SHE level 7 SCQF credit points 20 ECTS credit points 10 Module code M1M230374 Module Leader Nicholas McKerrell School Glasgow School for Business and Society Subject Law Trimester B (January start)
Summary of content This module provides the student with a knowledge and understanding of selected aspects of Public Law in Scotland. This includes Scotland's constitutional relationship with the rest of the UK and the UK's own particular structure. Further the Scottish Parliament’s operation will be explored in detail and placed in a historical context. The tensions that have developed since the independence referendum of 2014 and the Brexit referendum of 2016 will also be examined. The role of lawyers in society is changing - lawyers are increasingly expected to be pro-active in the prediction and prevention of unethical as well as unlawful behaviour across all areas of society. The delivery of the module will thus embed key Sustainable Development Goals, including Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Successfully completing this core module is a necessary part of the LLB foundation programme, accredited by the Law Society of Scotland.
Module details Syllabus arrow_forward Introduction to the UK Constitution – • Basic Concepts • Definition of a Constitution • Structure of the UK Constitution • Sources of Constitutional Law Constitutional Legal ideas • The Rule of Law • Separation of Powers, • Supremacy of Parliament Contextualisation of ideas – 2014 and 2016 Referendums and the impact of Brexit. Scottish Parliament • History, Background and Operation. • The Law Making Process in Scotland and Westminster. • Scotland's relationship with the UK: current and future Independence Referendum: 2014 and after.
Learning outcomes arrow_forward On successful completion of the module, the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following. 1. The nature of a constitution 2. The detailed legal concepts that underpin the UK Constitution, including the relationship between the United Kingdom Parliament and the Scottish Parliament 3. The background, history and concepts of devolution with particular focus on Scotland and the legal process and procedures of the Scottish Parliament 4. The Constitutional future of Scotland - the 2014 referendum, Brexit and the possibility of IndyRef 2. 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. SDG Learning Outcome: demonstrate an ability to explore ethical and socially responsible responses to issues arising within the context of public law.
Teaching / learning strategy arrow_forward The module will be delivered over one trimester. Students will attend a combination of lectures and seminars every week. In alignment with the GCU SfL the structured programme of learning undertaken will encourage active, student centred learning by requiring students to • access and analyse a variety of primary and secondary source material in order to address and solve set questions and case studies in the setting of a seminar Internationalisation: The delivery of this module will set Scots, UK and EU law as appropriate in an international context. Feedback will be provided to students as follows: • Students will be provided with feedback normally within three weeks of submission of all summative assessments providing information on strengths, weaknesses and suggestions for corrective action to be applied in future submissions via GCU Learn. Students may also discuss any points regarding their work with their lecturer or seminar tutor. • The virtual learning environment site will be used to feedback overall performance by students on all summative assessments highlighting overall strengths and weaknesses. Student feedback on teaching, learning and assessment will be sought at the end of the semester through a module evaluation questionnaire. GSBS will continue to use the advancement of GCU Learn as a blended learning tool through its teaching and learning as well as through engagement with students. GSBS will ensure that all modules are GCU Learn enabled and with the support of the Learning Technologists at the cutting edge of development of online materials. Academic staff and the Learning Technologists will continue to work together to develop and operate all modules on GCULearn to ensure student support and information sharing.
Indicative reading arrow_forward Transferrable skills arrow_forward By the end of this module students should have gained competence in the following key areas: 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 electronic and paper 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 electronic and paper-based) in areas of law which he or she has not previously studied by: • Use 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 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 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 ap
Module structure Activity Total hours Lectures 33 Tutorials 0 Practicals 0 Seminars 11 Independent Learning 106 Assessment 50 Placement 0
Assessment methods Component Duration Weighting Threshold Description Course Work001 40 35 CW1: Workbook on Public Law curriculum (1500 words) Exam002 2 60 35 EX1: Formal Exam (2hrs)