LWMTPS-Project Skills

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Registered for an LLM programme, or with permission of the Director of PGT in Law
Co-requisites: LWMTPR Project
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Jorge Guira
Email: j.m.guira@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Aims:
This module aims to assist students in the formulation of a research question appropriate to their chosen area of study and to develop the skills necessary to plan and execute their research programme within the time and resources available. The module aims to help students gain an appreciation of the variety of theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches that can be taken to research in the field of commercial law, as well as an understanding of the social, ethical and policy context of such research.

Assessable learning outcomes:
After completing the module, students will:
- be capable of formulating appropriate research questions;
- be able to formulate aims and objectives for their research;
- be able to select the research methods appropriate to the collection and analysis of data or evidence relating to the research question;
- be able to embark upon the preparatory work necessary for their dissertations;
- be aware of the role of values in the research process, from problem formula tion through data collection to dissemination;
- be able to critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of a range of legal theories and research methods.

Additional outcomes:
In addition to those listed in the School's 'core skills statement', the module will encourage the development of:
- High-level oral communication skills developed through reflective, analytical class discussion

Outline content:
Seminar 1: Selecting a topic and framing a question; time management; theory and method
Seminar 2: How to structure a research paper, practical considerations
Seminar 3: How to find a 􀀓good topic􀀔. Doctrinal and normative analysis, Economic analysis of law, Critical legal theories and methods, Sociolegal theories and methods
Seminar 4: Language to be used for drafting, IT sources
Seminar 5: Student presentations

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be delivered through a series of weekly seminars conducted in the Spring term. After an introductory seminar on research and writing, the seminars will explore a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to legal research. In the final week students will be expected to make a short presentation on their chosen research topic.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• 90% Literature Review, Research Plan and Bibliography (maximum 7 pages)
• 10% Attendance and Class Participation

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: