LWMTDP-Privacy and Data Protection

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email:

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The module explores the legal protection afforded to privacy and personal data, with emphasis on the processing of information in the online environment. Subject to discussion will be the way in which privacy is protected under EU law, the tension between privacy and freedom of speech, the protection of personal and sensitive data (eg medical data), the UK and EU regulatory framework, including the data protection laws and the freedom of information provisions.

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of the legal, regulatory and policy issues on the protection of privacy and personal data.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of the module, students will be expected to be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the protection afforded to privacy and the conflicts that could arise with other rights, such as freedom of expression;
2. Demonstrate the ability to understand the protection available to personal information under EU and UK law;
3. Demonstrate the ability to ascertain the substantial law from legislation, case law and secondary literature.

Additional outcomes:
In addition to those listed in the School􀀒s 􀀑core skills statement􀀒, the module will encourage the development of:
􀀕 High-level oral communication skills through reflective, analytical class discussion.
􀀕 Advanced critical reading skills in relation to primary and/or secondary sources

Outline content:
(1) Historical evolution of the right to privacy, the different approaches on the protection of privacy in US and in Europe, the contemporary framework for protecting personal data;

(2) The right to privacy, possible conflicts with freedom of expression, privacy in the electronic environment; confidential information and the common law doctrine of breach of confidence;

(3) The EU and UK legal framework for protecting personal data.

(4) The processing of sensitive data: conditions of lawfulness, the importance of consent;

(5) The new Data Protection Regulation: the 􀀓right to be forgotten􀀔

(6) Freedom of Information and public sector information.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching in this module is designed to provide students with a range of resources on which they can draw in their learning. The main elements are:

• A list of required and recommended readings, with notes and questions that will be used to guide class discussion and reflection.

• 6 seminars in the Spring term. Seminars are discussion based classes.

• Assessed work that will be used to develop students' skills and knowledge.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
1 assessed essay of 8 pages (formatted in accordance with the School of Law's Assessed Work Rules)

Formative assessment methods:

1 optional non-assessed essay of 4 pages (formatted in accordance with the School of Law’s Assessed Work Rules) and/or 1 optional non-assessed film review of 4 pages (formatted in accordance with the School of Law’s Assessed Work Rules)

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
See School of Law PGT Programme Handbook

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: 3 September 2018