Download UNIVERSITY OF KENT Confirmation that this version of the module

UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Confirmation that this version of the module specification has been approved by the School
Learning and Teaching Committee:
9/12/2014
MODULE SPECIFICATION
1.
Title of the module
Consumer Law (LW631)
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the
module
Kent Law School
3.
Start date of the module
September 2015
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
30 - 35
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and
consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or
Postgraduate [M])
Honours [H]
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 credits, 7.5 ECTS
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
LW 315 Introduction to Obligations
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
All undergraduate Law programmes including Joint Honours
1
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
Students who complete the module successfully will have the ability to:
11.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant common law, statutory and non-statutory
sources in the area of consumer law and to research and apply that knowledge to
concrete fact situations.
11.2 Demonstrate an understanding of the standard policy arguments and frameworks of
consumer law, and to apply and critique them in concrete policy problems.
11.3 Appreciate the role of consumer law and policy within the “new regulatory state” in the
UK.
11.4 Demonstrate an awareness of the different forms of legal regulation of consumer
market transactions (e.g. private law, administrative regulation, "soft law", harnessing
market incentives), and their strengths and weaknesses.
11.5 Assess claims about the progressive potential of consumer law and its relationship to
broader social policies such as addressing social exclusion.
11.6 Appreciate the scope of EU consumer law and policy and its effects on UK law.
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
Students who complete the module successfully will have the ability to:
12.1 Effectively locate primary and secondary legal and policy sources and to apply them
to specific policy and legal issues.
12.2 Critically evaluate an area of law both doctrinally and in terms of its socio-economic
consequences.
12.3 Recognise potential alternative solutions to particular problems and make a reasoned
choice between them.
12.4 Formulate and sustain a complex argument, supporting it with appropriate evidence
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
The module addresses the regulation of consumer markets. This module is aimed at
students who wish to have an understanding of substantive law, policies and institutional
framework concerning the regulation of consumer markets. The topics which will be
covered in the module include:






Consumer society and the rise of consumer protection policy
Rationales and Techniques for regulating consumer markets
The regulation of advertising and marketing practices
The regulation of unfair commercial practices
The regulation of unfair contract terms
The regulation of product safety and quality
14. Indicative Reading List



Iain Ramsay, Consumer Law and Policy: Text Cases and Materials on Regulating
Consumer Markets (3rd edn, Hart Publishing 2012)
Stephen Weatherill, EU Consumer Law and Policy (2nd edn, Edward Elgar, 2013)
Geraint Howells, Iain Ramsay and Thomas Wilhelmsson (eds), Handbook of
Research on International Consumer Law (Edward Elgar 2010)
2
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)
UNIVERSITY OF KENT


Geraint Howells and Stephen Weatherill, Consumer Protection Law (2nd edn,
Ashgate 2005)
Hans Micklitz, Norbet Reich and Peter Rott, Understanding EU Consumer Law
(Oxford Intersentia 2009).

Hans Micklitz, Julien Stuyck and Evelyne Terryn, Cases, Materials and Text on
Consumer Law (Jus Commune Casebook, Hart Publishing 2010)

Colin Scott and Julia Black, Cranston’s Consumers and the Law (3rd edn,
Cambridge 2000)

Geoffrey Woodroffe and Robert Lowe, Woodroffe and Lowe’s Consumer Law and
Practice (9th edn, Sweet & Maxwell 2013)
In addition there will be references to readings in journals available online. A list of
readings will be provided in the outline distributed at the start of the module.
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours
and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to
achievement of the intended module learning outcomes
There will be one lecture a week throughout the course excluding reading and writing
weeks. Seminars will be one hour weekly, in groups of 17-18 students. Seminars will be
based on seminar worksheets provided at the beginning of the term. These will indicate the
aims and objectives of each seminar, required and further reading, and questions for study
guidance and seminar discussion. Private study will be primarily addressed to preparing for
seminars, researching and writing written assessments, and revising and taking an
examination.



The number of contact hours for the module is 20 hours (Weekly Lecture: 10 x 1
hour Weekly Seminar: 10 x 1 hour)
The number of independent learning hours expected for each student undertaking
this module is 130 hours.
The total number of study hours expected for each student taking this module is 150
hours.
Achievement of module learning outcomes:
The function of the lectures is to:



Provide an expository framework for the areas of law covered which students may
then build on through private study of the prescribed cases and materials;.
Introduce students to the practical and policy debates which inform the regulation of
consumer markets;
Offer critical and evaluative perspectives on consumer law issues.
In this way, the lectures will address learning outcomes 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 12.2
and 12.3
The function of seminars is:

To engage students in discussion of the legal and policy implications of particular
issues, based on their prior reading and developing understanding;
3
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)
UNIVERSITY OF KENT



To thereby develop a deeper critical and evaluative understanding of the subject
through discussion based on prior reading:
To provide opportunities for students to raise points or clarify issues arising from the
lectures or reading (including legal research issues);
To identify learning difficulties in relation to particular topics so that appropriate
remedial steps can be taken.
In this way, Seminars will address learning outcomes 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6,
12.1, 12.2, 12.3 and 12.4.
The function of private study is for students:




To reflect, internalise and build upon the substantive legal areas, policy debates,
and critical and evaluative perspectives introduced in lectures;
To prepare for seminars through reading and engaging with the material covered in
lectures, the prescribed readings and the seminar questions;
To research and write their written assignment;
To revise for their end of year exam.
In this way, private study will address learning outcomes 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6,
12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes
The module will be assessed by 50% coursework and 50% written examination.

Coursework Content and Learning Outcome: Students will be required to submit an
essay of 3000 words forming 50% of the overall assessment. The submission date
will be the end of week 12. The Module Convenor will set a list of essay topics for
the students to choose from. The objectives are to ensure that students develop
their research skills, especially the main sources of data about the regulation of
consumer markets from a range of disciplines and to develop their knowledge base
especially about the relationship between consumer protection, the economy and
society. Assessment of essays is undertaken in accordance with school assessment
criteria which relate to learning experiences envisaged as objectives of the module
and also place particular emphasis upon the acquisition of relevant critical or
evaluative skills. The coursework seeks to assess the achievement of learning
outcomes 11.1-11.6 and 12.1-12.4 as appropriate at this point in the module.

Examination and Learning Outcomes: The examination takes the form of a two hour
unseen paper covering the module as a whole. Candidate will be able to bring their
book of consumer law statutes into the exam but no other material is provided or
permitted. The exam will consist of six questions. Students will be required to
answer two questions. All questions will carry equal weight. Questions are directed
at realising the module objectives. The exam seeks to assess the achievement of
learning outcomes 11.1-11.6 and 12.1-12.4.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
This module has no additional or new resource implications.
4
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability
equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special
educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable
adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials,
teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s
disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where
needed.
19. Campus(es) or Centre(s) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
5
Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)