module
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
LAW1022C: Legal Foundations
This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Please note:
(i) This module syllabus (Legal Foundations LAW1022C) is exclusively available to students on the Cornwall Campuses and differs materially from the Legal Foundations syllabus of the Streatham Campus (LAW1036).
(ii) Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
Term 1 :
This term focusses on the application of contract and employment law to a real life case scenario ending in an employment tribunal. You will interview your client, write a client letter and become part of a legal team which take part in a mock employment tribunal on the case. You will learn from visits to an employment tribunal and from masterclasses by practicing lawyers in constructing and delivering your legal arguments. You start your individual skills meetings with your tutor which continue through both terms. You also start to work as part of your legal team and take part in team building exercises including our beach day.
- What is Law? Who are Lawyers? Why do people turn to law?
- Finding, reading and understanding the law : Looking at legal systems (common and civil jurisdictions), reading and applying Acts of Parliament, case law and other legal sources
- client interviewing
- Running a client file
- Giving advice
- Letter writing to clients
- Advocacy within a tribunal setting
- mediation and negotiation skills
Term 2:
This term examines the application of the law of negligence to a company accused of environmental pollution. You will work within your legal team to construct a case for your clients who may be the Environment Agency, the company or the alleged victims. You will also join forces with environmental science students studying a Legal Foundations for Environmental Protection (2) who will act as your expert witnesses during your trial.
- Applying the law to a real world problem
- Writing a legal opinion
- Creating a case: preparation for trial including planning oral argument and advocacy training
- Trial advocacy – opening and closing arguments, examination in chief and cross examination.
- Alternative mechanisms for reparation and redress.
Legal Principles, particularly equality and justice, professional ethical behaviour and teamwork skills are embedded throughout the course.
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 108 | 192 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 2 | Individual skills meeting with tutor |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 66 | 33 x 2 hour teacher-led seminars |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 40 | 20 x 2 hours 'law team' peer-led meetings |
| Guided Independent Study | 44 | Individual reading, and preparation for tasks. |
| Guided Independent Study or Group Study | 80 | Seminar preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 60 | Portfolio preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 8 | Preparation of tutor/student meeting notes and action points |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
Digital Resources
An online reading list suggesting further reading and resources can be accessed via the Legal Foundations ELE page, and will be updated throughout the year. You are encouraged to make use of these resources to further your knowledge and understanding.