IL2AWCNU-Writing Credit (Legal English)

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: NUIST based
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Mrs Anne Vicary

Email: a.m.vicary@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is delivered at NUIST. It begins with input on sources of law that may be used for independent research. Students will improve their law vocabulary, writing skills and capacity for reflection throughout the first term. They will produce two reflective assignments during this period. In the second term, they will build on these skills to produce three critically written assignments from a choice of topics that arise out of other Part 2 law studies. 

Aims:

The Legal Writing Credit module allows students to improve their ability to read and use legal sources, to improve their ability to develop an argument, write critically, cite legal materials correctly and write a well-structured assignment within a specific number of pages and format.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will develop skills in terms of applying research agendas and will work towards analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critique.

Additional outcomes:

Students will work on developing and improving their English language academic writing skills and legal vocabulary range.

Outline content:

In the Autumn term you will be given reading materials on various topics relating to law, such as sources of law, common ways of classifying law, its application to its social context, origins of legal English and the nature of legal language. You will also practise reading statutes, case law and journal articles. You will practise note-taking to enable you to embed your learning, then discuss content in seminars, apply the information to new situations, draw connections between ideas and leg al practices, critique and evaluate them.

You will be expected to explore dimensions of your learning through writing 5 assignments of 750-1,500 words. You will also be expected to pay close attention to new vocabulary in your reading materials in order to build up a bank of vocabulary that will help you to improve your reading stamina and fluency in the future. In addition, you will be encouraged to discuss and reflect on your learning in seminars and tutorials and improve y our written language through teacher feedback and independent study.

In the Spring Term, you will be expected to research and read in order to respond to a choice of essay titles.  Reading materials will be assigned for each topic.  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

All learning materials will be provided and students will be encouraged to share their understanding in groups, thereby co-constructing their knowledge through tasks and discussion.  They will improve their literacy skills through reading and writing texts on law topics and evaluating their own learning processes.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	48	48
Tutorials	48	48
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	48	64
Preparation for seminars	16
Essay preparation	20	30
Reflection	20	10
Total hours by term	200	200	0
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

5 written assignments – two in Autumn semester (submission dates in Week 8 and in Week 16);  three in Spring semester (submission dates in Week 6, Week 10 and Week 14).

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be encouraged to submit a first draft of all assignments up to 10 days before submission date to allow for English language and content feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor 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:

Equivalent assignment on a new set topic.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 September 2020