What will I learn on this module?
This module will provide you with a detailed multi-disciplinary understanding of the way in which the fashion industry is supported and shaped by the law, and is responding to current and future challenges. This module sits on three pillars of learning. You will explore and evaluate the issues under each pillar. The first pillar is multi-disciplinary and considers the role of the laws of intellectual property in the context of portfolio management, contracting with stakeholders in the industry such as suppliers and influencers and regulation. The second pillar allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of soft laws such as the role of corporate social responsibility and corporate governance. The third pillar explores industry challenges and responses to current issues such as fast fashion, sustainability and technology. You will be encouraged to immerse yourself in the world of fashion and formative assessment will be through workshops and taking an active part in Blackboard discussion forums.
No prior knowledge is required. This module complements other subjects offered at this stage in your programme and does not overlap with the current Intellectual Property module.
How will I learn on this module?
The module will utilise lectures and workshops to initiate your practical and legal thinking on the areas mentioned above. The lectures will cover the basic legal frameworks of the three pillars of learning outlined in the module abstract. Workshops will provide an opportunity to discuss and evaluate the law in the context of the Fashion Industry consolidating your understanding and emphasising the multi-disciplinary nature of the industry. Through weekly discussion forums, and workshops you will be encouraged to think pragmatically across different disciplines. Where such opportunities can be arranged you will meet with stakeholders in the industry to inform a practical, problem solving approach to learning.
You will be assessed by a written piece of coursework based on a case study, which will take place in the Semester Two assessment period.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The members of staff who teach on this module have significant legal practice experience. As such, they will provide academic support where necessary. All lectures will be recorded and made available to students to aid in learning and understanding. You will be encouraged to use this resource to develop your appreciation of the multi-disciplinary nature of Fashion Law.
This module will make use of Blackboard tools where lecture materials, podcasts, recordings and other learning support will be made available. The module site will also direct you to supplementary resources. You will be encouraged to explore this material in addition to the material covered in lectures and workshops and to share your ideas through the discussion forum.
The module will make use of an online reading list. The reading list will provide you with links to key texts and information on their availability in the University library.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
Students will develop knowledge of the multi-disciplinary laws that are known as Fashion Law (LO1) as set out in the three pillars of learning.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
Students will develop an understanding of the essential laws and legal influences that impact on the fashion industry and be able to apply them in specific factual context. (LO2)
Students will be able to identify the current challenges faced by the fashion industry and be able to apply their legal and industry knowledge to a given factual scenario and draft appropriate advice. (LO3)
Students will be able to understand the nature and implications of challenges in the fashion industry and the legal, social, economic and cultural factors influencing Fashion Law. This will help students develop commercial awareness and employability. (LO4)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
You will learn about the values of stakeholders in the industry and their professional, economic, and social challenges. You will learn how to consider and advise on these challenges professionally and reflect on Fashion Law in the legal profession.
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment
Students will be given regular feedback throughout the module in workshops and encouraged to engage with current issues in the fashion industry through discussion forums on Blackboard.
Summative Assessment
Students will be assessed by means of a 2500 word piece of work critically evaluating the fashion law issues taken from a fashion business
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Fashion Law is a fast moving and interdisciplinary field. The fashion industry is a business and is influenced, shaped and challenged by business law and practice. How the law affects the business of fashion will vary according to purpose, culture, stakeholders and tenure in the industry.
This module will provide you with a detailed understanding of the legal challenges faced by the fashion industry.
You will explore the business of fashion from two perspectives; the legal perspective and the industry perspective. You will evaluate legal responses to current industry issues such as sustainability, influencer marketing and social media.
You will consider and evaluate the legal mechanisms that support and protect the fashion industry for example:
• Intellectual Property – from the perspective of portfolio management. Considering areas such as design right, branding, counterfeit goods, the role of technology, influencer marketing and social media; and
• Business Law – licensing/contract, data, privacy and technology.
This module will also challenge you to look forward and consider:
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Sustainability Responsibility;
• Fast fashion – sustainability;
• Ethical challenges – supply chain, advertising, labour; and
• Regulation – stakeholders, policy, proposals.
You will learn on this module through a combination of lectures and workshops. You will receive support and guidance from your tutors. This module is assessed through a written piece of coursework based on a case study.
Course info
UCAS Code M101
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria Law School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2024 or September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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