Module Information
Module Identifier
LP30900
Module Title
Legal Research Project for GDL Students
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Co-Requisite
Co-Requisite
Co-Requisite
Co-Requisite
Co-Requisite
Co-Requisite
Co-Requisite
Co-Requisite
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Research Project Report | 5% |
| Semester Assessment | Oral presentation on approved topic (see research report) | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Extended Essay (up to 4,000 words) on approved topic (see research report) | 75% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Re-submission of extended essay on the approved topic | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
a) Demonstrate an appreciation of the research potential of subjects by identifying a viable topic for a legal research project;
b) Locate relevant material, in particular through the use of bibliographical guides and subject databases, and identify the most important sources;
c) Plan, organise and timetable a legal research project over a period of time;
d) Organise ideas and order material for the effective presentation of argument, critical evaluation, data and concluding remarks;
e) Present a clear, accurate and analytical account of the project, both orally and in writing.
Brief description
This module is an exercise in applied legal research in relation to a special topic, rather than being based on a prescribed course of study. The student will select a subject for a legal research project with the approval of the Centre and then proceed to the research, writing and presentation stages of the exercise under the supervision of a member of staff with knowledge of the subject area.
The Legal Research Project will build upon and develop the students? broader skills, including effective communication and independent research and study. A key aim of this module is to provide students with the eighth area of legal knowledge that is required by those seeking to enter the legal professions.
The Legal Research Project will build upon and develop the students? broader skills, including effective communication and independent research and study. A key aim of this module is to provide students with the eighth area of legal knowledge that is required by those seeking to enter the legal professions.
Content
1. Research design
2. Ethical issues and plagiarism
3. Research report
4. Extended essay
5. Oral presentation
2. Ethical issues and plagiarism
3. Research report
4. Extended essay
5. Oral presentation
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Some research topics may involve statistical analysis or require a level of numerical fluency. |
| Communication | Oral communication will be encouraged through a discussion of ideas and an articulation of problems associated with the research at meetings with the supervisor. Written communication will be developed in preparing the research report and the extended essay. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Through development of a substantial body of knowledge and a need to locate and organise relevant material the student will learn to develop more effective legal research techniques. |
| Information Technology | Location of relevant material, in particular through the use of bibliographical guides and legal databases; Preparation of the assignment electronically. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Enhanced capacity for independent and critical thought. Good time-management skills required at all stages of the legal research project. Increased confidence in presenting information orally. |
| Problem solving | To set a viable topic for research, set a research question and then work towards answering it involves problem solving skills and will both enhance and draw upon already developed skills. |
| Research skills | The development of research skills is inherent in a legal research project. |
| Subject Specific Skills | |
| Team work | Meetings may be called at which students can, under supervision and guidance, discuss and compare problems they have faced and possible solutions. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6