LS451X: RURAL LAW (HONOURS) (2017-2018)

Course Aims: To provide students with a framework for a comprehension of the body of law pertinent in rural areas of Scotland and in particular to examine and critically evaluate key areas of rural law including land use planning, nature conservation, access to the countryside, community right to buy, agricultural holdings and crofting law. Main Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding By the end of the course students will have been introduced to, understood and critically evaluated the law relating to land use planning, nature conservation, access to the countryside, community rights to buy, agricultural holdings and crofting law. Subject-Specific Skills and Concepts The students will understand the wider socio/economic and political context for the development of rural law in Scotland as well comprehending and critically analysing key areas of rural law. Key Skills (Transferable)

• Communicate orally and in writing;
• Ability to work effectively in small groups to contribute to the group?s task;
• Ability to work independently, to organise and manage time, stress and effort in performance of tasks;
• Problem solving skills;
• Critical analysis;
• Logical argument;
• An ability to synthesise and organise complex materials and arguments;
• With limited guidance act independently, and where appropriate as part of team, in planning and undertaking tasks;
• Conduct formal and informal oral presentations;
• Make appropriate use of technology in research, writing and oral presentations; and
• Reflect on own learning and to seek and make use of feedback. Content:
• Rural Land use and Planning
• Nature Conservation
• Access rights
• Land reform: Community Rights to Buy
• Agricultural Holdings
• Crofting

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

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination (75%); continuous assessment by essay of 2,500 words (25%). Resit: Normally, no resit is available.

Optional practice exam. 

Formal feedback will be given on the formative essay. Participation in seminars will attract informal feedback. Papers presented will be discussed allowing for an element of peer feedback.