LAW42320

Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Explain the historical development of EU equality law, and the scope, grounds, and forms of discrimination prohibited under EU law in employment and beyond, referencing relevant directives and case law.

2. Apply EU equality law and case law to practical problem and policy scenarios in any of the areas covered in the module.

3. Critically analyse recent and potential developments in equality and diversity law and assess their impact on legal practice, policy, and society.

4. Construct and defend legal arguments orally in a structured debate and respond effectively to opposing viewpoints.

5. Synthesise debate discussion, case materials, and legal sources into a coherent written analysis under time constraints.

Indicative Module Content:

Please note: this content is indicative and may be reordered or slightly amended.

1. Introduction to EU Equality and Diversity Law – Theoretical foundations and historical evolution of equality and diversity law; sources of EU equality law and its relationship with Irish law.

2. Discrimination in Employment – Prohibition of direct and indirect discrimination; harassment; protected grounds under EU law; burden of proof; selected Irish examples.

3. Equal Pay and Pay Transparency – Article 157 TFEU, relevant directives, and CJEU case law; Pay Transparency Directive; selected Irish examples.

4. Discrimination Outside Employment – Protection in goods and services, housing, and education; Racial Equality Directive; Gender Equality Directive in goods and services; Irish case law examples.

5. Hate Speech Law and Equality – EU Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia; interaction between non-discrimination and freedom of expression; CJEU and ECtHR case law; brief overview of Irish legislation.

6. Work–Life Balance – Directive (EU) 2019/1158; parental, paternity, and carers’ leave; flexible working rights; gender equality and care.

7. Working Time – Working Time Directive; rules on maximum working hours, rest periods, and annual leave; CJEU and Irish case law.

8. Atypical Work – Part-time, fixed-term, and agency work; protection from less favourable treatment; precarious and platform work.

9. The Role of Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining in Advancing Equality – EU and international frameworks; social partner agreements.

10. Enforcement tools and issues faced by litigants.

The first part of the module is delivered asynchronously, introducing most of these topics through readings, recorded lectures, and handouts. The second part consists of in-person seminars using e.g., debates, simulated hearings, and policy drafting to apply legal principles to practical and contemporary equality issues.

Student Effort Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

The teaching and learning activities are designed to be engaging and, at the same time, facilitate attendance from students who may not be based in Dublin or may have employment or caring commitments.

Initial Zoom lecture (Week 1, 1h):
The module begins with an initial live Zoom lecture to introduce the structure, learning outcomes, assessment methods, and online learning platform. This session is complemented by a recorded lecture on the EU equality law framework and the relationship between EU and Irish law.

Asynchronous learning (Weeks 2–10):
Students will engage with core concepts and legal frameworks through recorded lectures, readings, and handouts. Short online activities (e.g., case briefs, comparative tables, quizzes, and discussion posts) will encourage active engagement with the material and preparation for in-person work

Mid-semester live Zoom tutorials (1h each, Weeks 3 and 6):
Two live Zoom tutorials (Weeks 3 and 6) will provide opportunities for clarification, Q&A, and formative feedback.

In-person learning (Weeks 11-12):
Interactive in-person seminars will focus on applying legal principles to realistic scenarios through debates, mock hearings, role-plays, and policy drafting exercises. Students will work individually and in groups to develop legal arguments, critically assess legislation and case law, and propose practical solutions to equality challenges. These seminars are scheduled from 6 to 8 pm to facilitate attendance from students who may be in employment.

The module also includes two bonus online masterclasses (voluntary) on topical issues, given by national and international experts.

In summary, learning activities include:
-Initial live Zoom introductory lecture
-Recorded lectures and guided readings
-Independent research and analysis of legislation and case law
-Interactive debates and simulations
-Problem-solving and policy drafting exercises
-Formative online quizzes and discussion forums
-In-class written work integrating oral and written skills

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Learning Requirements:

It is strongly recommended that students hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in law or in a related discipline that includes substantial legal content (or have acquired equivalent knowledge/expertise through professional experience). This may include degrees such as political science, international relations, public policy, social science, criminology, or business, provided that they have completed at least one law-focused module as part of those studies.

Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy

 

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Formative feedback: -Individual feedback will be provided to students on a formative activity completed before the summative assessment. This activity will mirror the structure of the assessed debate and in-class essay, enabling students to practise both oral and written components. -Online automated feedback will be available for certain online quizzes and self-check exercises in the asynchronous portion of the module. -Self-assessment activities will be included throughout the asynchronous weeks, allowing students to reflect on their understanding of key concepts and identify areas for improvement. Feedback on summative assessment: -Group and class feedback will be provided after the summative assessment, highlighting common strengths, recurring issues, and suggestions for improvement. This will be published on Brightspace. -Students may request an individual follow-up appointment to review their in-class essay and the written feedback from the module coordinator.