Module manager: Robbie Arrell
Email: r.j.arrell@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 Mar to 31 May View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module explores the roles of consent and contract in creating and explaining obligations or rights. You will critically examine the concepts of consent and contract, and in doing so will consider a variety of related topics such as the nature of personal consent, the nature and status of employment contracts, and the role of consent and contracts for both citizens and organisations in a democracy.
The aims of this module are to introduce you to the main philosophical questions and topics concerning consent and contract, and to explore in critical detail a variety of specific and complex topics that are part and parcel of the nature of consent and contracts. The module will also give you an advanced understanding of several philosophical viewpoints about these issues, along with the skills to undertake a critical analysis of a range of questions.
These aims will be achieved through:
- Independent online learning where you are introduced to core concepts, readings, and arguments and are encouraged to read texts critically and reflect on and analyse these arguments and concepts.
- Online discussion forums and a synchronous webinar where you can develop your own arguments on the topics and test these through critical reflection with other learners and academic staff.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically evaluate different accounts of the nature of valid consent and contract;
2. Critically evaluate the role and limits of consent and contract in explaining obligations and rights;
3. Critically analyse, in an original and sophisticated manner, specific problems in applied or professional ethics where contract and/or consent are taken to be of normative significance.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)
5. Critically analyse source material and demonstrate independence of thought (Academic and Work Ready skill)
6. Independently search for and use appropriate material to support knowledge and analysis of topics (Academic, Work Ready, Digital and Sustainability skill)
7. Identify ethical questions and use ethical frameworks (Sustainability skill)
8. Effectively communicate, participate and collaborate in an online environment (Digital and Work Ready skill)
This module will explore topics such as:
- consent, conditions for valid consent, limit of consent
- the relationship between consent and obligation
- competency and consent
- so -called ‘licences to operate’
- the nature and implications of exploitation
- promise-keeping and contracts
with all topics illustrated by a variety of real-world and hypothetical examples
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| WEBINAR | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Independent online learning hours | 33 | ||
| Private study hours | 100 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 17 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
In addition to the formative feedback available to students in student hours and discussion board-based activities, each student is invited to complete ONE piece of formative work which will receive written feedback.
Students are given a choice of: essay plan; exposition of an argument; objection and reply.
To ensure that students get the formative feedback that they need, they are asked to read and reflect on (i) the feedback they received in previous summative assessments, (ii) the PRHS marking criteria and (iii) the specific guidance provided on the summative assessment in this module. This requires students to critically engage with previous feedback, current expectations, and play an active role in honing their knowledge and skill development.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 90 |
| Coursework | Group discussion boards | 10 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The resit for the discussion contributions will be an essay demonstrating familiarity with a wide range of debates and will be descriptively as opposed to analytically focused.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 17/02/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team