module specification

The Human Rights in Europe module explores the development of the principles and legal framework of human rights in Europe with particular emphasis on the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) and its enforcement within Europe at regional and domestic level.

Students on this module will develop a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of the ECHR including, freedom of expression, thought, religion, the right to a private life and principles relating to discrimination. Case law and the impact of the Court of European Human Rights will also be considered.

Topical issues will be discussed using contemporary issues where relevant to reflect on the recognition and implementation of human rights in European and challenges to the principles externally and internally.

A detailed consideration of the international human rights and criminal justice will be explored within other modules.

MODULE AIMS

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• appreciate the historical context of human rights in Europe;
• understand the framework of Law of the European Union and international law as it relates to human rights;
• understand and appreciate the role of international organisations in the development of international human rights;
• critically analyse the scope and nature of European human rights laws and conventions;
• understand the challenges of implementation and enforcement
• have the opportunity to apply knowledge through a series of practical exercises;
• critically analyses the scope of human rights within the wider political and socio-economic context;
• develop your ability to construct legal arguments.

No pre-requisites. Not available for Study Abroad.

Introduction

• Historical contextual development of human rights in Europe
• Principles of human rights and connection at international, regional (European) and domestic level
• The role of the United Nations in the development of international human rights and its influence on states and individuals

European Convention on Human Rights and the legal framework

• Discussion of the key principles and freedoms of the Convention

Implementation and enforcement of human rights in Europe

• Internal and external challenges

Contemporary and topical issues in European human rights

Overview

Students will be taught by a combination of online lectures, interactive online seminars, one-to-one supervision, and self-study of a comprehensive module, with students encouraged to read from specified case law and legal journals. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss theoretical issues as well as practical problem solving.  Students will be supported in undertaking on-line research using electronic law databases and encouraged to use on line legal resources on a regular basis. There is a virtual learning environment containing handbooks, lecture notes, weblinks, discussion groups, study skills materials and assessment criteria. 

Experiential Learning

Students will be encouraged to respond to realistic case-studies relating to the sector, giving written legal opinions to clients in the style of a professional legal advisor. Students will also be able to participate in the extracurricular experiential learning offered within the Law School, including the Pro Bono Clinic and the Mooting Club.

Study Support

Students will have regular access to module tutors by email and by one-to-one video conferences to support their studies. They will also engage with one formative assessment for each module, which will be marked promptly with opportunities for feedback either by email or individual online discussion.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to do the following:

1. Understand the historical context for the development of European human rights
2. Comprehend and manage a substantial body of legal knowledge focused on human rights.
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the regional and state approaches to human rights law in Europe and the factors influencing implementation and enforcement using contemporary case studies
4. Research and manage legal information from paper and IT resources and present competent legal arguments in writing.
5. Synthesise relevant case law and statute, understand and present conflicting arguments and apply the law to problem scenarios relevant to all aspects of public international and human rights law.

The module adopts the assessment strategy principles of GSBL which have been developed in the spirit of ESJ. These are:

1. The School is committed to ensuring that each student should not have more no more than 2 assessment points per 20 credit module.
2. We provide balanced forms of assessment, both in terms of its overall volume (measured in terms of assessment points and output required and the types used.
3. Group activities are part of the learning and teaching strategies but assessment is at the level of the individual. Thus, assessment focused on individual reflections and learning from participating in a group activity.
4. Flexibility/choice in assessment methods will be introduced wherever possible in order to facilitate different learning studies and support personalization

Assessment of the module will be by way of a piece of written coursework (3,000 words maximum) giving students a choice of either presenting a critical analysis of contemporary legal issues and/or experiential, employment related practical exercises.

In line with our policy on facilitating formative feedback to students, the assessment strategy is designed to provide formative feedback on the assessment before it is due to be submitted.

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