The interdisciplinary course constitutes a socio-legal study of how, and with what outcomes, ethnic minority presence and the formal national law interact, and considers the possibilities of managing inter-ethnic and inter-legal clashes. Focusing on Britain, but drawing on insights from both European and non-European jurisdictions, the course will introduce students to contemporary debates about the role of religion and culture in public and political life, familiarise them with critical human and women%E2%80%99s rights issues across different religious and cultural traditions, by specifically discussing contemporary multicultural and pluri-legal challenges.The course comprises of 9 topics, organised in three parts, taught over three weeks. Part 1 introduces the core themes in ethnic minority legal studies, these initial conceptual and theoretical sessions provide the foundations for deeper analysis of all topics studied on the course. Parts 2 and 3 connect general themes and particular cases studies, involving either civil, criminal and/or public law. Topics in part 1 include the legal validity of religious marriages, polygamous unions, forced marriages, and the operation of faith-based arbitration; specifically we critically examine shari%E2%80%99a councils and battei din. Topics in part 2 include how religious and cultural diversity is facilitated in the workplace by the Equality Act 2010, the limits, if any, of the right to freedom of expression and how that right interferes with the religious beliefs of others, and an examination of cultural diversity and education, including a critical discussion of faith schools. Although built on a common core of covered material, the course enables much room for individual specialisation by students. Uniquely, learning is also supplemented by a trip to the Royal Courts of Justice and by sessions from leading social justice activists.

Course leader
Sham Qayyum and Prof Werner Menski

Target group
Current students, professionals + leisure learners

Course aim
On successful completion of the course, a student should be able to demonstrate the ability to:An understanding of the core themes in contemporary ethnic minority legal studies.An understanding of the connection between general analytical themes and particular cases and situations.An understanding of what possibilities there are for managing inter-ethnic and inter-legal clashes.

Credits info
7.5 ECTS Please note that summer courses are not accredited by SOAS.Students are usually able to obtain credits from their home institution and typically our courses receive 3 credits in the US system and 7.5 ECTS in the European system. If you intend to claim credits from your home institution, please check the requirements with them before you enrol. We will be happy to assist you in any way we can, however please be aware that the decision to award credits rests with your home institution.Assessment will be optional and will vary for each course. Participants will be provided with a certificate of attendance and transcripts will be available on request.

Fee info
GBP 1400: TuitionA tuition fee of 1400 will be charged per 3-week programme. This figure does not include accommodation fees.Application feeA one-off, non-refundable application fee of 60 will be charged to cover administration costs. Please visit the SOAS online store to make your application fee payment.DiscountsAn early bird discount of 10% is available if fees are paid by 31 March 2015.15% discount for SOAS Alumni.20% discount for current SOAS students.Other discounts are available for partner institutions and groups, please contact us for further information.



Scholarships
SOAS, University of London offers a limited number of scholarships for participation in academic courses which are part of sessions 2 and 3 of the SOAS Academic Summer School 2015 programme. These scholarships are in the form of partial fee waivers to cur

SOAS, University of London
Address: SOAS, University of London Thornhaugh Street
Postal code: WC1H 0XG
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Website: http://www.soas.ac.uk/summerschool/subjects/
E-mail: summerschool@soas.ac.uk
Phone: +44 2078984205