Module: LAW5101-20 Family & the Law - Relationships & Children

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Mark Coombs

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.coombs@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module:

Family law can be at once very challenging, given the sensitive and often-emotionally-charged nature of disputes, and immensely rewarding, if matters are resolved to the betterment of the lives of all those involved.

This module is of relevance to everyone, whether you are or will be a parent, in a formal or informal relationship, from a two-parent household or a care leaver. It looks at three broad themes:

• Relationships between adults;

• Children;

• Older family members.

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.

2.Outline syllabus:

Topics covered might include:

• An introduction to family law, family justice including routes to dispute resolution and human rights

• Theme 1 – Relationships between adults: Marriage and civil partnerships, the law relating to unmarried couples, family property, separation and divorce, domestic violence, and reform;

• Theme 2 – Children: The concept of ‘parent’, parents’ and children’s rights, disputes over children, child protection and state intervention;

• Theme 3 – Older family members – rights, succession, justice for elders.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

You will be taught by way of 1x 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: Essay (2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: Exam (2 hours)

• % Weighting: 50