Human Rights

LAWS20880 Human Rights 20 Full year Undergraduate Level 2 Guy Baldwin Unit coordinator Lewis Graham Unit coordinator School of Social Sciences 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Middle part of Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 10.0 The course unit aims to: provide students with an insight into the nature of legal rights and what is meant by human rights. It will provide an in-depth consideration of the role of human rights in English law, and the operation of the Human Rights Act 1998, and the European Convention on Human Rights. In examining a range of practical circumstances in which human rights claims have been made, it will provide a current and contextual analysis of the influence of human rights on the development of English law. The course unit aims to: provide students with an insight into the nature of legal rights and what is meant by human rights. It will provide an in-depth consideration of the role of human rights in English law, and the operation of the Human Rights Act 1998, and the European Convention on Human Rights. In examining a range of practical circumstances in which human rights claims have been made, it will provide a current and contextual analysis of the influence of human rights on the development of English law. The course unit aims to: provide students with an insight into the nature of legal rights and what is meant by human rights. It will provide an in-depth consideration of the role of human rights in English law, and the operation of the Human Rights Act 1998, and the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms 1950. In examining a range of practical circumstances in which human rights claims have been made, it will provide a current and contextual analysis of the influence of human rights on the development of English law. Students should be able to critically evaluate the nature of human rights claims and become well-rounded in analysing human right breaches in society.  Students will develop critical analytical skills and able to advance arguments in terms of human rights. Students should be able to explain, with relevant examples, how the European Convention on Human Rights 1950 impacts on the law of England and Wales through the operation of the Human Rights Act 1998. Students should appreciate the inter-relationship between the European Court of Human Rights with the English legal system, analysing the use of case law from the European court in the English courts.              Critically evaluate the nature of human rights claims and the difficulties presented by analysing arguments in terms of rights.Explain, with relevant examples, how the European Convention on Human Rights 1950 impacts on the law of England and Wales through the operation of the Human Rights Act 1998.Appreciate the inter-relationship between the European Court of Human Rights with the English legal system, analysing the use of case law from the European court in the English courts.  Apply legal and non-legal knowledge and sources to analysing circumstances in which real-life human rights claims may be argued.Critique policy arguments, and analyse ethical issues underlying human rights claims. They should be able to formulate complex arguments and reach reasoned conclusions regarding real-life contexts and examples. Locate and correctly reference primary legal sources relating to the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights 1950, including the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. Correctly find and reference statute and case law on human rights in England and Wales, and make appropriate reference to other, non-legal, policy materials.  Demonstrate an open-minded analytical approach to controversial and highly sensitive personal issues, appreciating the importance of equality, diversity and inclusivity.  Analytical skills Students will develop critical analytical skills and able to advance arguments in terms of human rights. Students should be able to explain, with relevant examples, how the European Convention on Human Rights 1950 impacts on the law of England and Wales through the operation of the Human Rights Act 1998. Students should appreciate the inter-relationship between the European Court of Human Rights with the English legal system, analysing the use of case law from the European court in the English courts. Other Students should be able to critically evaluate the nature of human rights claims and become well-rounded in analysing human right breaches in society. Syllabus (indicative curriculum content):Brief overview of the syllabus/topics. 1.    Philosophical foundations and development of human rights 2.    Human Rights in the UK 3.    The ECHR & ECtHR 4.    Right to Life 5.    Torture 6.    Modern Slavery 7.    Freedom of Religion 8.    Freedom of Expression 9.    Poverty 10.    Migration  This course unit uses the standard approach of a combination of lectures and 2-hour workshops as the scheduled teaching and learning activities.Lectures will introduce the content and skills taught on this course and will be taught by a team of colleagues, including guest lecturers. Some lectures may include interactive elements or may require students to do individual or group preparation in advance.Workshops will enable students to participate in a range of activities in small groups and will be led by the workshop leader.  Each workshop will follow from the lectures in a particular topic and will provide questions and exercises designed to explore and clarify the legal principles and their operation and raise points for consideration and discussion. Workshops will provide students with an opportunity to debate and discuss the legal principles at stake and the underlying policy and ethical considerations in engaging with human rights arguments. Workshops will support active approaches to learning and encourage students to socially construct knowledge using active group work both within, and in preparation for, workshops.  Students will have individual reading and group tasks to prepare before workshops and opportunities for formal/informal and tutor-led/peer-to-peer feedback will be embedded in workshop design.  1 Written exam 100% Students will receive both individual and cohort feedback N Hughes , K, Martin S, Palmer S, Human Rights Law in the UK: Themes and Principles (Cambridge University Press 2025) Lectures 20 Practical classes & workshops 12 0 168