Research Paper
| Module title | Research Paper |
|---|---|
| Module code | LAW3151A |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Ben Hudson (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 10 |
|---|
Module description
In this module, you will produce a research paper on a legal, comparative legal or socio-legal topic of your choice that is agreed by the Law School. Writing a research paper provides you with the opportunity to critically engage with a topic that is of particular interest to you, and enables you to develop a deeper and more rigorous understanding of that topic. A research paper gives you the chance to develop your independent research skills and the ability to explore issues in greater depth, and to present legal arguments and analyses in relation to your chosen area of law using appropriate methods and methodologies. You will be largely responsible for determining your own work schedule, guided by a Law School staff member assigned to you as your supervisor.
Please note that this module cannot be taken with any of the following modules: LAW3047 Dissertation, LAW3151B Research Paper.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of the module is to give you the opportunity to develop further your independent research and argumentation skills, and to acquire knowledge and develop understanding of a specialist topic in law. The module also aims to encourage and inspire you to engage critically with legal research and scholarship on a specific research question. It provides particularly good experience in carrying out and presenting legal research if you are considering postgraduate study in the future.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. identify, define and construct a critical analysis of a discrete research topic in law;
- 2. identify and define key research question(s) about the chosen research topic;
- 3. demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the selected legal issues acquired through independent research and study;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. integrate and assess information from a comprehensive range of relevant legal materials;
- 5. demonstrate detailed knowledge of a range of complex legal issues and their contextual implications, where relevant;
- 6. evaluate critically the materials considered and used for the research paper;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. plan and undertake tasks efficiently, to reflect critically on the learning process and to make effective use of feedback from the supervision process;
- 8. work independently, to manage time efficiently and meet strict deadlines;
- 9. develop and structure an argument over a sustained piece of writing and in an effective manner;
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Whole cohort research training sessions that support you to get started with your research, on topics such as ideas mapping and setting research questions, research methods and methodologies, advanced library skills, and producing extended writing in law.
- Individual supervision meetings with your assigned supervisor.
- Peer-facilitated learning spaces.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | 136 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 2 | 2 x 1 hour individual supervision meetings |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 6 | 4 x 1.5 hour whole cohort research training sessions |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 6 | 3 x 2 hour peer-facilitated sessions |
| Guided independent study | 6 | Learning log |
| Guided independent study | 16 | Identifying and locating research materials |
| Guided Independent Study | 57 | Drafting and writing up |
| Guided Independent Study | 57 | Carrying out research, reading and taking notes |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning log | Approximately 200 words per week | 1-2, 4, 6-9 | You may discuss with your supervisor and/or peer facilitator specific issues arising in your research that are noted in your learning log. |
| Draft section(s) of your research paper | 1,500 words | 1-9 | Individual oral and written feedback from your supervisor. |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research paper | 100 | 4,500 words | 1-9 | Individual written feedback; oral feedback upon request |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research paper | Research paper (4,500 words) | 1-9 | August/September re-assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
It is expected that students who fail their research paper will re-submit it on the same topic to reflect on and learn from the feedback they will have received on the research paper originally submitted. Any derogation from this will have to be discussed with and approved by the module convenor.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- R Huxley-Binns et al, Unlocking Legal Learning (Hodder Arnold 2005)
- M Salter and J Mason, Writing Law Dissertations: An Introduction and Guide to the Conduct of Legal Research (Longman 2007)
- M McConville, Research Methods for Law (Edinburgh University Press 2007)
- R Banaker and M Travers, Theory and Method in Socio-Legal Research (Hart 2005)
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2015 |
| Last revision date | 16/02/2023 |
