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: 2018/9

Module Convenor: Dr Nowrin Tamanna

Email: n.tamanna@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 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.

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 gender 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 arguments in favour of reform.

Additional outcomes:
Students will be able 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
􀀕 Write a critically informed essay.

Outline content:
There are two strands of content. First, an introduction to a range of theoretical approaches to the study of gender and law and the tools they provide for a critical understanding of the area. Second, case studies of gender issues in topics drawn from a range of legal subjects which may include family law, discrimination law, EU law, criminal law, criminology, 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.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

In the autumn term, the seminars will be lecturer-led. Students will be expected to undertake relevant preparatory reading prior to attending seminars and to participate in discussions. In the spring term the seminars will be student-led. Students will be required to undertake relevant preparatory reading prior to attending seminars and to participate in, and on one occasion (in small groups) lead, discussions.



‘Gender and law’ is so broad a topic that we have adopted a case-study approach. The autumn term’s seminars are led by different tutors in order to give students the benefit of the range of staff expertise, although as seminars they rely on directed pre-reading and student participation which foster independent learning. The spring term’s seminars are all student-led, drawing on the knowledge and analytical skills gleaned from the earlier work. Small-group teaching means that the development and expression of informed viewpoints and debate will be facilitated.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	10	10
Guided independent study	90	90
Total hours by term	100.00	100.00
Total hours for module	200.00

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One presentation as part of a group discussion on one of the issues covered in the staff-led seminars. 30%



One 10-page assessed essay 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). 70%



The presentation allows students to examine one topic in depth, with small groups of students working together on different aspects of the same topic, and to present their ideas in oral rather than written form, with due regard for the different skills that oral presentation requires. The essay allows students an opportunity to undertake an extended piece of scholarly research into a question that ranges across the module and draws on their earlier research but also the knowledge and ideas gleaned from other sessions. The assessment criteria will require students to make direct reference to areas covered in the module material in order to ensure full participation throughout the module and to deter plagiarism.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener 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[1] (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:
See Programme Handbook (Assessment) but note that only a failed element need be re-taken, with marks for a passed element carried forward.

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: 31 January 2019