Ateneo - UPO

This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of private law, family law, and children's rights. Legal theory will be integrated with practical case analysis and current developments in the legal field. Particular emphasis will be placed on legal issues relevant to social work practice, including the protection of vulnerable individuals and family relations.

An interdisciplinary and intersectional approach will be adopted, drawing connections with Sociology of the Family, Gender Studies, and Queer Studies.

Textbook:
Leonardo Lenti, Diritto di famiglia e servizi sociali (Giappichelli, 2023)

Study instructions:
Students are required to study the entire textbook, with the following exceptions:

Chapter 4: study paragraphs 1–10 only

Chapter 5: paragraphs 3 and 4.3 are excluded

Chapter 7: study paragraphs 1–3.4 only

Chapter 16: paragraph 11 is excluded

Note for continuing students:
Students enrolled in the 2nd or 3rd year who already own the previous core text (Manuale di diritto privato by Torrente and Schlesinger) may take the examination based on the previous syllabus. This must be communicated at the time of the exam.

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

- Demonstrate knowledge of the core institutions of private, family, and children's rights.

- Use legal terminology with precision and communicate legal arguments clearly and effectively.

- Analyse legal issues and apply relevant legal frameworks to scenarios that may arise in professional social work practice.

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The module is delivered through face-to-face lectures, supported by guided class discussions and problem-solving activities.

Supplementary materials (slides, case studies, legal updates) will be available via the DIR learning platform.

Office hours are by appointment only. To arrange a meeting, please send an email at marco.poli@uniupo.it.

Assessment is comprised of two parts, both conducted on the same day:

- Written Test – Computer-based multiple-choice quiz (10 questions in 10 minutes). A minimum of 7 correct answers is required to proceed to the oral component.

- Oral Examination – Students will respond to two open-ended questions assessing their knowledge of the course content and their ability to discuss and apply it critically.

The module is structured into four main thematic blocks:

1) Introduction to Private Law - The Law and its sources; Legal rights and individuals; Property and rights in rem; Legal capacity and personality; Private autonomy and contract law; Tort law

2) Families: Adult Relationships - The legal concept(s) of families; Marriage, civil partnerships, and cohabitation; Legal consequences of relationship breakdown

3) Parenthood and Child Relationships - Filiation and the legal status of children; Parental responsibility; Child custody arrangements; Adoption and foster care

4) Legal Safeguards and Protection Measures - Legal protections for vulnerable adults; Public interventions concerning children and families; The role of the social workers within legal proceedings

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

- Understand and apply the fundamental principles of private and family law, with a focus on legal aspects relevant to social work practice.
- Use legal terminology appropriately, demonstrating proficiency in technical vocabulary and the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and effectively.
- Analyse and interpret legal norms and cases, developing a critical approach to legal issues encountered in the social work profession.