Law School Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN MIGRATION LAW
Code LAW345
Coordinator Dr EW Drywood
Law
E.W.Drywood@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

This module aims to:
·         Use a series of contemporary issues to explore in-depth the UK’s legal regulation of migration;
·         Offer insights into the relationship between legal regulation of migration and the wider social, political, economic and cultural context;
·         Encourage students to explore the influence of international and European frameworks on national and local legal regulation;
·         Promote critical analysis of the status of migrants in UK law using social justice perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

Show an advanced understanding of the law relating to asylum and immigration in its UK, European and global context.

Think critically about complex issues in immigration law, including: the impact of immigration law on individuals; the political and economic factors which shape immigration law; the fluidity and complexity of immigration status(es).

Demonstrate an ability to research independently in the field of immigration and asylum law.

Synthesise a range of complex sources and present a clear argument to a particular audience.

Syllabus
1 

Substantive module themes will be explored at the beginning and the end of the module and will run through the case-studies:

·         The impact of immigration law on marginalized groups;
·         The relationship between the political/economic environment and immigration law;
·         The fluidity of immigration status(es), including regular/irregular migration;
·         The relationship between immigration law and human rights.
An indicative list of case-studies is as follows, the list will change depending upon which issues are of the greatest contemporary relevance and staff availability:
·         People trafficking and forced migration;
·         The immigration system in the Brexit era;
·         EU citizens before, during and after Brexit;
·         Immigration detention;
·         Gender and immigration;
·         Labour migration;
·         Children and the immigration system.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - The modules themes will be explored through introductory and concluding lectures at the start and the end of the module (2 x 1hr lectures). Three case-studies will be addressed each via a lecture (to outline the broad legal framework) and a seminar (to explore complex and/or contentious issues) in successive weeks (3 x 1hr lecture; 3 x 90 min seminar). A further lecture on assessment tips will be held towards the end of the module (1 hr).

Seminar - Three case-studies will be addressed each via a lecture (to outline the broad legal framework) and a seminar (to explore complex and/or contentious issues) in successive weeks (3 x 1hr lecture; 3 x 90 min seminar).

Supervision - As part of the assessment and feedback strategy, students will be able to book a 10 - 15 minute appointment with a member of the module teaching team to discuss their coursework.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12
The modules themes will be explored through introductory and concluding lectures at the start and the end of the module (2 x 1hr lectures). Three case-studies will be addressed each via a lecture (to outline the broad legal framework) and a seminar (to explore complex and/or contentious issues) in successive weeks (3 x 1hr lecture; 3 x 90 min seminar). A further lecture on assessment tips will be held towards the end of the module (1 hr).
4.5
Three case-studies will be addressed each via a lecture (to outline the broad legal framework) and a seminar (to explore complex and/or contentious issues) in successive weeks (3 x 1hr lecture; 3 x 90 min seminar).
        16.5
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 133.5
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  2000 Words  Semester 2  100  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Briefing Note Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment will be via a 2000 word ‘briefing note’ on a topic of the student’s choosing. The ‘briefing note’ will target a particular audience (e.g. a government minister) and must set out the relevant legal issues in a particular area of migration law. Students should take a critical stance on an area of law, for example by identifying shortcomings or inconsistencies, highlighting the need for reform, making a case for greater/lesser legal regulation. Whilst the briefing note will focus on one area of law, students are expected to draw upon the module’s themes in their briefing note. The assessment will require students to consult a range of materials and synthesise them with brevity and precision. Students will be able to book a 10 minute appointment with a member of teaching staff who will approve their selection of topic and provide feedback on a brief outline of their answer. Students will be strongly advised to make use of the option to gain staff feedback on their choice of question.  

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Other Staff Teaching on this Module
Dr SJ Currie Law Samantha.Currie@liverpool.ac.uk
Dr A Neylon Law A.Neylon@liverpool.ac.uk
Dr S Reynolds Law S.Reynolds@liverpool.ac.uk
Dr AK Tataryn Law atataryn@liverpool.ac.uk

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
N/A 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
All Law Programmes year 3

Additional Programme Information