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  4. 2014-2015
  5. Law
  6. LS4599: NATURAL LAW THEORY

LS4599: NATURAL LAW THEORY (2014-2015)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

The aim of this course is to examine the standard model used throughout western European history to explore and explain the relationship between law and morality.  It will investigate variations in the use of the model by different groups of thinkers in different times and places, ranging from ancient Rome to enlightenment Scotland.  Essentially an exercise in intellectual history, the course will also provide valuable background to courses on modern legal and moral theory.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term Second Term Credit Points 25 credits (12.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor John Ford

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

None.

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Course Aims: The course aims to introduce students to the philosophical context in which law was understood to operate in western Europe from Antiquity to the Enlightenment. Main Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding Students will learn to distinguish between the different theories advanced by lawyers, theologians and philosophers regarding the nature of law and its relationship with morality and in doing so will deepen their understanding of legal development in western Europe. Subject-Specific Skills and Concepts Students will learn to read theoretical texts historically and will become familiar with concepts that remain central to legal and philosophical debate, most notably the contrasting notions of natural and positive law and natural law and natural rights. Key Skills (Transferable) Apart from the usual development of analytical, communicative and interactive skills, students taking this course will learn to cross boundaries between disciplines and to think more reflectively about the technical information they master. Content: The course examines the standard model used by lawyers and others throughout western European history to explore and explain the relationship between law and morality and investigates variations in the use of the model by different groups of thinkers in different times and places.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: 3 hour 100% written examination. Resit: Normally, no resit is available.

Formative Assessment

Essay (2,000 words for LLB students, 2,500 words for MA students)

Feedback

Feedback will be provided on the feedback form within three weeks from the date of submission.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.
 

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