Introduction to the UK Constitution - Basic Concepts, Definition of a Constitution, Structure of the UK Constitution, Sources of Constitutional Law, The Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, Supremacy of Parliament, How these relate to Brexit and other contemporary developments
Scottish Parliament: History, Background and Operation. The Law Making Process in Scotland and Westminster. The Constitutional Future. Scotland's relationship with the UK: current and future Independence Referendum: 2014 and after.
At the end of the Module the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following.
1. The nature of a Constitution
2. The concepts that underpin the UK Constitution
3. The relationship between the United Kingdom Parliament and the Scottish Parliament
4. The background, history and concepts of devolution
5. The legal process of the Scottish Parliament
6. The Constitutional Future of Scotland - the 204 Referendum, Brexit and Indyref Round 2?
7. Legal Method Learning Outcomes - identify and retrieve up-to-date legal information, using paper and electronic sources; use primary and secondary legal sources relevant to the topic under study; present knowledge - both orally and in writing - in a way which is comprehensible to others and which is directed at their concerns; read and discuss legal materials which are written in technical and complex language.
8. Identify accurately and formulate clearly the legal issues to be researched; undertake independent research (both paper-based and electronic) in areas of law which have not been previously studied, using paper and electronic repositories to research new topics without reference to a reading list.
9. PRME Learning Outcome: demonstrate an ability to explore ethical and socially responsible responses to issues arising within the context of public law.
https://gcu.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/leganto/public/44GLCU_INST/lists/9105657830003836?auth=SAML
By the end of this module students will have gained competence in the following key areas:
Subject specific:
Sources and Research
Differentiate between and use appropriately primary and secondary sources, and identify and retrieve up-to-date legal information using paper and electronic sources by:
Using sources that are up-to-date from paper and electronic repositories
Using sources (primary and secondary) that are appropriate to the context
Using recognised methods of citation and reference
Using sources that are current at the point of assessment
Using sources to support arguments and conclusions
Undertake independent research (both paper-based and electronic) in areas of law which he or she has not previously studied by:
Use paper and electronic repositories to research new topics without reference to a reading list
Identify accurately the issue(s) which require researching and formulate them clearly.
Sourcing and research skills are developed within this module through the following activities:
Preparation for, presentation at and participation in researched seminar activity
Preparation for, presentation at and participation in researched assessment activity
Carrying out directed learning tasks
Solving well defined ( typically hypothetical) problems through essays, seminars and group work
Communication and Literacy
The ability to communicate information, ideas, advice and choices in an effective and succinct manner and in plain English without losing focus on key issues. The ability to listen and question effectively, to give and receive feedback and to make presentations addressing an allocated topic within the prescribed time frame. The ability to communicate both orally and in writing (and, where appropriate, by the use of electronic means) using the English language accurately by creating work which is comprehensible to the intended audience. The ability to create documents which are analytical, descriptive and inquisitive using appropriate terminology and recognised methods of citation and reference. Such skills are developed within this module through the following activities:
Examples:
Creating work in a permanent format which is understandable by the intended audience
Create documents which are analytical, descriptive and inquisitive.
Using Legal Language
Examples
Using appropriate legal terminology in all work.
Using recognised methods of citation and reference
Communicate information (including discussing technical and complex legal materials), ideas, advice and choices in an effective manner appropriate to the context, individually or with others by:
Giving face-to-face presentations with seminar leaders which addresses the allocated question within the prescribed time frame.
Listening and questioning effectively.
Giving and receiving feedback and responding effectively to others.
Ensuring that all communications (either face-to-face or in permanent form) are succinct without losing focus on key issues or information.
Communicating in plain English, with legal terminology only as needed.
Contributing effectively to group work.
Communication and literacy skills are developed within this module through the following activities:
Preparing and discussing workbook materials
Preparing exam questions.
Preparing for seminars
Engaging in group work in seminars
Analysis, Synthesis, Critical Judgement and Evaluation
The ability to identify issues, assimilate, evaluate and analyse information to construct written or oral solutions to a problem by bringing together and integrating relevant information, and selecting key material, from a variety of different sources. The ability to present arguments for and against propositions, acknowledging ranking of sources and relative impact in context. Such skills are developed within this module through the following activities:
Examples
Solving well defined ( typically hypothetical)problems through seminars and group work.
Managing, analysing and rating a large volume of legal sources in, exam and seminar presentation
Application of the law and problem-solving in a legal context.
Personal Management, Independence and Ability to Learn
The ability to organise and prioritise effectively the expenditure of time and effort in the performance of all aspects of student work. The ability to learn effectively and be aware of their own learning strategies to manage their own learning development and to reflect upon their learning, seeking and making use of feedback. Such skills are developed within this module through the following activities:
Examples of individual independence:
Meeting deadlines for assessments
Completion of preparatory work for seminars which will require students to identify and access primary and secondary source materials.
Numeracy, Information, Technology and Teamwork
Where relevant and as the basis for an argument, the ability to present and evaluate information provided in numerical or statistical form. The ability to produce and present in an appropriate form a word-processed essay or other appropriate format. The ability to conduct efficient searches of websites to locate relevant information and exchange documents by E-mail. The ability to work productively and cooperatively in different kinds of groups to establish working relations with others, defining, sharing and delegating responsibilities within the group. Such skills are developed within this module through the following activities:
Examples
Word processed essays
Use of Internet - general and specific - to research legal materials
Seminar tasks requiring retrieval of information using electronic databases eg Westlaw
Communication with module team via e-mail.
Participation in seminar discussions and role play.
