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2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LAW5661M Postgraduate Legal Research Skills

15 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Prof Hilary Sommerlad
Email: H.A.K.Sommerlad@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

This module is mutually exclusive with

LAW5660M

Research Methods

Module replaces

LAW5660M

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The aim of this module is to prepare students for legal research required for seminar preparation, coursework assignments and for writing dissertations in law. The module focuses on instilling the basic, fundamental research skills postgraduate students need to undertake any type of legal research.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to prepare students for legal research required for seminar preparation, coursework assignments and for writing dissertations in law. The module focuses on instilling the fundamental research skills that postgraduate students need to undertake any type of legal research. The ultimate aim of the module is to equip the students with the skills required to conduct independent research. Emphasis will be put on students learning the different techniques and methods of doing legal research, as well appreciating the steps involved in conducting research, such as identifying research questions, finding sources, compiling a literature review, critically analysing existing materials, evaluating legal research, etc.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, students should:
- become more confident in undertaking the legal research that is required for participating in seminars, tackling assignments and writing a dissertation;
- be capable of formulating appropriate and relevant research questions;
- be able to design a research strategy appropriate to carrying out an independent research project;
- be aware of a variety of approaches and perspectives which are available to those conducting legal research;
- become familiar with and confident in using the traditional and online sources available for research;
- be able to use correct referencing and understand the relevance and importance of sources and previous work.

Syllabus

- Introduction to the module
- Library session and separate Westlaw (and/or Lexis) session Referencing; finding literature; writing up without plagiarising; literature review; OSCOLA; etc
- Reading cases and legislation; evaluating law and literature; ‘critical analysis’; writing essays and answering problem questions
- Lecture on assignment
- Reading week
- General introduction to different research methods
- Comparative issues (legal families; comparative law; etc) Dissertation writing
- Small group exercises along programme lines.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	3	1.00	3.00
Lecture	5	2.00	10.00
Seminar	2	2.00	4.00
Private study hours			133.00
Total Contact hours			17.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Students are expected to prepare in advance of lectures and seminars, and undertake any exercises that might be prescribed ahead of the lectures and seminars. The rest of their private study time will be spent revising the material covered, reflecting on the lectures and seminars, and preparing the assignments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored through attendance and participation at lectures and seminars, and by one of the assignments that will be due for submission during the semester.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 2,000 words case note	50.00
Essay	1 x 2,000 words referee report on a research article	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/09/2016

Disclaimer

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• Undergraduate module catalogue
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