Introduction to Law

Week 1 You will explore issues and concepts that are fundamental to our understanding of law and legal processes. Lectures will introduce the issues and concepts, explain their significance and the context in which they operate and develop. You will then have an opportunity to discuss and explore the issues further in seminars as well as develop your analytical and legal reasoning skills in masterclasses. You will also begin to work in a team, engaging in group exercises during the workshops. Week 2 and 3 You will explore contemporary issues and themes concerning the role and impact of law in selected key areas – criminal law, human rights law, and civil law. Skills masterclasses will give you a grounding in legal research and writing skills. In the workshops, you will work more independently in teams on exercises arising out of the lectures and seminars. A trip to London, including visits to leading legal institutions and international legal experts, will help to reinforce the excitement, challenges, and importance of law in the modern world. You will also start to prepare for your essay assignments and carry out the last of the group exercises, as we pull together the insights, implications and issues that have emerged during the summer school. Intercultural and social experience Throughout the three weeks, you will be accompanied by Lancaster Student Ambassadors who will help you settle into Lancaster, showing you around campus, and answering your questions. They will also lead evening social activities and weekend trips, giving you plenty of chances to make new international friends. A two-night trip to London is also included in the programme. For more details about Lancaster’s Global Summer Schools, including information on each programme, how to apply, entry requirements, etc. please visit our webpage.

Course leader

Lancaster’s Law School

Target group

To participate in one of our summer schools, you must meet the following criteria: - Be at least 18 years old at the start of the programme. - Where applicable, meet pre-requisites for the chosen programme. See the programme package for more details. - Be in good academic standing and on track to pass year 1 of studies. - If you come from a country where English is not an official language, you will need to provide proof of your language ability.

Course aim

You will explore current legal issues and develop your awareness and understanding of the methods, processes and concepts that underpin University-level legal studies. For those interested in studying law at postgraduate level, this is an opportunity to try studying law for the first time. You’ll experience lectures, seminars and group work on campus, field trips to help you connect the issues and concepts to the practice and operation of law, plus travel to London to make visits to significant law organisations.