Information: Control and Power (Distance Learning) (P02269)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : LAW-P-LW0042

This module will investigate, through a range of legal disciplines and perspectives, the growing focus placed on, and value attached to, information by society and individuals; concerns as to its control and misuse; and the impact of this on business and government, particularly in the light of the opportunities and challenges of evolving technologies.

The module will consider legal regimes relating to freedom of information and data protection; the extent to which present systems conform to expectations in respect of information privacy and access, and environmental progress; the extent to which intellectual property rights can and do exist in respect of basic data and information, and the consequences of this, particularly in the light of new means of obtaining and recording information; human rights law and policy, with particular reference to privacy, open media, freedom of expression and access to education; ethical issues; the ability of competition law and policy to intervene in respect of misuse of information and its control by individuals, companies and groups, by the use of existing and ground breaking technologies; the impact of the WTO, GATS and free trade agreements; and the possible impact of different regulatory structures. A wide ranging international approach will be adopted, with contributions sought from students in respect of their own jurisdictions.

? Keywords : Information.
Intellectual Property.
Competition.
Regulation.
Trade.
Human Rights

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Costs : Students should have regular and reliable access to the Internet. Print consumables (paper and ink) would be recommended to provide hard copy of some on screen text and materials (e.g. articles).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Law, (School of Law, Schedule F)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The aims of this module are to:

- explore the extent to which access to and use of information and data is controlled;

- consider the implications of this for privacy, commercial and international development, environmental progress, education and freedom of expression;

and

- assess whether academic and policy debate in this area is progressing in a sufficiently holistically manner, and whether there are opportunities for further interaction of disciplines.

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

- assess when obligations arise under data protection and freedom of information legislation;

- evaluate when information should and should not be recorded, retained, re-used or shared;

- analyse the extent to which developments in information and privacy can impact upon individuals and business, and the appropriate balance between these interests;

- form a view on the roles of IP, competition, world trade law and regulation, human rights and ethics in the field of information control, and the implications for private, corporate and development interests wherever situated;

and

- assess when, if ever, control of information should be possible.

Assessment Information

One Essay, 5000 words (60%); two pieces of assessed work (20% each)

Note: Completion of the Certificate, the Diploma and progression through the LLM programme will be subject to participation in and completion of core activities within this module.