Course unit details:
Constitutional Reform
Unit code | LAWS30252 |
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Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 3 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
The course will be of special interest to students who enjoyed studying Constitutional Law within the Public Law course.
Are referendums, as used for example over Brexit, a good idea? Should the system that is used in the election of MPs be changed, so as to make the House of Commons more representative? How should the House of Lords be reformed? Given the setting up of the Scottish Parliament, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Welsh Parliament, should there be a federal United Kingdom constitution? What is the case for the United Kingdom becoming a republic? How should changes to the British Constitution be considered and made? How do other countries keep their constitutions up to date? These and many other similar questions are considered in this course, which will be especially rewarding for students who are interested in constitutional and political change.
The lectures are given mainly by Luke Graham and also by Javier García Oliva.
Aims
This course gives students an understanding of the main methodologies involved in changing constitutions, particularly the British constitution, and of the current arguments about the ways in which the British constitution requires change (or further change).
Learning outcomes
Teaching and learning methods
30 hours of lectures, and five hours of (fortnightly) seminars and feedback drop-in sessions. The delivery of lectures will be traditionally led. Seminars will be seminar- taker led.
Knowledge and understanding
Students should know and understand the statutory, official, academic, and political materials which are relevant to the subject.
Students should understand and be able to assess the main arguments about reform methodologies and particular reforms.
Intellectual skills
- Students should be able to analyse information and to assess the strengths and weaknesses of arguments.
- Students should be able to consider questions from governmental and political standpoints as well as from a purely legal standpoint.
- Students should be able to engage in reasoned arguments and to arrive at independent conclusions.
Practical skills
- An ability to collect information mainly from internet sources.
- An ability to argue orally and cogently using knowledge acquired and assessed.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- An ability to think logically, to assess competing arguments, and to solve problems.
- An ability to argue a case orally and in writing.
- An ability to organize time and to meet deadlines.
Assessment methods
Assessment is through an unseen exam, answering three questions from a choice of seven.
The examination will broadly follow the lecture and seminar programme, and will test understanding and the degree to which relevant skills have been acquired. The examination will be at the end of semester two.
Outlines of Issues will be provided after the examination.
Feedback methods
Feedback will be given in seminars, based on performance, and through one formative essay which, although not compulsory, is strongly recommended for submission and feedback.
Recommended reading
The set text is Rodney Brazier, "Constitutional Reform", which is available on Blackboard.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
Lectures | 30 |
Seminars | 5 |
Tutorials | 10 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 153.5 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Luke Graham | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Open book examination.
Information
This course is available to incoming study abroad students provided they have prior knowledge of Constitutional Law.
Timetable
See Law School undergraduate timetable page