensure equality? Is the Equality Act fit for purpose? In this module you will examine the role of law in protecting individuals from discrimination. You will look at the key topics in discrimination law from a legal, theoretical and comparative perspective. You will consider areas of legal complexity within discrimination law and discrimination law’s role in achieving equality, but also of its limitations. You cover topics ranging from the origins of discrimination law, its foundation in theory, the conduct it prohibits and the protected characteristics.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide you with detailed understanding and appreciation of the key topics in discrimination law. You will develop legal skills, particularly analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving. Through this course you will acquire analytical skills and ability to provide discrimination law advice in areas of legal complexity. You will also critically engage with theoretical debates in relation to equality and discrimination law’s role and limitations in relation to its realisation, developing important theoretical skills.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the role of discrimination law both in the context of the Equality Act, but also in its European and international context
- 2. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the principle features of discrimination law including prohibited conduct and protected characteristics and apply them in various contexts, including structural discrimination and in cases of conflicting protected characteristics
- 3. Identify, explain and critically assess/analyse issues arising in the key areas of discrimination law and apply relevant legal rules to those issues
- 4. Use comprehensive knowledge and understanding to deal with complex issues and problems arising in the key areas of discrimination law, reach appropriate and reasoned conclusions and offer analysis/criticism of legal arguments in these areas
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Integrate and asses information from primary and secondary legal sources using appropriate interpretative techniques
- 6. Select, integrate and present coherently and reflectively, relevant law and legal/theoretical arguments
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Manage relevant learning resources/information/learning strategies and to develop own arguments and opinions with minimum guidance
- 8. Communicate and engage in debate effectively and accurately in a manner appropriate to the discipline and context;
- 9. Work independently, within a limited time frame, with access to external sources, to complete a specified task.
Syllabus plan
It is envisaged that the syllabus will include the following topics. Precise content and order may vary.
Introduction to Discrimination Law – History, theoretical background, patterns of discrimination
Prohibited Conduct: direct & indirect discrimination, disability, harassment, victimisation
Grounds/Protected Characteristics: Age, disability, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | 124 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 18 | 12 x 1.5 hour Lectures (including introductory and revision sessions) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 6 | 3 x 2 hour Workshops |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 2 | 1 x 2 hour feedback sessions for individual discussion of formatives |
| Guided independent study | 60 | Individual Reading and Lecture Preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 17.5 | Workshop preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 37.5 | Summative assessment preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 9 | Formative assessment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formative essay (term 1) | 1x 1000 words | 1-9 | Generic feedback highlighting common errors in lecture. Individual feedback in person (see above) |
| Various essay and problem solving questions in workshops (number and type of question will vary according to the workshop) | Fortnightly workshops requiring thorough preparation | 1-8 | Discussed in workshops; individual students may seek additional feedback if required |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 100 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48- hour take home examination (open book) | 100 | 2 hours (to be completed within 48 hours) | 1-9 | Individual consultation meetings with students as required |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Examination (2 hours) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Hepple, B Equality: the legal framework (Hart: 2014)
Indicative basic reading:
Fredman, S Discrimination Law (OUP: 2011)
Hellman, D & Moreau, S Philosophical Foundations of Discrimination Law (OUP: 2013)
McColgan, A Discrimination, Equality and the Law (Hart: 2016)
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-act
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 23/01/2018 |
| Last revision date | 22/12/2018 |
