This module aims to give students an understanding of the basic problems of jurisprudence.

At the same time the module will introduce students to the work of some of the most important authors in legal theory. Particular emphasis will be given to the detailed study of some of the most influential modern legal theorists, H.L.A. Hart, Lon Fuller, and Ronald Dworkin.

Students will also be introduced to some of the crucial contemporary concerns of legal philosophy, and in particular, the relationship between the rule of law, rights and democracy.

(LO1) To demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the central concerns of jurisprudence;

(LO2) To reflect upon and analyse critically the main arguments in the discourse about the concept of law and its relationship to morality;

(LO3) To demonstrate a critical understanding of models and theories as to the internal structure of law;

(LO4) To demonstrate a critical understanding of the work, in particular, of H.L.A. Hart, Lon Fuller and Ronald Dworkin;

(LO5) To demonstrate an ability to evaluate competing conceptions of the role of law in a democratic state.

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S6) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – argumentation

(S7) Research skills - All Information skills

(S8) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

1.      Introduction to Legal Theory – Intuitions about Law
2.      Classical Natural Law and Legal Positivism
3.      Hart (I)
4.      Hart (II)
5.      Fuller
6.      Dworkin (I)
7.      Dworkin (II)
8.      Group Presentations
9.      Rule of Law and Rights
10.    Rights and Democracy

Teaching Pattern
Learning and teaching on this module will be structured in accordance with the principles of Hybrid Active Learning with asynchronous materials and synchronous seminar sessions. Asynchronous recordings provide material previously addressed in physical lectures, suitably broken down (‘chunking’) and augmented (e.g. further readings) so as to enhance student engagement. Synchronous sessions will run on a fortnightly pattern across the semester (i.e. 6 in total) and will each have a duration of 2 hours.

Module Delivery
This will be via combination of asynchronous and synchronous sessions for i.e. Hybrid Active Learning.