Studying at York
Introduction to Law & Society - LAW00002C
Module summary
The broad purpose of the module is to give you an opportunity to consider law in a variety of contexts (called 'topics'): to consider the broader, social, political, etc., impacts of law(s). On this module the essential questions we ask are: How does context shape law? How are different contexts shaped by law? And what is the nature of the relationship between law and society?
In this module you will also encounter a variety of different perspectives of law and the legal system. This will include ideas from Aristotle to Cicero, Hart and Fuller as well as Weber and Marx, through to more contemporary critical perspectives such as feminist legal theories, critical race theories and legal pluralisms. You will also be encouraged to consider the roles played by the various ‘gatekeepers’ of law, such as the police and the judiciary, and question the extent to which law is embedded within social structures including class, gender, race and ethnicity. In addition, you will work on developing your own research idea by completing a research proposal form, which you will receive some peer feedback on, before writing the essay on the context and perspectives of law and society of your choice.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
- To provide students with knowledge and understanding of some of the fundamental principles of the legal system
- To provide students with knowledge and understanding of the key institutions and personnel involved in law
- To develop a critical understanding of the role and function of law in society
- To introduce students to various perspectives and methodological approaches to the study of law and legal systems
- To develop and practise skills related to identifying, retrieving and discriminating among sources of law and sources of information relevant to law
- To develop and practice skills related to synthesising and analysing a variety of information sources in order to develop further knowledge, construct arguments and draw conclusions supported by appropriate authority
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module you should be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some of the fundamental principles and institutions of the legal system of England and Wales
This requires you to be able to describe key aspects of what is sometimes known as 'legal method', including the institutions which are responsible for making legal decisions, (for example, courts), the nature of and relationships between various sources of law and the personnel involved in the development and application of law.
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a variety of roles played by law in society
This requires you to be able to describe and evaluate relationships between law and the wider world; for example, how law does and does not protect rights; how law ascribes responsibility; how law and legal institutions reflect broader social, political and philosophical positions.
- identify various perspectives and methodological approaches to the study of law and legal systems
This requires you to be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of legal research methodology (including, for example, doctrinal, socio-legal and comparative approaches to legal research), and to consider some of the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches.
- identify, retrieve and discriminate among sources of law and sources of information relevant to law
This requires you to be able to undertake basic research of sources of law and sources relevant to law, and to understand the significance, authority and credibility of the sources in question.
- synthesise and analyse a variety of information sources to develop further knowledge, construct arguments and draw conclusions supported by appropriate authority
This requires you to be able to develop arguments around issues involving law and to support your arguments with reference to relevant sources.
- demonstrate an awareness of the significance of academic integrity and an ability to act with academic integrity
This requires you to understand and to act in accordance with some of the values which underpin scholarship and your responsibilities as a legal scholar and a member of a learning community, with particular reference to appropriately acknowledging the work of others on whose work you draw to support your learning.
- demonstrate a positive contribution to the learning and development of your own critical thinking skills and those of others by regular attendance and active participation in the learning activities on the Introduction to Law and Society module
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Formative feedback is provided to students (i) via feedback during learning activities in plenary and roundtable sessions and (ii) via peer feedback on research plans discussed in the final roundtable session of the module.
Summative feedback is provided in the form of written comments provided in relation to the 2, 000 word essay submitted by students at the end of the module.
Indicative reading
Catherine Elliott and Frances Quinn, English Legal System (15th edn, Pearson Education 2018)
Phil Harris, An Introduction to Law (7th edn, Cambridge University Press 2007).
Anleu Sharyn Roach, Law and Social Change (2nd edn, Sage 2010).
Raymond Wacks, Philosophy of Law: A Very Short Introduction (OUP, 2014).