Postgraduate Module Descriptor

LAWM094: Human Dignity and Human Rights in the EU

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Module Aims

The module aims to enable you to discuss some of the latest scholarly developments in relation to dignity and human rights in the EU. By elucidating and exploring the connections between dignity and human rights in Member States’ constitutions, and in ECHR case law, the module aims to allow you to develop a unique specialised knowledge of how human rights have been developed and protected in the EU (art.6 Lisbon Treaty). The study of the rise of dignity and its construction as a normative concept at the foundation of the EU (art.2 Lisbon treaty) brings you to the heart of European integration through law. Its comparative and critical perspectives encourage you to develop an integrated understanding of how the EU protects human rights and dignity, and to sharpen your critical thinking.

The module aims to provide a cutting edge, research-enriched learning opportunity by during on the module director’s internationally-recognised research in this field. Catherine Dupré has been researching the meanings and legal developments of the concept of dignity in Europe for over a decade and this module also aims to bring you her latest reflections based on her ongoing research.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills	1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of, and an ability to evaluate critically, a wide range of theoretical issues raised by human dignity and human rights in the context of the EU; 2. Demonstrate a deep and systematic knowledge of, and an ability to evaluate critically, a wide range of issues raised by the application of human dignity and human rights in case law;
Discipline-Specific Skills	3. Use a wide range of sources and materials, including case law from different courts, theoretical and substantive academic commentaries, statutes, constitutions and treaties, in a critical and constructive way; 4. Demonstrate flexible and innovative ability, orally and in writing, to analyse complex legal problems, identify the relative significance of applicable rules and principles, and select appropriate methods for critically evaluating them;
Personal and Key Skills	5. Demonstrate independent thinking and ability to construct critical argument effectively, confidently and autonomously; 6. Work independently and manage time efficiently in preparing for course activities and assessment; and 7. Demonstrate confident ability to interact effectively and proactively with a team/learning group, to share information and ideas and to manage disagreement in a professional and constructive manner

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

The syllabus below indicates the key themes and issues discussed in this module. It will vary slightly every year to reflect the latest developments in positive law and scholarly discussion on dignity and human rights in the EU.

Human rights in the EU: Antagonism or synergy?
Locating human dignity and human rights
Human dignity as a foundation of human rights in the EU
Protecting human rights and human dignity
Interpreting human rights and human dignity
Taking a critical view of dignity as a foundation
Human rights and dignity without Europe
The EU without human rights and dignity

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
33	267	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching	33	Two weekly 1h 30 min interactive workshops. The first workshops will be led by the lecturer and students are expected to become gradually more involved in defining the workshops focus and in leading them.
Guided independent study	110	10 hours per week over 11 weeks for workshop preparation
Guided independent study	55	5 hours per week further reading following on from workshops
Guided independent study	5	Preparation for formative exercise
Guided independent study	97	100 hours for further reading, reflection and writing the assessed essay

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

ECJ case law: http://curia.europa.eu

ECHR case law: http://www.echr.coe.int/

Venice Commission: http://www.venice.coe.int/

Other Learning Resources

Cambridge Law Journal

Oxford Journal of Legal Studies

Columbia Journal of European Law

International Journal of Constitutional Law

European Constitutional Law Review

Public Law

German Law Journal