How can insights from other disciplines inform our understanding of law? This module builds on the knowledge you have gained from Institutions of Justice and Critical Introduction to Law, but asks different questions about the meanings, presumptions and histories of law, from the perspective of disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, sociology and politics. Theories are systems of ideas or general principles intended to explain something. You will be introduced to theoretical tools from other disciplines, for example decolonial thought, which attempt to explain aspects of human existence and action, including law. These theories, however, do not take law as their starting point but place it in a broader context. To harness these interdisciplinary theoretical tools, expect a constant engagement with film, poetry, literature and music. We will explore theoretical issues using stories across the world from ancient to modern times and use these insights to consider how law shapes people’s lives. The module aims to stimulate your intellectual curiosity and lay foundations for your study of optional modules in Stages 2 and 3.
Lectures 16 hours, Seminars 16 hours
Extended writing. Assessment Details: Essay (2000 words). Worth 70% of the total marks for the module. This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.
Practical assessment - Digital output -Video clip (5 minutes) Worth 30% of the total marks for the module
OR ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR INDEPENDENT LEARNING PLAN (ILP) STUDENTS
Essay (1000 words) Worth 30% of the total marks for the module
Reassessment Method: Single instrument100% written assessment (2,000 words)
For current reading list see the detailed module information on moodle.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1)Describe and explain the basic concepts and principles of contemporary interdisciplinary legal theories
2)Analyse the presumptions shaping legal thought, and their effects on reality, from different interdisciplinary perspectives.
3)Discuss legal ideas and constructs using film, poetry, literature, art and/or music.
4)Independently conduct interdisciplinary theoretical research on a legal issue.
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