Jurisprudence and Legal Theory
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LAWW3145 | Law | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- LAWW3145
- School
- Law
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module engages in a more advanced study of legal theoretical accounts, as well as broader theoretical and philosophical considerations about the nature and role of law in contemporary societies. It offers a comprehensive overview of the major debates, concepts, and theoretical frameworks related to the contemporary organisation and practice of law in the domestic and international settings.
The module covers the theoretical underpinnings of modern legal systems, institutions and applied doctrines. It traces the development of modern law through different legal traditions (civil law and common law), and explores key legal concepts, compared against a rich background of normative and descriptive theories of law, philosophical, sociological and political accounts and policy perspectives.
By the end of the module, students will have the opportunity to challenge their legal imagination, honing their analytical and critical thinking skills by navigating complex theoretical debates, and by reflecting upon analytical engagement with advanced reading material.
Target Students
The module is available to Final Year students in the School of Law. Also available to Exchange students hosted by the School of Law.
Classes
This module is taught in seminar format.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: Coursework - 12 pages
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to introduce students to a more advanced study into legal theoretical accounts, themes and discussions. It will enable students to engage rigorously with legal theoretical scholarship and research, to develop deeper awareness of fundamental philosophical ideas relating to the study of different areas of law and to explore the relationship between social issues, political and economic development and law. Finally, it will allow students to enhance their legal reasoning and argumentation skills.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will display critical understanding of how legal decision-making and doctrinal developments link with legal theoretical approaches
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will demonstrate systematic knowledge of law, legal concepts and legal institutions with reference to legal theoretical scholarship
Cognitive and Intellectual Skills
Students will creatively analyse and evaluate conflicting theoretical views on the nature of law and on its role and performance in society, at the domestic and international levels
Cognitive and Intellectual Skills
Students will analyse and critically engage with advanced reading material from legal theoretical research and scholarship
Cognitive and Intellectual Skills
Students will design and undertake substantial research to investigate critical responses to problems and values relating to the themes and topics discussed in the module
Transferable Skills
Students will discuss independently and confidently legal and related interdisciplinary theoretical accounts and relevant social and political concerns they encompass
Practical Skills
Students will show the skills to conduct autonomous research and to selectively access, analyse, evaluate and apply a range of IT skills and resources, including appropriate legal databases and extended literature