Labour Law and Environmental Sustainability
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
At the end of the course, the student must be able to demonstrate:
· Knowledge and understanding of the intersection between two normative systems: labour law and environmental law.
· Ability to apply the knowledge and competences gained to specific contexts and cases, to perform legal consultancy and policy advice in the fields of labour law and environmental law.
· Analytical skills to give critical and autonomous interpretation of the main EU and national regulations and policies to contrast climate change and the implications of the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables for labour law and industrial relations systems.
· Communication skills to discuss the knowledge gained with consistency in arguments, systematic accuracy and appropriate language.
· Learning ability to elaborate and build on the theoretical and normative foundations of the relationship between labour and environmental sustainability. Learning capabilities.
· Knowledge and understanding of the intersection between two normative systems: labour law and environmental law.
· Ability to apply the knowledge and competences gained to specific contexts and cases, to perform legal consultancy and policy advice in the fields of labour law and environmental law.
· Analytical skills to give critical and autonomous interpretation of the main EU and national regulations and policies to contrast climate change and the implications of the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables for labour law and industrial relations systems.
· Communication skills to discuss the knowledge gained with consistency in arguments, systematic accuracy and appropriate language.
· Learning ability to elaborate and build on the theoretical and normative foundations of the relationship between labour and environmental sustainability. Learning capabilities.
Expected learning outcomes
For the purpose of successful completion of the course, student must be able to demonstrate:
· In depth knowledge on the employment implications of the energy transition to a climate neutral society and on the contribution of labour law to sustainable development of communities and firms.
· Competences to rethink, in an interdisciplinary perspective, fundamental concepts and principles of law so as to properly address the global environmental crisis and the dilemmas of the energy transition, that are too complex to be answered satisfactorily by a single disciplinary perspective.
· In depth knowledge on the employment implications of the energy transition to a climate neutral society and on the contribution of labour law to sustainable development of communities and firms.
· Competences to rethink, in an interdisciplinary perspective, fundamental concepts and principles of law so as to properly address the global environmental crisis and the dilemmas of the energy transition, that are too complex to be answered satisfactorily by a single disciplinary perspective.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course offers an interdisciplinary analysis of labour and environmental sustainability, two key pillars of sustainable development that are usually studied and regulated according to a silo approach. Taught in English, the course is structured in two units. The first unit discusses theoretically the historical and philosophical foundations of the labour-environment nexus. Legal principles of national legislations and EU law are examined to justify an integrated and holistic approach to the analysis of labour law and environmental law. Through the lenses of sustainable development and the so-called "Just Transition" theoretical frameworks, the second unit provides students with the analytical and technical abilities to understand the dilemmas of the energy transition, and the related labour market implications. This unit discusses the normative paths through which international institutions, national governments and industrial relations institutions may deconstruct the conflict between labour and the environment, by shifting from a linear to a systemic type of regulation and policy setting, in which labour and environmental sustainability are pursued simultaneously.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of fundamental categories and institutions of labour law. Being familiar with environmental law is an asset.
Teaching methods
The course will blend frontal lessons, student-led seminars, and student interaction with the lecturer. Frontal classes will be supported by the analysis of practical cases conducted with an active involvement of students and by seminars with social partners, firms and civil society. Lesson by lesson students will be invited to discuss a given topic in order to get prepared for the next class. This method helps students to know in advance the contents of each class, to more easily interact, ask for specific explanations, and finally present their personal work to the rest of the class.
Teaching Resources
For attending students, the teaching material will be provided throughout the course and will be published in the dedicated Ariel platform. Non-attending students are invited to contact the lecturer to get access to lecture notes and integrative readings to prepare the final exam. No specific programmes are provided for Erasmus students.
Assessment methods and Criteria
For attending students, learning is assessed during each class through methods of interaction. At the end of the course, an oral exam is envisaged for both attending and non-attending students. It will be structured in three questions concerning the course programme, in order to assess the learning outcomes. The evaluation criteria include the accuracy of the answers, the clarity in argumentation and the student's ability in technical analysis and in re-elaboration of the concepts learned. The evaluation will be expressed in thirtieth and, if relevant, the laude.
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