| Unit name | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | LAWDM1006 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Tony Prosser |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
none, |
| Co-requisites |
none |
| School/department | University of Bristol Law School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
In recent years, regulation has emerged as one of the most distinct and important fields of study in the social sciences, both for policy-makers and for scholars who require a theoretical framework that can be applied to any social sector. This unit provides a conceptual map of the field and an accessible and critical introduction to the subject. It has five aims: 1) to present and analyse the main theories of regulation; 2) to present and analyse a range of techniques and instruments for regulating; 3) to understand the conditions under which compliance with and enforcement of regulation occurs; 4) to explore issues of accountability and legitimacy in relation to regulation; and 5) to understand how the first four issues are shaped by the supranational context of the global economy. These aims will be carried out using case studies from regulation of the environment and regulation of the global economy.
By the end of the unit, a successful student will be able to:
The teaching will draw upon case studies from regulation of the environment and regulation of the global economy, using material which can be adapted to mirror the specific interests of the students year on year.
A formative essay set early in the course of 1,000 words will require students to juxtapose a legal and a social-scientific article on the role of law in economic development, to give them an opportunity to practice developing the analytical skills necessary for the interdisciplinary approach adopted in the course.
The first summative coursework essay (1000 words, 25%), will be due approximately halfway through the course and will test the students’ ability to link case study policy material with theoretical material from that part of the course which they have covered at that point (namely, theories of regulation and the key facets of how regulation is rendered legitimate and accountable, both shaped by the supranational context of the global economy). Students will be required to select one of four questions.
The second summative coursework essay (4000 words, 75%) will require students to develop their own research question and in so doing: a) apply to a particular policy sector and/or issue of their choice a selection of analytical tools in relation to theories of regulation, techniques and instruments for regulating, the conditions under which compliance with and enforcement of regulation occurs, and the key facets of how regulation is rendered legitimate and accountable; and b) elaborate the analysis by reference to a research question which advances a particular debate within the field.
10 two hour seminars
