| Unit name | Law Gender and Sexuality |
|---|---|
| Unit code | LAWDM0033 |
| Credit points | 30 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Bibbings |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | University of Bristol Law School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
This unit involves studying gender, sexuality, feminist and queer theories and a range of contemporary social and legal issues. Students will develop an understanding of these theories and how they can be used as a lens to critically engage with pressing legal and social concerns. Critical thinking and research skills are key components of this module.
It is not a doctrinal legal module and is suited to students interested in, for example, critical jurisprudence, feminist, gender, queer and socio-legal theory and on legal and social issues.
How does this unit fit into the programme of study?
Although part of the general programme, this unit is cross-cutting in terms of all the different programmes with its emphasis on theory and its critical application, on research and in terms of its subject matter – for example, in providing an awareness of theories and issues which are applicable in a wide-range of contexts (e.g., health, human rights, employment, environment, technology, company and corporate governance). It also serves as preparation for those interested in engaging interdisciplinary research (in the dissertation and beyond) in this broad field.
An overview of content
Whilst the exact content varies from year to year, this unit will consider a range of theories as they relate to law and law-related issues, which might for example include, liberal feminism, cultural feminism, black feminism, Marxist feminism, intersectionality, masculinities theory, theories of sexuality. Alongside this, issues considered also vary from year to year but might, for example, include: history; regulating the body; family law; reproduction; human rights; employment; legal reasoning; male violence; sex work and pornography; social reproduction.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
An awareness of these theories and issues will offer or develop new insights into legal and social issues along with theoretical knowledge.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this unit a successful student will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a variety of sessions. These might, for example, include: more traditionally configured lectures which seek to impart knowledge and develop understanding as well as encouraging individual critical thinking; group exercises which encourage critical assessment and evaluation. Students will be directed to read and sometimes watch and listen to relevant materials and class preparation may also require exercises, including research exercises, for instance. In interactive classes students will discuss and probe each other’s understanding and critical evaluation of materials taught, read and/or watched. Classes will include reflections on the social and legal issues studied and their links to theory, looking for example at the effects of law and the possibility of reform.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Through teaching sessions and materials, you will be introduced to theories and legal and social issues. You will be provided with a range of opportunities to develop your knowledge, understanding, critical thinking and analysis skills, as well as support in terms of undertaking appropriate research and approaching essay questions.
Teaching sessions will provide different opportunities for continuing feedback as you progress through the unit. In addition, you will have a formative exercise in which you are required to write an introduction (300 words) and prepare an essay plan (500 words) on a set essay title. You will receive individual written feedback and cohort-wide feedback, usually via a lectures. Collectively these activities are designed to prepare you for the summative exercise.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
All the exercises, preparation and feedback etc noted above are formative. The unit has a single summative assessment which is a 4,000 word coursework research essay. This assessment will cover all Intended Learning Outcomes for this unit.
When assessment does not go to plan:
When a student fails the unit and is eligible to resubmit, the unit will be reassessed on a like-for-like basis with new assessment questions.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. LAWDM0033).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
