Module SXL-2901:
International Year Abroad - Law

Module Facts

Run by School of History, Law and Social Sciences

30.000 Credits or 15.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Hefin Gwilym

Overall aims and purpose

The Year Abroad module provides an opportunity for students to extend their understanding of their degree subject area by a period of study abroad at a Host Institution.

The module will also raise students' awareness of cross-cultural and transnational issues as they apply both within and outside their degree subject. It is expected that the module, as part of their degree course, will enhance students' experience and future employability.

Course content

Each student will spend an extended period studying at a Host Institution overseas. During the module students will pursue studies relevant to law. They will also learn about the country in which they are based, with particular emphasis on understanding and applying subject-specific knowledge in a different legal and cultural setting. The content of the module will be designed for each student in discussion with the Host Institution and will include elements of directed learning and/or supervision.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Threshold (Grade D; mark range 40-49%) There are weaknesses in the way that the report is structured, resulting in repetition and/or lack of clarity. It contains descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student but with evidence that the descriptions have not been fully developed. Knowledge directly related to the student’s degree subject is described but with little emphasis on any other knowledge acquired. There is little analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge and there is no evidence of critical evaluation. The report includes content in which the student evaluates the learning experience, only as a retrospective description of the placement experience with little emphasis on how the experiences might shape future learning.

C- to C+

Threshold (Grade C; mark range 50-59%) The report has a structure, though it may have some weaknesses. It contains descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student. Knowledge directly related to the student's degree subject is described, and some indirectly related knowledge is described. There is some analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge. The report includes content in which the student evaluates the learning experience, mainly as a retrospective description of the placement experience with some emphasis on how the experiences might shape future learning.

good

Good (Grade B; mark range 60-69%) The report is logically structured. It contains detailed descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student. Knowledge directly and indirectly related to the student’s degree subject is described. There is some analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge but there is little critical evaluation. The report includes content in which the student evaluates the learning experience, mainly as a retrospective description of the placement experience with emphasis on how the experiences might shape future learning.

excellent

Excellent (Grade A; mark range 70-100%) The report is logically structured and with threads that create a holistic, coherent whole. It contains detailed and insightful descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student. Knowledge directly and indirectly related to the student’s degree subject is described with some exploration of the synergies between the various sources of knowledge. There is a well argued, critical analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge. The report includes substantial content in which the student evaluates the learning experience, both as a retrospective description of the placement experience and as a critical reflection on how the experiences might shape future learning.

Learning outcomes

  1. Have acquired subject specific knowledge that will contribute to their general understanding of law that can be applied to their studies in subsequent modules at Level 6.

  2. Appreciate and understand how the legal framework in different countries is influenced by multi-cultural and transnational issues.

  3. Be able to evaluate their learning experience abroad and apply it to their future careers.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
REPORT Report

*For the purpose of passing the year abroad, a student is required to pass the following number of credits at the host institution: the equivalent of 60 Bangor credits / 30 ECTS credits.
Where a student fails to attain this minimum number of credits during a year abroad, they can complete a further assessment (Report) to achieve the necessary number of credits to pass.

Report not exceeding 6,000 words. The report will assess Learning Outcomes 1-3. The report will be based on what the student has learnt during the placement, including knowledge relevant to their subject area and a reflection on their learning experiences.

 100.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Tutorial

The Tutorials (in-module) may comprise timetabled training sessions at the Host Institution and/or less formal, but regular, work-placement training. The Tutorials (in-module) will be delivered at the equivalent of 10 hrs per week. The actual times will vary depending on the nature of the placement and specific details will be included in the agreement with the Host Institution.

 260
Private study

Students will prepare for classes and assessments.

 940

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Subject specific skills

  • Develop the ability to analyse complex legal issues, set against the background of the political, social, economic or cultural contexts in which they may arise
  • Develop those skills which are necessary for scholarship and research in legal subjects, namely the ability to identify relevant primary and secondary legal sources and to retrieve accurate legal information using paper and electronic sources

Resources

Resource implications for students

It is expected that costs directly associated with the placement will be covered by funding arranged through the University or as otherwise defined in the agreement between the University and the Host Institution. Students will be responsible for any additional costs, e.g. for activities that are not part of the agreement between the University and the Host Institutions, and for arranging insurance cover for these activities.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/sxl-2901.html

Reading list

A reading list will be provided by the Host Institution where relevant.

Courses including this module