UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION
1.
Title of the module
Advanced Level Criminal Law (LW601)
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
Kent Law School
3.
Start date of the module
September 2010
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
100
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module
Honours [H]
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
30 credits (15 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and spring
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
All single and joint honors Law programmes
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this module will:
11.1 Have a sound grounding in the concepts, principles and rules of criminal offences; in particular
the law relating to murder/manslaughter, non-fatal offences, defences, and theft and deception
11.2 Have a thorough understanding of the wider debate in respect of the place of criminal law in
the social context, the definitions of harm and the boundaries of criminal law
1
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
11.3 Be able to engage in practical application of their knowledge, through consideration of complex
criminal law problem questions, and encourage critical debate of the issues raised
11.4 Have an excellent understanding of the concepts, principles and rules of criminal law considered
in this module
11.5 Have a sound knowledge of the major theoretical debates in the criminal law field
11.6 Have the ability to critically analyse complex given situations and apply legal principles and case
law to assess criminal liability and any defences
11.7 On presentation of case facts, be able to identify relevant legal rules, principles and case and
statute law applicable for analysis and critique of the facts
11.8 Be able to independently research and discuss the major areas of criminal law, making
appropriate reference to legal and academic source authorities
11.9 Be able to evaluate the operation of the criminal law in the social context making use of a range
of sources, demonstrating independent and critical thinking appropriate to the study of criminal
law at a higher level
11.10
Have the ability to engage in reasoned and informed discussion on the major areas of
criminal law both orally, and in writing at a level appropriate to the study of criminal law at a
higher level
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
12.1 To introduce students to, and develop their understanding of the application of law to case
facts and the use of case precedent to justify assessment of criminal liability in complex cases
12.2 To provide the opportunity to students to develop independent research skills and improved
presentation skills through class presentations and through dissertation
12.3 To have the ability to undertake independent legal research using a range of sources
12.4 To have the skills necessary to present, orally and in writing, complex legal argument,
demonstrating accurate use of legal terminology and critical thinking
12.5 To recognise potential alternative conclusions for particular situations of a complex nature, and
provide supporting reasons for them
12.6 To accurately identify and retrieve up to date information, using paper and electronic sources
12.7 To use the relevant legal terminology with care and accuracy at a level appropriate to the study
of criminal law at a higher level
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
While the curriculum for both the Level I (LW508) and Level H (LW601) modules is by and large the
same in that the same topics are considered, students following the course at level H (LW601) will
consider each discrete topic to a much greater depth making use of, and improving, skills developed
in earlier years of their degree programme.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Introduction to the concept of crime, the structure of criminal justice and the general principles
of liability
Harm and the boundaries of criminal law
Murder, the problem of causation and omissions and intent to kill
Defences to murder, self-defence, provocation, insanity and diminished responsibility
Manslaughter, unlawful act, recklessness and gross negligence
Non-fatal offences against the person
Sexual offences
Theft and the Fraud Act 2006
The module is structured to provide students with the opportunity to explore the major issues in
criminal law through class presentation, through consideration of essay style topics and to engage in
critical analysis of topics by considering criminal law problem questions. Students will be expected to
2
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
discuss particular issues of criminal law and their implications for a wider social context. At the
commencement of the module students are provided with a Seminar Workbook which outlines the
weekly seminar topic and task.
14. Indicative Reading List
LACEY, N, WELLS, C, & QUICK, O RECONSTRUCTING CIRMINAL LAW 4th Edition, Cambridge
University Press, 2010
ASHWORTH A., PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LAW, 6th edition, Oxford University
Press, 2009.
WILSON, W. Criminal Law: Doctrine and Theory, 3rd edition, Longman, 2008;
ORMEROD, David, Smith and Hogan: Criminal Law, 12th edition, OUP, 2008.
ORMEROD, David, Smith and Hogan: Criminal Law: Cases and Materials, 10th edition,
OUP, 2009;
PADFIELD, Nicola, Criminal Law, 8th edition, OUP, 2008;
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the
total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of
the intended module learning outcomes
•
The total number of study hours is 300
Lectures:
• There will be two lectures per week during the first two terms (excluding reading weeks). These
lectures are available to students on Moodle and notes are available on the criminal law web page.
PowerPoints used in lectures throughout the course are available on the criminal law webpage in
advance of the lecture and students may print these
• The function of the lectures is to provide students with the basic framework of legal principles
and precedent which govern the topic under discussion. Lectures form the basis upon which students
prepare for seminar discussion and assignments. In this way lectures meet the module objectives
11.1, 11.2, 11.4 and 11.5.
Seminars:
• Seminars take the form of a 2 hour fortnightly group and are structured through a Seminar
Workbook, given out at the beginning of the academic year. The aims and objectives of the course
are explained in the Course Outline Handout. Seminars fulfil a number of objectives. They are
designed to enable students to engage in independent research for preparation of the designated
seminar debate, thus equipping them with the skills required to conduct legal research and critically
evaluate cases. Seminars will be led by students each week – with particular students being given
responsibility for preparing debate on particular issues. In this way students are able to gain
confidence in presentation skills as well as gaining a particular and thorough knowledge of areas
under discussion. In addition students gain a good understanding in how best to utilise the
information available and apply cases and theory to discussion. By allowing a 2 hour seminar rather
than the usual weekly 1 hour seminar students are able to better able to make use of, and develop,
their existing skills in research and this format better recognises and encourages students’
independent learning.
• In this way seminars seek to achieve module objectives 11.3 and 11.6-10 and all of the generic
learning outcomes 12.1-7.
3
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module
learning outcomes
There are 2 alternative assessment patterns for this module and students are able to select which
path to follow. In this way students are able to select the pattern which they prefer and which allows
them to develop their existing skills and knowledge in the way that best reflects their own learning
experience.
There is an online multiple choice test in week 8 of Autumn Term, this is required in both paths, but
marks do not contribute to the final module mark. Although not assessed, the multiple-choice test
forms an important part of the module. Students are able to gain confidence in their emerging skills
and knowledge at an early stage of the academic year. In addition staff are able to gain an early
indication of students who may be in difficulty. This can then be fed through to the Senior Tutor in
order that students can receive required support and input at a much earlier stage than has
previously been possible.
Path A
Students can opt to submit a dissertation which constitutes 60% of their assessment grade in this
module
Students may undertake a 60% dissertation on a topic related to the subjects considered within the
ambit of the module. Dissertations may only be undertaken with the approval of the supervisor and
must be submitted by the end of the first week of the summer term. The dissertation length is
between 6000-7000 words.
By undertaking a dissertation students are able to select their own particular area for more in-depth
study. This allows students to develop a particular interest and knowledge base and also a number
of important skills. These skills include more thorough research skills, an ability to prepare and
develop a more sustained and lengthy piece of work and exploring issues in a more in-depth method
that allows for development of critique. This method of assessment seeks to achieve many module
learning outcomes evidenced in the coursework but tests them in a different way through the use of
a developed piece of independent research (11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.9 and 12.1-12.7)
The remaining 40% of the module assessment mark will be made up of 2 coursework elements.
The first coursework element will consist of a problem question constituting 20% of the module
mark, the word count for this assessment is 2500-3000 words. This is a similar form of question to
those encountered in seminar preparation and allows students to develop and demonstrate a more
in-depth knowledge of a particular area of Criminal Law, issues and debates surrounding the
particular area and a practical ability to apply the legal precedent to scenario facts while at the same
time being able to discuss the wider social implications of such practice. The problem question seeks
to promote module outcomes 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 11.6, 11.7, 11.8 and 12.1- 12.7
The second coursework element is an oral presentation worth 20% of the module mark. Students will
prepare a criminal case appeal and must present arguments before a judge. Students will work in
pairs to present their arguments as to how the legal principles involved should be applied and must
also answer questions put to them by the judge and defend their legal position. These assessments
will be taped. This assessment allows students to develop a practical knowledge of a particular area
of criminal law and to gain understanding of the complexity of attempting to apply legal precedent
4
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
to actual facts. In addition the oral nature of this assessment allows students to enhance their public
speaking skills and allows provides valuable training in working in a small group environment as each
pair of student works in tandem with their opposite pairing. This assessment seeks to meet module
outcomes 11.1-11.10 and 12.1-12.7
Path B
Students will undertake an examination worth 60% of the module mark
The examination takes the form of a three hour unseen paper. Candidates are provided with a case
list of all the cases covered in the course.
The paper consists of two parts, Part A and Part B. Students must answer three questions, one from
Part A and two from Part B. Part A of the paper consists of four case titles from which the students
select one on which to write a case note . Part B consists of three problem questions and three essay
questions. By requiring candidates to answer questions in sections, the paper ensures that
candidates must demonstrate a full range of skills thus meeting all course objectives, in a similar
manner to the seminars thus seeking to meet all of the module and generic learning outcomes listed
in section 12 and 13. The examination consists of the same basic problem questions as those
undertaken by students following the intermediate level Criminal Law module – LW508 – however
the higher level module problem questions contain additional and more complex issues for students
to identify and discuss in recognition of their greater knowledge and skills base. This assessment
seeks to meet module outcomes 11.1-11.10, 12.1 and 12.3-12.7
Coursework element worth 40% of the module mark
The coursework element is made up of two separate pieces of work. These are the same as those in
Path A constituting 40% of the module mark, the problem question and the oral presentation.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
None
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation,
and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within
this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or
substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be
made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service,
and specialist support will be provided where needed.
19. Campus where module will be delivered: Canterbury
5
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)