Description
An examination of the theories and concepts which underpin law, with further detailed consideration of Human Rights Law.
Aims
The aim of this Module is to develop the student's understanding of the theories and concepts which underpin law, and the application of Human Rights Law.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Analyse the development of the Western legal tradition and fundamental legal concepts.
2. Critically evaluate different schools of thought within the Western Legal Tradition
3. Understand and critically apply the principles of Human Rights law
4. Demonstrate higher level legal writing skills and apply legal skills and knowledge in a practical and theoretical context
5. Demonstrate higher level legal skills and knowledge in a practical and theoretical context through debating contested and conflicting philosophical views
Indicative Content
1 Fundamental Legal Concepts
Law, the State and the individual; law and other disciplines; rule of law; concepts of rights and justice.
2 Development of the Western Legal Tradition
Global legal systems; the Western Legal Tradition; natural law theories; the Utilitarians; Kant; Marx
3 Legal Theories of the 20th Century
Legal theories of the 20th century: American realism; legal positivism; liberalism; legal sociology; critical legal theory, feminism and race; post-modernism
4 Human Rights
UN Human Rights instruments; The European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms; The Scotland Act 1998; The Human Rights Act 1998; the impact of human rights law in Scotland and the UK
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 26 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 13 |
| Practical Activity | 0 |
| Assessment | 40 |
| Independent | 121 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
