LW3GAL-Gender and Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Semester 2
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Frances Hamilton
Email: f.r.hamilton@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Critical analysis of contemporary issues relating to sex and 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 critical thinking and the ability to express legal arguments orally and through different forms of journalism.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module it is expected that students will be able 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;


• 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 argumentsin 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 throughout each topic, first a contemporary topic about a issue relating to gender and law, and second an introduction to theoretical approaches to those issues. The contemporary issues will be in topics drawn from a range of legal subjects 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. Topics will be chosen according to interest, topicality 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 lecturer-led 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 expe cted to have done the directed pre-reading and to contribute to the discussion. The spring term will include guest lectures that will form the basis of the reflective essay that forms part of the assessed work. The student-led tutorials in the second part of the spring term provide a forum for students, drawing on the knowledge and analytical skills gleaned from the earlier work, to present their podcasts (the second part of the assessed work) and discuss the presentations of other students.&nbs p;

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. Presentation and discussion in-person in tutorials in the spring term. 60%

A critical reflection of up to 1500 words on the guest lectures in the spring term, 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 reflective essay allows students an opportunity to undertake research and consider their learning across the module and to develop skills needed for future careers. 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.  

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: 10 June 2024