LW3GAL-Gender and Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Rosemary Auchmuty
Email: R.Auchmuty@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Critical analysis of the significance of gender in a range of legal areas.

Aims:

This module aims to introduce students to a range of contemporary issues and theoretical approaches to the study of gender and law and to equip them with the critical tools to apply a gender critique to established legal concepts, categories and reasoning in a variety of contexts. It will develop skills of research, critical thinking and the ability to express legal arguments orally and through different forms of journalism.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module a student will have demonstrated the ability to:

• Critically evaluate the relevance of gender issues in law and legal policy and the relevance of legal interventions in a range of contemporary issues;


• Undertake in-depth research using appropriate sources;


• Articulate coherent arguments in support of theoretical positions on gender and law issues;


• Illustrate the application of gender and law considerations in regard to specific areas of law, and develop arguments in favour of reform;


• Explain legal ideas and argue for critical positions orally and through different forms of journalism.

Additional outcomes:

Students will have demonstrated their ability to

• Lead a seminar discussion


• Participate in class discussions


• Take an informed position on relevant social and political issues


• Undertake directed reading in preparation for seminars


• Produce critically informed assessments

Outline content:

There are two strands of content within each topic: first, a contemporary debate about an issue relating to gender and law and, second, an introduction to theoretical approaches to that issue. The contemporary issues will be drawn from a range of legal areas which may include family law, discrimination law, international law, constitutional law, criminal law, religion and law, employment law, social security law, company law, property law, obligations, philosophy of law and human rights. Topi cs will be chosen according to topicality, interest and staff availability and expertise. Each staff member when choosing a topic will also choose which feminist theories they will introduce in their seminars.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be 10 lecturer-led 2-hour seminars in the autumn term. Students will be expected to undertake relevant preparatory reading prior to attending seminars and to participate in discussions. In the spring term there will be 5 weeks of independent guided learning followed by 5 weeks of student-led tutorials.

 

The autumn term’s seminars will be led by different tutors in order to give students the benefit of the range of staff expertise.   Students will be expected to have done the directed pre-reading and to contribute to the discussion. The student-led tutorials in the spring term provide a forum for students, drawing on the knowledge and analytical skills gleaned from the earlier work, to present their assessed work and discuss the presentations of other students.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	20
Tutorials		5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	50
Preparation for presentations		60
Preparation for seminars		25
Essay preparation		40
Total hours by term	70	130	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Oral assessment and presentation	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A podcast, video blog, filmed interview, or similar pre-recorded presentation of 5-10minutes on a contemporary gender and law issue, together with a one-page briefing paper and list of references. Presentation and discussion in-person in tutorials in the spring term. 60%

A media or journalistic piece of writing of 3 pages on that topic, together with a separate list of references and bibliography used in its preparation, formatted in accordance with the rules set out in the Law School Guide (programme assessment) due around the end of the spring term (deadline to be notified). 40%

The pre-recorded output and presentation format allows students to examine one topic in depth, and to present their ideas in oral rather than written form, with due regard for the different skills that pre-recorded and oral presentation requires. The media or journalistic output allows students an opportunity to undertake research into a question that ranges across the module and to develop skills needed for future careers.  

The requirement of separate references and bibliography tests students’ skills of accuracy and breadth of research as well as correct acknowledgment of sources.  

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-do the failed elements.  The first coursework element may be followed by an online (rather than in-person) presentation and discussion with teaching staff.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2021