LAW50030 Advanced Research in Law

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module provides an introduction to advanced methods and approaches in legal research for students starting their research degree in law. It takes the epistomological question: how do you know what you know? as its starting point to investigate different research methodologies. It helps students make an informed choice as to which methods best suit their own research question (as well as helping them craft that question). This is a methods course with a strong emphasis on skills.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module the students should be able to: - frame viable research questions - explain the implications for knowledege and understanding of the variety of ways of viewing the world - contrast some of the main approaches to research in law - appreciate the variety of research materials available in the library, electronically and at other libraries - understand the purposes and application of bibliographic software - identify and work with the variety of methods available in legal research - articulate the ethical dimensions of their research.

Indicative Module Content:

The module is constituted by a series of seminars on:
- Defining the Research Question,
- Undertaking Doctrinal Research,
- Undertaking Socio-Legal Research,
- Conducting Library Research
- Research Ethics,
- Research Funding, and
- Good Legal Writing and Citation

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

24

Autonomous Student Learning

101

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Approaches include seminars, active/task-based learning; group work; critical writing; reflective learning 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Completion of a mock-IRC funding proposal Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

40

Practical Examination: Completion of on-line UCD Research Integrity Training for Research Degree Students Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

20

Essay: 2,500 Word Essay Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

40


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

This module is assessed by a combination of three pieces of assessment. Firstly, students should complete the on-line UCD Research Integrity Training for Research Degree Students. The remaining pieces of assessment are the completion of a mock-IRC application for funding for the student's research and the completion of written assignment. Feedback will be provided in the form of individual feedback within 20 working days of the submission date with respect to the mock-IRC application and the written assignment. Students may request a meeting with the module coordinator to obtain individual feedback on their assessments.

Name Role
Ms Susan Boyle Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Suzanne Darcy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Cliona Kelly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Joseph McMahon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Laurent Pech Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Dagmar Schiek Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Amy Strecker Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
     
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 16:00 - 17:50