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Undergraduate courses

Course Information

Information Technology Law

Module summary

Module code: LAW1252
Level: 6
Credits: 30
School: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department: Law and Criminology
Module Coordinator(s): Emma Wood

Specification

Aims

The module has three aims:

Introduce the students to the rapidly evolving area of Information and Emerging Technology Law. An understanding of the principles of internet governance, the regulatory and ethical challenges posed in data-driven environments, as well as the disruptive effects of emerging technologies has become indispensable for professionals aiming for a career in the digital economy. This module will provide students with a thorough grounding and critical appreciation of the regulatory scope for information technologies in the digital era as well as its strategic impact on the industry.

To provide an opportunity for a sustained piece of guided research and writing on a modern legal topic. This will develop essential legal research skills, such as critical thinking and independent learning

To help students analyse in depth and deliberate on current IT related topics. This will allow the students to place the theoretical knowledge gained in a contemporary context, where further analogies can be drawn.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:
1. Identify and ascertain IT & emerging tech related issues and their impact on the creative industries, the rule of law and the civil society;
2. Engage critically with the complex and multi-faceted regulatory challenges posed in the digital era as well as the legal issues that arise from the wide use of technology;
3. Examine and evaluate the doctrinal and political debate surrounding traditional rules and theories in modern settings. Draw on the analysis and evaluation contained in primary and secondary sources;
4. Effectively disseminate research findings to professional and academic standards;
5. Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent research in areas of law, some of which they may not have studied before.

Indicative content

Due to the fast-paced nature of the module, lectures and seminars intend to follow up on recent developments, an indicative list follows below:
• Internet Governance and online policy making (standard setting bodies, domain names and Regional Internet Registries).
• Human Rights and Data Management in the digital economy.
• Data Protection.
• Emerging Tech & consumers: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
• Internet Service Providers and the users: intermediary liability, network neutrality, Internet Exchange Points, End-User Licence Agreements.
• Strategic business models and lobbying context in the online/ wireless environment.

Teaching and learning activity

Scheduled teaching and guided independent study.

Assessment

Method of Summative Assessment: Essay.
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3&5.
Grading Mode: Numeric.
Weighting: 80%.
Pass Mark: 40.
Word Length: 3000.
Outline Details: Students are asked to submit an essay that requires them to research on a topic concerning the impact of technology on various areas of law. This will be an individual piece of work.

Method of Summative Assessment: Presentation.
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4&5.
Grading Mode: Numeric.
Weighting: 20%.
Pass Mark: 40.
Word Length: n/a.
Outline Details: Each student will be given an individual topic, upon which she is expected to provide a short presentation, followed by a Q&R with her peers.

Nature of FORMATIVE assessment supporting student learning:
The lectures and seminars will offer ample opportunities to discuss and clarify matters regarding the assessment. Moreover, they will include discussion on sources of IT law and how to study and research them.