LW7147 - Space Governance: Themes and Concepts

This module is offered on both the full-time and the part-time, distance-learning delivery model. This module will be taught using a series of 12 lectures to initiate and stimulate your thinking on the concepts mentioned above. Discussion workshops will provide an opportunity to discuss the issues of space governance in the context of the contemporary space environment. These discussions will consolidate your understanding and allow you to critique and analyse the emerging themes. During your workshops you will be provided with a number of opportunities to undertake research, to consider how to effectively reference legal sources, and to analyse and debate the evolution of space governance. You will undertake tasks both individually and in groups. During these workshops you will receive feedback from your tutors and from fellow students and you will be encouraged to reflect upon the feedback you receive and how that feedback can be used to improve your research, writing and understanding of the governance of space. If you are studying in part-time, distance-learning, you will be offered the opportunity to take part in virtual, synchronous workshops and all supporting materials will be made available for you. Your module is supported by a range of electronic materials, which are made available to all students via the eLearning platform (Blackboard Ultra). These include lecture recordings, written guidance, podcasts, YouTube videos, and self-test exercises. You will receive a module handbook which outlines the formal sessions (lectures and workshops) and provides details of independent study/learning.

The members of staff who teach on this module have significant research experience in respect of the law of outer space. As such, they will be the principle source of academic support in the module. 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 interrelated nature of the disparate areas of law studied as part of the module. 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. The University is well-placed to support you in learning and research with an excellent library and teaching facilities, access to on-line legal databases and resources and appropriate software. This module has been designed and is managed by your designated Module Tutor who will be responsible for guiding you in your engagement and learning on the module, whether studying on-campus or as part of the distance learning provision. All relevant materials and instructions including notes and recordings for lectures and seminars will be accessible on-line through the Blackboard Ultra site. The site is maintained by your Module Tutor, who will also provide updates on issues of current legal/space significance as appropriate. In respect of support for your assessment, you will be provided with appropriate written or oral feedback (as appropriate), and, as part of your reflective development, such feedback can be utilised in the preparation of subsequent module assessments on the programme. At programme level you will be supported by the Programme Leader and personal tutor who will provide academic and pastoral support throughout the module and the programme. If you are studying this module as a part-time, distance-learning student, you will also receive augmented online support from the module tutor.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

• Knowledge & Understanding:

1. You will be able to display and critically apply expert knowledge appertaining to the governance of outer space.

• Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

2. You will be able to analyse and communicate complex governance issues relating to human space activity.

3. You will be able to critically evaluate source material, suggest alternative approaches to the governance of outer space and its application in practice and reflect on the application of your knowledge and that of others within practical contexts

• Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

4. You will take responsibility for your own independent learning in the field of space governance, working independently to further enhance existing skills and develop new skills to a high level

Formative assessment will be achieved by self-test questions in module materials, group discussion, informal peer assessment and assessed and non-assessed exercises.

Summative Assessment will be undertaken on an individual basis by way of assignment, which constitutes 100% of the marks for this module. This assignment aims to encourage a deep and critical approach to learning, developing an ability to think widely about the issues of space governance presented within the module and to explore these in line with directed and independent learning.

The maximum word limit for the assessment is 3,000 words.

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This module will provide you with an understanding of the various concepts and themes that permeate contemporary space governance. You will critically examine the way in which space exploration is governed on a national and international level. Study on this module will not only consider space law and policy, but the commercial, academic and security issues in respect of the governance of human activity in outer space. There will be consideration of the environmental impact of space activity and related attempts to incorporate notions of sustainability in space governance. The development of expertise in the governance of activities such as active debris removal and In-orbit manufacturing is gaining increasing significance in the space industry. Studying on this module will, therefore, significantly enhance your employability profile and give you skills and knowledge valued by a wide range of employers. The members of staff who teach on this module are world-leading in respect of their research experience of the law and governance of outer space. The module will also feature input from experts in the field of space exploration and will provide an exciting and contemporary critique of contemporary space governance.