CE1101: European Law

School Continuing and Professional Education
Department Code LEARN
Module Code CE1101
External Subject Code 100680
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Ms Janet Stephens
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2020/1

Outline Description of Module

This module provides students with a knowledge of the basic principles of European law and places these in a social and economic context wherever possible. It should enable students to make a critical assessment of the law of Europe and the way it works in practice. Relevant directives, regulations and case law of the European Court of Justice will be examined. Where possible relevant comparative material from the USA and other common law countries, as well as the theoretical framework of European law and the justifications for the legal regulation of the areas involved, will be considered. METHODS OF TEACHING: Weekly 2-hour lectures (20 contact hours). METHODS OF ASSESSMENT: 1.5-hour class test and written work of 1,000 words showing knowledge and understanding of the subject.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

Knowledge and Understanding:

* explain the origins of the European Community and the sources from which European Law originates and is derived

*explain the functions and powers of each of the institutions, considering the wider picture involving consultation/implementation and national input

* identify the types of European legislation, using examples

* explain the role and effect of judicial review, and supervision through questioning and being questioned

* explain the effect of membership of the European Union on Parliamentary Sovereignty through discussion in oral or written form

* consider the future of Europe through an examination of the present situation with references to other comparative material from other countries outside the EU

How the module will be delivered

Lectures:  To explain main points of topic

Q/A: To ensure knowledge and understanding – it is anticipated that these sessions may be  student-  and/or tutor-led

Discussion:  To enhance the development of knowledge and understanding by exploring the topic the main points in more depth

Research:  To collate material from a variety of sources and convey findings in a clear, coherent style

Skills that will be practised and developed

Intellectual Skills:

  • relate provided material and material individually researched to discussions and exercises set
  • show understanding through clear explanations and evaluation where relevant in oral or written form
  • develop own learning skills through reading and researching relevant topics
  • be aware of relevant law and show a basic application of relevant citation to given situations
  • explain past, present and possible future situations in a clear, coherent style

 Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

  • consider legal problems and apply relevant law to given situations
  • maintain and develop knowledge and understanding through reading and researching current debates/proposed reforms 

Transferable Skills:

  • communicate effectively in written and oral form
  • work effectively on an individual or group basis
  • make notes from lectures and other sources
  • research and collate data from a variety of sources

How the module will be assessed

Lectures: To explain main points of topic

Q/A: To ensure knowledge and understanding – it is anticipated that these sessions may be student-  and/or tutor-led

Discussion: To enhance the development of knowledge and understanding by exploring the topic the main points in more depth

Research: To collate material from a variety of sources and convey findings in a clear, coherent style

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Course Work N/A

Syllabus content

Historical context of the European Union

The institutional framework of the Union – composition, structure and powers

The sources of European Law – treaties and legislation

The effect of membership of the European Union on Parliamentary Sovereignty

The future for Europe

Essential Reading and Resource List

Learning European Law, T. Kennedy (Sweet & Maxwell)

A Guide to European Law,  P.S.R.F. Mathijsen (Sweet & Maxwell)

European Law,  J. Hanlon (Sweet & Maxwell)

Background Reading and Resource List

Not applicable.


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