Thinking and Arguing Law
MODULE CODE
CREDIT VALUE
Module Aims
Aim 1
To introduce students to philosophical and theoretical aspects of legal thought, complementing their practical skills and knowledge.
Aim 2
To outline, evaluate and apply approaches to jurisprudence, doctrinal (Black Letter), social-legal, comparative and historical.
Aim 3
To outline, evaluate and apply positivist and natural law theories
Aim 4
Evaluate the limits of doctrinal reasoning through the application of a range of approaches to jurisprudential enquiry
Aim 5
Outline a range of interpretative research methods for investigating legal reasoning and framing research questions
Module Content
What is law? The relationship between law and morality, law and politics and law and justice; different legal jurisprudence including traditional black letter, social-legal, comparative and historical approaches. Legal writing and rhetoric.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Teaching Methods
The primary objective of the lectures is to provide an outline of the subject matter and a framework for its understanding which students can use as a base for their independent study directed to the requirements of the seminars. This session will also include within it, in addition to traditional lecture delivery, small group discussions feeding into reporting back to whole groups, live quiz sessions and other interactive exercises, guest lecturers, relevant video or other pre-recorded material plus discussion and other learning activities as appropriate.
Seminars (small group tutorials) take place fortnightly. The students build upon their understanding gained in the lecture session by reading specified cases, articles and appropriate textbooks in preparation for the seminars. The aims and learning outcomes of each individual seminar are clearly set out and students are encouraged to consider the short, self-help questions before talking the essay and problem question set for the group discussion.
Both essays assist in the development of written communication skills and skills of analysis. They will give the student valuable individual feedback as to the degree of understanding of the course, especially how the various areas of law inter-relate. The student will also receive valuable guidance as to how his or her essay writing skills can be improved.
Assessment Methods
This module is assessed through two Written Assignments.
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Compulsory
Optional
