UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
1.
Title of the module
Labour Law
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
Kent Law School.
3.
Start date of the module
2013 - 14
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
80
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Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other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
15
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Spring or Autumn
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
none
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
LLB Law, also available to all students on single and joint honours law programmes
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
1. to have the ability to demonstrate a clear and detailed understanding of the concepts, rules
and principles which apply in labour law through:- engagement with current research; legal
analysis of concrete situations in the form of legal problems; and being able to give an
accurate and informed account, making appropriate references to cases and statutes, of
particular areas of law, their practical application, and wider social and political implications;
2.
to understand the complex relationship between current law and economic, social,
and political concepts and dynamics relating to labour;
3.
to appreciate and be able to discuss in detail, key concepts and current regulatory
dilemmas pertaining to labour such as flexible working, new economic forms, precarious
labour, migration, the care debate, and other contemporary debates in labour law and
theory;
4.
to engage with current research and scholarly reviews to appreciate the significance
of, critiques of, and alternatives to, rights-based claims and/or collective bargaining by
activists and other social actors in mobilising around labour;
1
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
5.
to identify through engaging with current scholarship and research, the wide range
of influences on legal discourse, policy, and law-making in relation to labour, including
concepts from political theory, the social sciences, contemporary culture and the
humanities;
6.
to appreciate the intersection of concepts of gender and sexuality with concepts of
race, religion, disability and class both historically and contemporaneously, and the effects
of those intersections on legal theory, practice, and activism as they pertain to current
debates in labour regulation;
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
1. to develop an awareness of, and sensitivity to, the economic, political and/or social
implications arising from topics studied;
2. to develop interdisciplinary approaches;
3. to construct well-reasoned and well structured written arguments;
4. to deploy critical and self-reflexive modes of analysis in relation to legal and political
responses to key issues;
5. to read carefully and efficiently both legal and non-legal texts;
6. to develop argumentation skills that relate to both legal and non-legal texts;
7. to develop the ability to present material with proper citations and use of references;
8. to undertake independent research on a defined topic, using legal and non-legal
sources;
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module is concerned with contemporary labour law. It combines legal analysis and the
transmission of practical legal skills with a highly contextual and interdisciplinary understanding of
the labour law and regulatory debates around labour regulation. To that end, workshops will feature
extended discussion on key aspects of contemporary labour legislation using scholarly texts..
Students will also study key legal aspects of the modern employment relationship including the
contract of employment, statutory employment protection provisions (for example unfair dismissal
and redundancy protection), anti-discrimination legislation and provisions for reconciling work and
family life (e.g. pregnancy protection and parental leave). The module will also explore selected
aspects of collective labour law including the role and status of trade unions, the legal regulation of
collective bargaining and/or the regulation of industrial conflict. The module seeks to combine a
detailed knowledge of fundamental key aspects of labour law with the development of broader
conceptual, critical and evaluative perspectives on workplace regulation.
.
14. Indicative Reading List
Collins, Hugh, Keith Ewing and Aileen McColgan (2012) Labour Law Cambridge University Press
Conaghan, Joanne, Richard Fischl, and Karl Klare (eds) Labour Law in an Era of Globalisation:
Transformative Practices and Possibilities. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Fudge, Judy and Rosemary Owens (eds) Precarious Work, Women, and the New Economy: The
Challenge to Legal Norms. Hart Publishing, 2006.
Pupo, Norene and Mark Thomas (eds) Interrogating the New Economy: Restructuring Work in the
21st Century. University of Toronto Press, 2010.
Weeks, Kathi (2011) The Problem with Work: Feminism, Marxism, Antiwork Politics, and Postwork
Imaginaries Duke University Press
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
2
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
learning outcomes
There will be one workshop per week (excluding reading and writing weeks) of two hours
duration. The module is allocated 150 hours of study time, comprising 20 contact hours and 130
hours of private study.
The function of the workshops is to provide students with the opportunity to discuss their set
readings and private study, to pose and to answer questions and develop conceptual
understanding, discuss current research, and generally to engage with their peers and the
course convenor on the topic of each week’s study.
A seminar handbook, given out at the beginning of the academic year, will provide students with a
detailed list of seminar topics and questions as well as with a reading list. A materials pack covering
core readings will also be made available to students
The workshops and private study will address module learning outcomes 11.1-6 & 12.1-8.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes
The assessment will be by means of a single assessment consisting of an essay of 5,000 words
(excluding footnotes and bibliography) contributing 100%. The assessment will be based on work
undertaken by the student in the context of the seminars, and will require substantial evidence
of self-guided research going beyond set textbook reading. One week of seminars has been set
aside as an ‘essay workshop’ in order to provide guidance and a feedback space for students on
how to approach this assessment. The assessment addresses module learning outcomes 11.1-6
& 12.1-8.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
There will be no additional resources required, a 30 credit version of this module is already in
existence, this 15 credit version will run as and when necessary at which times the 30 credit version
will not be available.
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(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury & Medway
3
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies
(as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice
on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
................................................................
..............................................
Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of
Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Head of School
Date
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN A PARTNER COLLEGE OR VALIDATED
INSTITUTION
(Where the module is proposed by a Partner College/Validated Institution)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable): "I
confirm that the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable) has approved the introduction of the
module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Nominated Responsible Officer of Partner
College/Validated Institution
Date
………………………………………………….
Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
………………………………………….
Partner College/Validated Institution
4
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Specification Template
Last updated October 2012
5