IF1NUL2-Research and Writing Skills (Legal English) 2

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Mr Sebastian Watkins

Email: s.a.watkins@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is delivered at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology.  It will build on Research and Writing Skills (Legal English) 1, to further develop your written English Language skills in a legal and academic context,  and your ability to undertake independent legal research. These are key skills you will require as you progress through your law studies.

Aims:

The aims of this module are to develop your:

• essay writing skills in an academic legal context


• use of primary and secondary legal resources


• independent research skills in academic legal context

In addition, the module hopes to develop:

• your ability to answer Problem Questions


• the range and accuracy of your written English

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completing this module, you should be able to plan, research and complete an extended written assignment in response to a given title on an area of English law you have studied or are studying (contract, tort or jurisprudence), demonstrating an effective use of sources, and using an appropriate range of language with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

Additional outcomes:

On completing this module, you should also be able to answer Problem Questions more effectively, using the IPAC method, and using an appropriate range of language to convey your response.

Outline content:

The module will cover legal essay writing skills, such as analysing the title, identifying relevant ideas, developing a logical structure, and writing effective introductions, conclusions and paragraphs. It will also cover paraphrasing, summarising and incorporating quotations, as well as consolidation of the OSCOLA referencing conventions. The module will also cover how to approach legal research, and integrate this into the essay-planning process, as well as developing an understanding of how to avoid plagiarism. There will also be a focus on key language for legal essay writing, such as linking words and expressing stance. The module will also consolidate the use of the IPAC model to answer Problem Questions, and useful language to express concession, condition, contrast and caution in responses to Problem Questions.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The principal method of instruction will be classroom-based learning, employing an interactive  learner-centred methodology, in which group and pairwork will form an integral part. Learners will be expected to participate actively in class.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Practicals classes and workshops		64
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		18
Essay preparation		18
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One extended written assignment of 2,500 to 3,000  words, to be submitted in the final week of the semester

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback will be provided by peers and/or your tutor on a draft or partial draft of your written assignment.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of assignment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 10 January 2020