Critical approach to sociolegal studies 1600-SZD-SPEC-UKS-ZJ
Socio-legal studies have a sufficiently established position in the international arena as a field of research that justifies a reflective analysis of one of the key elements of such research, i.e. the functioning social system. The importance and scope of socio-legal studies means that this research is important not only for those who identify as socio-legal researchers, but also for those studying it. This focus on the social reflects a widespread and growing sense – not limited to socio-legal studies – that the rapid changes of late modernity, such as consumerism, globalization, digitalization, and neoliberalism, are creating new challenges. The classes introduce the socio-legal method, which is not widely known, as a research method and elements of the critical method, which are essentially included in the socio-legal method.
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge | The graduate knows and understands:
WG_01 - to the extent necessary for existing paradigms to be revised - a worldwide body of work, covering theoretical foundations as well as general and selected specific issues - relevant to a particular discipline
within the social sciences
WG_02 - the main development trends in the disciplines of the social sciences in which the education is provided
WG_03 - scientific research methodology in the field of the social sciences
WK_01 - fundamental dilemmas of modern civilisation from the perspective of the social sciences
Skills | The graduate is able to:
UK_05 - speaking a foreign language at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages using the professional terminology specific to the discipline within the social sciences, to the extent enabling participation in an international scientific and professional environment
Social competences | The graduate is ready to
KO_01 - fulfilling the social obligations of researchers and creators
KO_02 - fulfilling social obligations and taking actions in the public interest, in particular in initiating actions in the public interest
KO_03 - think and acting in an entrepreneurial manner
Assessment criteria
Description of requirements related to participation in classes, including the
permitted number of explained absences: attendance at 80%, knowledge on the required literature
Principles for passing the classes and the subject (including resit session): weighted grade, class attendance – 50% assessment component, class activity – 20%, written work – 30%
Methods for the verification of learning outcomes: a conversation with the person about the content of the class, in particular the prepared written work
Evaluation criteria: The ability to apply critical methods in research and the knowledge of the socio-legal method – what it is and what it is used for, what research perspective it gives – will be assessed
Practical placement
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Bibliography
For example:
Cownie, F., & Bradney, A. (2013). Socio-legal studies: a challenge to the doctrinal approach. In Research methods in law (pp. 42-62). Routledge;
Hunt, A. (1987). The critique of law: what is' critical'about critical legal theory?. Journal of Law and Society, 14(1), 5-19;
Kaharuddin, K. (2023). Legal Sociology Approach: A Critical Study on Understanding the Law. Veteran Law Review, 6(SpecialIssues), 54-69;
Mulcahy, L., & Cahill-O'Callaghan, R. (2021). Introduction: socio-legal methodologies. Journal of Law and Society, 48(s1), S1-S9;
Munger, F., & Seron, C. (1984). Critical legal studies versus critical legal theory: A comment on method. Law & Policy, 6(3), 257-297;
Norrie, A. (2000). From critical to socio-legal studies: Three dialectics in search of a subject. Social & Legal Studies, 9(1), 85-113;
Wheeler, S. (2020). Socio‐legal studies in 2020. Journal of Law and Society, 47, S209-S226 .
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: