LW1RWS-Research and Writing Skills

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: restricted to LLB students
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Nora Honkala
Email: n.a.honkala@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Research and Writing Skills allows a student to undertake work on a set topic, in response to a problem scenario presented to them by a ‘client’. Students who take part in this module will develop the ability to apply legal concepts and rules to ‘real-world’ problems, to formulate an argument and communicate it clearly, and to do so within the specified parameters of a client-centred project.

Aims:
Research and Writing Skills allows a student to undertake work on a set topic, in response to a problem scenario presented to them by a £client£. Students who take part in this module will develop the ability to apply legal concepts and rules to £real-world£ problems, to formulate an argument and communicate it clearly, and to do so within the specified parameters of a client-centred project.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module it is intended that students will be able to:

• conduct independent research on a legal topic, demonstrating the ability to recognise a problem and develop a method of answering it;
• take a client-focused approach to the process of resolving legal problems, showing an ability to be responsive and active in approach;
• apply legal concepts and principles effectively to realistic scenarios and situations, and to respond to changes and develo pments in the field being researched;
• locate, analyse, and evaluate legal and academic sources and materials;
• communicate and present legal arguments effectively in written form.

Additional outcomes:
In addition to those listed in the School£s £core skills statement£, the module aims to facilitate the development of IT skills through the use of a variety of online resources and materials.

Outline content:
The substantive content of the module will focus on content of other modules taught in Part 1 of the LLB; Contract Law and Tort Law.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
£ The module is designed to be an online independent learning experience. Teaching of the module will be by video lectures in the first term and there will be a tutorial in the second. Students will be required to complete one piece of written work for the assessment of the module.
£ The topic of the assessed work for Research and Writing Skills will be provided towards the beginning of the Autumn term, along with a deadline for completion and outline of the project£s timeline and scope. £ Students will be required to interpret and analyse different source materials as the project progresses, including written documents and materials, audio and video podcasts, emails and other sources. These will be released at staged intervals so as to prompt and maintain involvement and interactivity across the duration of the module.
£ Students will be required to submit their assessed work piece for this module at the specified time (usually at the start of the Summer term).
£ Students must comply with the Assessed Work Rules set out in the School Guide and general help to be derived from the Legal Skills module.