Postgraduate Module Descriptor

LAWM686: Approaches to Research in Law

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims first to introduce key legal and socio-legal literature and provide a sound understanding of legal argumentation, the epistemological foundations of cognate interdisciplinary research and the debates surrounding the relationship between law and society. Second it aims to introduce and critically to explore different conceptual approaches to legal and socio-legal research (including its inter-disciplinary nature) on which students can reflect and draw to develop tools and approaches appropriate for their own research. Finally it considers the local, national, international and global contexts of law.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. To demonstrate in writing and orally understanding of different theoretical and philosophical perspectives within law and socio-legal studies
2. To demonstrate in writing and orally understanding of legal sources and argumentation including the range of bibliographic sources (traditional and electronic) and the use of precedent and legal rules and principles
3. To evaluate and apply this understanding in formulating research questions
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Demonstrate clear critical awareness of the contestable and provisional nature of classical constructions of law;
5. Demonstrate understanding of the relevance of social and political theory for socio-legal studies
6. Demonstrate understanding of how law is situated in local, national, international and global contexts
Personal and Key Skills7. Develop critical approach to legal and socio-legal research
8. Develop high level of competence in accessing legal and socio-legal bibliographic sources
9. Assemble systematic and sustained argument orally and in writing in a legal and socio-legal context.