How do consumer markets shape and structure our consumption habits and decision-making? In this module, you will explore and critically reflect on the contemporary regulation of consumer markets. Consumer markets raise practical questions about everyday consumption of goods and services as well as theoretical issues about the role of the state in the regulation of markets. You will learn how to contrast and compare neo-liberal and social visions of consumer markets and examine different forms of consumer markets regulation. You will study topics such as:
· Consumer society and the rise of consumer protection policy
· Marketing, including digital marketing, and other consumer targeting practices
· Digital consumer markets in women's health
· Consumer financial literacy
· Food law
· Product safety and quality
You will build your understanding of and reflection on the law, policies and institutional frameworks concerning the regulation of consumer markets and develop insights on the exciting and ever-changing area of consumer law.
Lectures 16 hours, Seminars 16 hours
Extended writing. Assessment Details: Individual essay (1500 words) worth 30% of the total marks for the module.
Extended writing. Assessment Details: Collaborative consumer stakeholder submission, which will be group-marked (3,000 words) worth 70% of the total marks for the module. This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.
Reassessment Method: Like for like
For reading lists see the detailed module information on moodle
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Research and apply knowledge of the relevant common law, statutory and non-statutory sources in the area of consumer law to concrete fact situations.
2) Critically appreciate, and reflect on, the role of consumer law and policy in the UK and beyond.
3) Assess claims about the progressive potential of consumer law and its relationship to broader social policies such as addressing social, financial and digital exclusion.
4)Evaluate different forms of legal regulation of consumer market transactions (e.g. private law, administrative regulation, "soft law"), and their strengths and weaknesses.
5) Communicate complex arguments about the implications of law on regulating the consumer marketplace.
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