The module introduces law students to ways of thinking about law in relation to society. This means discussing the various approaches to thinking about society ; social theory and sociology, and thinking about law in a socio-legal, sociological and critical way.

Students will be introduced to the key schools of social theorising in order to understand how society coheres, what makes society more than a random number of individuals – thinking how society forms individuals rather than vice-versa.

Once introduced to this way of thinking, students will consider the key social identities which run through society, such as class, gender, race, sexual orientation, thinking about how these identities produce communities and differences which society then has to negotiate. The role of law in these processes will be considered.

Topics will vary to achieve contemporary relevance and interest, but could, illustratively, include discussions of the tension between freedom of speech and causing offence to religious belief, the tension between privacy and communication surveillance, the challenge of terrorism to rule of law values, the role of the state and the scope of the welfare state, what we mean by citizenship.

A poster presentation (100% weighting) assessing all learning outcomes .

Additional Assessment Details:
Working towards the assessment task will be a key element of the learning, and tutors will be available to guide students through the process. Face to face contact sessions focussed on assessment activities will be scheduled into the timetable.

Access to appropriate texts, legislation and case law including electronic access
Module study guide. Lecture Outlines.

I McLeod Ed M Cremona Legal Theory (6th Ed 2012 Palgrave McMillan)

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the interaction between law, legal institutions and society with reference to current issues
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate an ability to communicate such knowledge and understanding verbally and in writing
Communication

3. Demonstrate an ability to analyse problem situations and apply law to provide appropriate solutions.
Analysis
Application
Problem solving

4. Demonstrate an ability to conduct research
Enquiry

5. Demonstrate an ability to self-reflect on learning and understanding of legal source material and monitor performance in module.
Enquiry
Reflection

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 150 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 111 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Contact will include a mixture of small and larger group activities, much of it based on the principles of practice and problem based learning. Learning will be organised into a series of sessions where students will be required to participate. Each session will be based around a problem or issue, and students will work towards a range of solutions by specifying objectives, identifying constraints, obtaining background information, applying related theory and knowledge based around the subject matter. Large group sessions seek to establish an overview framework within which selected theories and rules of the subject matter can be more effectively developed. They will verify and consolidate knowledge and understanding and will engage in more detailed exposition of selected theories, rules and constraints. The guided learning will incorporate a mixture of activities, some of which will require groupwork and electronic interaction. The learning will be facilitated by use of the VLE platform and discussions/interactions between students and tutors. Students will be expected to be familiar with contemporary discussions in this area of law, and to bring a range of ideas to bear on the discussions. Thus, although there will be a framework of knowledge and understanding, students will be actively, rather than passively, engaged in the process of both learning about, and increasing understanding of, the subject matter. The module will use a blend of teaching methods to enable different styles of learning to be facilitated. The differing methods will also be a platform for the development of essential skills such as intellectual skills, communication skills and problem solving, as well as research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing, argument, judgement and appropriate use of IT.

TOTAL LEARNING TIME 150 hours

This module will introduce you to ways of thinking about law in relation to society. This means discussing the various approaches to thinking about society; social theory and sociology, and thinking about law in a socio-legal, sociological and critical way. The theme throughout will be does law shape society or society shape law.
Once introduced to this way of thinking, you will consider the key social identities, such as class, gender, race, sexual orientation, thinking about how these identities produce communities and differences which society then must negotiate. You will debate the role of law in these processes.