LL6051 - Environmental Law (2017/18)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2017/18 | ||||||||||||||||
Module title | Environmental Law | ||||||||||||||||
Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||||||
School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||||||||
Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2017/18(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
An overview of Environmental Law at the level of Domestic, International and European Law and a critical examination of the policy upon which it based .
Module aims
To facilitate a critical approach to an understanding of environmental regulation and the policy upon which it is based at all levels of law making - the domestic, European and international. Also to encourage good methodology in researching these topics.
Syllabus
United Kingdom Environmental Law and an overview of European and International Law and Policy. The policy issues that dictate the scope and development of Environmental Law. The legislative framework of environmental regulation in the U.K. The bodies responsible for formulation and enforcing U.K environmental law. European Community environmental law and policy. International environmental law and policy. Planning law. Nature conservation. The statutory regimes which regulate the pollution of land, air and water in the U.K.
Learning and teaching
Assessment based on a research report which requires wide reading both of hard copy sources and web based materials: with a critical conclusion, students are required to reflect on the subject matter and produce their own topics, in the form of a question posed, for research. The module is taught by workshops/seminars with students required to read from specified case law and legal journals. There is a logical progression through a complex syllabus involving registered and unregistered rights. Students are given the opportunity to discuss theoretical issues as well as practical problem solving. Students are supported in undertaking on-line research using electronic law databases and encouraged to use Westlaw on a weekly basis. There is a virtual learning environment (VLE) containing handbooks, lecture notes, weblinks, and discussion groups, past assessments, study skills materials and assessment criteria. Blended learning pervades the delivery of the module and is actively encouraged as students engage with digital materials, use on-line discussion groups (blogs) and achieve a competent standard of digital literacy during their studies.
Two formative assessments are set and marked promptly with opportunities for feedback both in class and individually.
Knowledge of the topics covered will enhance students’ employability both within the legal profession.
Students’ study responsibilities are to attend all classes, research and prepare for workshop/seminar discussion and academic debate.
Learning outcomes
An ability to understand and evaluate Environmental Law and policy, and to produce a well-structured research report based upon the same
Assessment strategy
The learning outcomes will be examined by a research report with a maximum limit of 3,000 words in a self-selected topic agreed with the module leader (80% of the overall mark); a methodolgy report of 1,000 words and class discussion (20% of the overall mark).
Bibliography
NB Students must use the most recent edition of the books cited.
Bell, S. & D McGillivray, Environmental Law, (Oxford University Press)
Birnie, P., A Boyle, & C Redgwell, International Law and The Environment, (Oxford University Press)