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Module Catalogue

FP005-30 Constitutional Law and Human Rights

Department
Warwick Foundation Studies
Level
Foundation
Module leader
Amanda Kowalczyk
Credit value
30
Module duration
25 weeks
Assessment
60% coursework, 40% exam
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

FP005-30 Constitutional Law and Human Rights

Module web page

Module aims

  1. Appraise the nature and basis of law reform
  2. Explore the nature of legislative process and relate this to case law in England and Wales
  3. Enable students to explain and engage intellectually with the English legal system, developing an understanding of the role of the court hierarchy and the personnel involved in the law
  4. Introduce students to the impact of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights on the English and other legal systems

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

  1. Characteristics and classifications of law
  2. Law Reform
  3. Statute Law (legislation)
  4. Common Law / Case Law (the doctrine of precedent)
  5. Personnel of the law
  6. Human Rights

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Critically analyse the development of the law in England and Wales
  • Evaluate the fundamental aspects of the English legal system
  • Analyse a range of legal stances and issues by applying human rights approaches

Indicative reading list

A.V. Dicey, An Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution (1885), LibertyClassics
Elliot, C and Quinn, F, English Legal System, 9th edition (2008), Pearson
Harris P, An Introduction to Law, 8th edition (2016), Cambridge University Press
Martin, J, The English Legal System, 8th edition (2016), Hodder Education
Bantakes, I and Oette, L, International Human Rights Law and Practice, 2nd edition (2016), Cambridge University Press

International

The human rights part of the module will allow students to reflect on differences in international approaches, and to compare and contrast rights and methods of their enforcement.

Subject specific skills

  1. Understanding of where the power to make law emanates and how legal power is distributed and administered under the UK constitution
  2. Ability to find and interpret different sources of law, including Acts of Parliament and case reports
  3. Competence in applying sources of information (statute, case law, journals and news articles) to support arguments
  4. Evaluating and debating current systems of law making and justice
  5. Evaluating and debating current proposals that will change or impact on the current systems of law making and justice
  6. Drawing comparisons and highlighting contrasts between the English legal system and other legal systems internationally

Transferable skills

Research, analysis and evaluation, communication of arguments in different forms, problem-solving, the ability to work under pressure, team work and attention to detail.

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 25 sessions of 1 hour (11%)
Seminars 25 sessions of 3 hours (34%)
Private study 120 hours (55%)
Total 220 hours

Private study description

Private Study - further reading, research, preparation for formative assessments and group work.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group D2
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Essay (1500 words) 30% 30 hours Yes (extension)

Essay on Parliamentary Law-making and / or Law Reform.
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Human Rights and International Law Journal 30% 20 hours Yes (extension)

Students will be asked to reflect throughout the Introduction to Human Rights Module and produce a journal on research they have conducted and their reflections.
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Online Examination 40% 30 hours No

Summer examination with a combination of short questions (up to 8 marks) and longer essay style questions (25 marks)

~Platforms - AEP

  • Online examination: No Answerbook required
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Written feedback will be provided for both the assessed essay and journal.

Past exam papers for FP005

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • FIOE Warwick International Foundation Programme
    • Year 1 of FP10 Warwick International Foundation Programme - Law
    • Year 1 of FP24 Warwick International Foundation Programme - Law and Politics