Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Law, Inequality and Social Exclusion
Module Code	LG224
School	School of Law & Government
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to critically assess the themes of disenfranchisement and social exclusion across Irish and the wider global society. Students will consider the role of law both in addressing and/or perpetuating the phenomenon of social exclusion through a consideration of key aspects of welfare law. Comparative and international law perspectives will also be considered. Students will also draw on non-legal material in order to first situate the problems under discussion. Students are expected to attend lectures, contribute to discussion and undertake reading in the area.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline the causes and consequences of the phenomenon of social exclusion
2. Critically evaluate the role of law in responding to and, in some cases, perpetuating this phenomenon
3. Consider the importance of advocacy and research in the push for law reform and change
4. Apply the law to hypothetical factual situations
5. Undertake research into primary and secondary resources related to the area

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	Presentation of topic material. including primary and secondary sources of law and critical commentary
Independent learning	101	Reading and research into module topics
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction: The Causes and Consequences of Social Exclusion and Inequality.
Measuring Exclusion and Inequality - Globally and Locally.

Responses of the Liberal State: The Law and Ideology of the Welfare State.
Affective Inequality? State Support for Carers.

Changing Paradigms: The Role and Limitations of Social and Economic Rights.
Access to Justice: Public Interest Litigation and Advocacy.

Access to Housing and Traveller Accommodation.
Education Rights and Vulnerable Children.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	n/a	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Whyte: 2002, Social Inclusion and the Legal System: Public Interest Law in Ireland, IPA, Dublin,
Cousins: 2002, Social Welfare Law, Roundhall, Dublin,
O' Mahony: 2006, Educational Rights in Irish Law, Roundhall Thomson, Dublin,
Baker, Lynch, Cantillon and Walsh: 0, Equality: From Theory to Action, 2nd, Palgrave Macmillan, London,
Lynch, Baker, Lyons: 2009, Affective Equality: Love, Care and Injustice, Palgrave Macmillan,
Busby: 2011, A Right to Care? Unpaid Care Work in European Employment Law, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
Kenna: 2011, Housing Law, Rights and Policy, Clarus Press, Dublin,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BCL

BCL (Law and Society)

BCLYA

BCL (Law and Society)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

ECSAO

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)