LX4047: GOVERNMENT AND LAW (HONOURS) (2018-2019)

Course Aims: This course is concerned with the relationship between law and politics in the United Kingdom. In view of the highly topical nature of the subject-matter, the specific issues which are focused upon each year are determined by the members of the course, in consultation with the course co-ordinator, at the first meeting. Recent examples of chosen case include: devolution; the response to terrorism; the role of the Prime Minister; reform of the House of Lords. In addition to developing an understanding of particular topics, the course places considerable emphasis on developing research and analytical skills. Main Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding A developed knowledge and understanding of: a) The relationship between law and politics; b) Where appropriate, the impact of devolution; c) The development of policy and the impact of the law in relation to specific topical case studies. Subject-Specific Skills and Concepts 1. Differentiate between and use appropriate primary and secondary sources and identify and retrieve up-to-date legal info using paper and electronic sources; 2. Use recognised methods of citation and referencing; 3. Use sources to support arguments and conclusions; 4. Recognise, analyse and rank arguments and evidence in terms of relevance and importance by identifying and selecting relevant legal sources and selecting key material to construct written or oral answers; 5. Identify the legal significance of an issue from information provided; 6. Address legal and political issues by reference to relevant material; 7. Bring together and integrate information and materials from a variety of different sources; 8. Present arguments for and against propositions; 9. Be aware that arguments require to be supported by evidence; 10. Apply knowledge and analysis creatively to complex situations in order to provide arguable solutions to concrete problems by presenting a range of viable options from a set of facts and law; 11. Think critically and make critical judgements on the relative and absolute merits of particular arguments and solutions; 12. Reflect on their own learning and apply advice and feedback to improve their performance; 13. Communicate orally and in writing using English language by creating work in a permanent format that is understandable by the intended audience (through submission of a course essay, exam answers and tutorial discussion); 14. Communicate in plain English, with legal terminology only as needed; 15. Display informed knowledge and understanding of the social, economic, and political contexts in which law operates by demonstrating legal knowledge in association with related political considerations. Key Skills (Transferable) 1. The course places particular emphasis on developing research skills. 2. Communicate orally and in writing; 3. Ability to work effectively in small groups to contribute to the group’s task; 4. Ability to work independently, to organise and manage time, stress and effort in performance of tasks; 5. Problem solving skills; 6. Critical analysis; 7. Logical argument; 8. An ability to synthesise and organise complex materials and arguments; 9. With limited guidance act independently, and where appropriate as part of a team, in planning and undertaking tasks; 10. Conduct formal and informal oral presentations; 11. Make appropriate use of technology in research, writing and oral presentations; and 12. Reflect on own learning and to seek and make use of feedback. Content: The course comprises of between seven and ten specific topical case studies. These are determined for each session in consultation with the class.

In relation to the MA programme, this is a 30 credit course which is reflected in the length of the summative essay. This course places particular emphasis on developing research skills and there is no detailed reading list.

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

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour examination (75%) and in-course assessment (25%): one 2,500 word essay for candidates registered for the LS course; one 3,500 word essay for candidates registered for the LX course. The question paper is released to candidates in advance of the examination. Resit: Normally, no resit is available.

Individual and small group feedback during seminars and by appointment with the course co-ordinator.

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