Module: LAW4002-20 The British Constitution & Brexit with Model UN

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Steven Goulton

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.goulton@bathspa.ac.uk

Brief description and aims of module:

A state’s ‘constitution’ refers to the systems, modes and collection of fundamental principles which make up, organise and govern that state. In short, it’s what a state is and how it operates (in principle, at least).

Study of the constitution of Britain often starts with William of Normandy claiming the English Crown at the Battle of Hastings in 1066; giving an indication of the varied, lively, historical and principled nature of the law of the British constitution. The ‘uncodified’ nature of the constitution only makes the subject even more interesting and open to debate.

This module is of relevance to everyone, as even if the British constitution isn’t directly relevant to you personally (and it may well be; the British constitution was wellrespected and copied in whole or in part throughout the World), the principles discussed are certainly relevant.

As well as learning about the constitution of Britain, we’ll use the Model United Nations role-play exercise to explore global constitutional matters and develop key skills like public speaking, teamwork, negotiation and diplomacy.

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate the following graduate attributes:

▪ Will be employable: Equipped with the skills necessary to flourish in the global workplace, able to work in and lead teams;

▪ Will be able to understand and manage complexity, diversity and change;

▪ Will be creative: Able to innovate and to solve problems by working across disciplines as professional or artistic practitioners;

▪ Will be internationally networked: Either by studying abroad for part of their programme, or studying alongside students from overseas

Outline syllabus

Topics covered might include:

▪ The principles of the British constitution, including democracy, Parliamentary sovereignty, the rule of law and the separation of powers. You might then consider the parties to that separation:

▪ The Executive, in the form of the British Crown and government – privileges, immunities, prerogatives, executive powers and actors in central government;

▪ The Legislature, in the form of Parliament – ministerial responsibility, and powers, control and scrutiny of Parliament and devolution; and

▪ The Judiciary, in the form of the courts and judges – roles and powers, tribunals, inquiries and ombudsmen

▪ We will also consider Administrative Law which, along with your studies of Constitutional Law and Criminal Law makes up ‘Public Law’, and considers the power of the courts through a process of judicial review to hold the government accountable under the law.

▪ We will also consider European perspectives, influences and institutions, including the effects of so-called ‘Brexit’; concepts o

Teaching and learning activities

You will be taught by way of 2x 1-hour lecture and 1x 2-hour seminar each week. Lectures will introduce and explore substantive subjects as specified above. Seminars will include a variety of activities including class discussion, scenario analyses, role-play, written and research exercises and other formative activities.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Model UN Debate Plan (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Portfolio of Seminar Learning (Equivalent to 2,000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%