Course Catalogue

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The Politics of Labour Law course is designed to facilitate an advanced level investigation into theories of labour law and current legal and policy issues arising in the field. In terms of the structure of the course, we begin by placing the development of labour law and industrial relations concepts in historical, political and economic context and then, building on these discussions, to focus on current issues involving labour law and policy. While the first part of the course focuses on UK law, the second deals with aspects of international and transnational law.

There will be 20 x 2-hour seminars spread throughout the year.

This course is only available to LLB students.

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One 4000 word essay to be completed at the end of semester 1, worth 40% of the final grade. One 3-hour exam to be completed at the end of semester 2, worth 60% of the final grade, students to answer 3 from 7 or 8 questions.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below.

■ To introduce the students to seminal writings and theories in labour law and political economy

■ To place the development of labour law and industrial relations concepts in theoretical, historical and political context

■ To assist students in developing a critical understanding of the role of law in industrial and employment relations

■ To enhance the students' understanding of some issues in labour law

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Summarise and explain a range of sociological, political and legal theoretical analyses of labour law and industrial relations institutions

■ Assess critically the differences between diverse theoretical approaches to labour law

■ Explain and assess trends in the development of industrial relations, employment policy and labour law

■ Develop and articulate a critical understanding of the role of law in industrial and employment relations

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.