What will I learn on this module?
This module is designed to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the role law plays in modern society. You will examine the interrelationship between law and the other social, cultural, economic and political elements that make up the society in which we live. You will consider the profound changes that have taken place in society over the last 200 years and understand how the law has evolved to meet the changing needs and values of that society. You will consider the relationship of law to those changes and assess whether the law has been successful in keeping pace. So for example how well has the law coped with the advance of human rights and civil liberties, or how far has law gone in controlling the internet and cyber-crime or cyber bullying.
You will also be introduced to theories of what law is and what distinguishes a legal rule from other forms of rules and why that might be. For many centuries legal philosophers have asked the question such as “what is law?” and “why should we follow the law?” – you will consider some of the key concepts that lie behind these questions.
The assessment will be through a portfolio of work that will be submitted at the end of the semester, this will include personal reflections and a mark for a group presentation.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn via a combination of large group sessions (lectures), small group sessions (workshops) and independent/tutor guided independent learning.
The module has a one-hour weekly lecture in which you will consider aspect of changes to law and society, which is designed to give context to the ideas you will discuss in the workshops. Before and after the lecture you will be given guided reading in a module handbook, and you will be able to access this reading directly through an on-line reading list on the modules e-Learning Portal site (Blackboard) and through the Library website. In the module handbook you will have a teaching and learning plan where you will also find weekly support where you are directed to access through the e-Learning site (Blackboard) a range of appropriate sources for preparation for your workshops.
You will have weekly two-hour workshops. The workshop will reinforce the concepts introduced in the preceding week’s lectures where you will come prepared to discuss and present your findings from the guided reading and other supporting documents on the Online reading list.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The academics in the teaching team taking both the lectures and small group sessions will provide input and support to you. Lectures are recorded on this module and made available to you through a variety of means, which you can download to use offline. This allows you to access and digest the lecture materials post-lecture at your own pace, and review and revise the lecture material on a variety of platforms and devices. The small group sessions provide you with weekly opportunities for direct and interactive formative feedback on progress and understanding.
This module is supported with a site on the e-Learning Portal (Blackboard). This site stores for you the lecture materials, the lecture recordings and supplementary seminar materials. The site is also the launch pad for you to access a variety of e-Learning resources including videos, documentaries and radio broadcasts using the “Box of Broadcasts” Library service. The module’s Online Reading List can be reached through the e-Learning Portal. This list provides you with a single comprehensive list of links from which to access all of the module’s Books, news resources and directed learning academic articles.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
By the end of the module you should:
• Understand what effects change in the law and how this is usually reflective of changes in society. (LO1)
• Understand some of the key conceptual theories underpinning law.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will be able to display developing reflection skills through exploring legal developments and what drives change in a society (LO2)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• You will display through a portfolio of evidence a developing curiosity law and society.(LO3)
How will I be assessed?
Formative feedback
On an on-going basis tutors will give you feedback on exercises you complete and track your progress through the workbook that accompanies the module.
Summative assessment
The module will be 100% assessed through you developing a portfolio of evidence to underpin your engagement with the study of law and society. You will produce evidence of you understanding by undertaking a critical study of a chosen area of law and society and on a group presentation on an area of legal development of your choosing.
(LO1, 2,3)
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
This module is designed to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the role law plays in modern society. You will examine the interrelationship between law and the other social, economic and political elements that make up the society in which we live. You will consider changes that have taken place in society over the last 200 years and understand how the law has evolved to meet the changing needs and values of that society. Has the law kept pace with these changes?
You will also be introduced to theories of what law is and what distinguishes a legal rule from other forms of rules and why that might be. For many centuries legal philosophers have asked the questions such as “what is law?” and “why should we follow the law?” – you will consider some of the key concepts that lie behind these important questions.
Course info
UCAS Code M757
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study Foundation year followed by a further 3 or 4 years full-time study
Department Northumbria Law School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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