Law Research Methods LAW5052

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Law
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

To teach postgraduate students certain practical legal research skills and methods, and to cover basic topics in research methods, from a range of perspectives - all of which underpin legal research.

Timetable

Component One: 10.5 hours
Component Two: 3 hours (minimum; Library sessions)
IT Component (Baseline Cert)
Component Three: 9 hours (6 units @ 1.5 hrs)
Component Four: 2 hours

Assessment

One written paper of 2,000 - 2,500 words

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

To teach postgraduate students certain practical legal research skills and methods, and to cover basic topics in research methods, from a range of perspectives - all of which underpin legal research.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of the course, students should be able to:
· demonstrate familiarity with basic legal library/archival/data information and handling skills ? whether based on traditional or contemporary media
· show a reasonable knowledge of aspects of legal systems, in particular legal reasoning
· demonstrate some knowledge and understanding of a variety of methods used in different areas of legal research
· critically evaluate those different methods
· demonstrate an appropriate knowledge and understanding of a representative range of theories and topics in research philosophy and methodology (including several methods relevant for socio-legal research)
· evaluate critically that knowledge and understanding
· show a familiarity with the principles for structuring a research thesis