This module cover:
• the contribution of at least two different social theories in understanding key areas of law;
• theoretical principles from at least two different theorists or groups of theories; and to think critically about the implications each theory has for law and legal institutions, as well as social justice in a modern context.
• the interrelationship between law, philosophy, and the social sciences.
• how to read and analyse law as a social science;
• How to search existing literature for theories, models and findings relevant to a research question and to carry out independent research.
• How to carry out theoretically rigorous research in fields of law.

(LO1) Students will be able to identify and evaluate the contribution of at least two different social theories in understanding key areas of law;

(LO2) Students will be able to explain how socio-legal theory can be used to interpret and create knowledge of law as a social science?

(LO3) Students will be will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between law and society and the analytic techniques used to investigate this

(LO4) Students will be able to critically integrate social theory to analyse legal texts.

(LO5) Students will be able to demonstrate advanced legal skills (e.g. critical analysis) necessary to reach a deep understanding of socio-legal theory.

(LO6) Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relevant legal, social, economic, political, historical and cultural contexts within which socio-legal theory exists.

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis
The module with allow an in-depth study of differing theories and their relative strengths and weaknesses.

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification
Students will identify problems with a number of theorists and theoretical genres/approaches in socio-legal studies and evaluate which is best for their area of research

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving – Synthesis
The module will require students to weigh up differing theories in socio-legal studies and apply them to their own research.

(S4) Students will be able to apply socio-legal theory to legal trends and draw reasoned conclusions supported by theory and empirical evidence

(S5) Time and project management - Personal organisation. The module will have clearly set deadlines and tasks.

(S6) Communication (oral, written and visual) – such as presenting socio-legal theories in a concise form in presentations and essays. Students will be asked to make short presentations in the seminars, they will be asked to write a plan and essay.

Indicative topics the module may cover include (final syllabus will be made available to students ahead of the semester via Canvas and depend on the research interests of staff who will be teaching on the module):

• Introduction; From Legal Positivism to Socio-Legal Theory
• The Emergence of Law and Society; Law and Modernity
• Karl Marx – Law, Power, and Ideology
• Émile Durkheim – Law, Social Solidarity and the Division of Labour
• Michel Foucault – Rethinking Power Relations and the Role of Law
• Pierre Bourdieu and the Legal Field
• Feminist Legal Studies
• Ethics of Care
• Law, Relationality and Vulnerability
• Postcolonial theory and the law
• Intersectionality

Teaching Method 1: Seminar

Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 11 x 2 hour seminars (22 hours)

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: None

Description: Interactive seminars based on a reading and question list communicated to students before the seminar in light of the module syllabus

Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 178 hours

Description: This includes self-study for the seminars as well as independent research for and writing of the final
assessment.