Module LAWM687 for 2017/8
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
LAWM687: Socio-Legal Research Skills
This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.
Module Aims
This module builds on the generic research training modules provided in Methodology and Research Skills in Sociology (SOCM008), Philosophy of the Social Sciences (HPSM002A), Qualitative Methods in Social Research (POLM063), Applied Quantitative Data Analysis (POLM809) and the subject specific module Approaches to Research in Law (ESRC remit students) (LAWM686). It first considers debates surrounding methodological issues in and analytical techniques appropriate to socio-legal research as contrasted with but complementary to doctrinal legal research and encourages a critical approach through the use of the 'reflective log' following each staff-led seminar. It then develops knowledge and understanding of how a wide range of data sources and methods of data collection are used in empirical research in law and the ethical issues social research of this nature raises and how these are addressed. The limitations of comparative and cross-cultural research are also considered. The module particularly aims to make students aware of the methodological and technical demands of research at an advanced level, addressing skills that subsequently will be exercised through their M.Res dissertation (LAWM640). Through the practical workshops, the module aims to provide students with data presentation and dissemination skills by giving individual and group feedback as appropriate.
This module is an important foundation for the dissertation and it develops the student's awareness of the rigours of the socio-legal research process at an advanced level.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
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Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate awareness and comprehension of the diversity of data and information utilized in socio-legal research; 2. Be able to locate and access legal data using a range of research skills and legal databases. 3. Be able to recognize and critically evaluate the diversity of specialised techniques and approaches involved in collecting and analysing empirically gathered research data, both quantitative and qualitative, in a socio-legal context; 4. Be able to critically evaluate in writing and orally the issues involved in application of research design to socio-legal research questions 5. Be aware of the range of ethical issues involved in empirical research in law |
Discipline-Specific Skills | 6. Be able to identify and critically evaluate methods of data collection appropriate to socio-legal research; 7. Be able to collect and synthesize legal and socio-legal information/ data in writing and orally and show an awareness of the ethical implications of data collection and analysis; 8. Understand the utility and limitations of collecting and comparing data from different jurisdictions 9. Understand the utility and limitations of collecting and comparing cross-cultural data |
Personal and Key Skills | 10. Be able to use Information Technology effectively and appropriately to locate and extract data from a variety of sources; 11. Be able to critically reflect on the process of data collection and analysis and evaluate strengths and weaknesses; 12. Be able to use a range of well-known data analysis packages; 13. Be able to undertake independent/self-directed learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment 14. Be able to write up and present research findings in a systematic way. |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Seminar 1 Methodological issues in legal and socio-legal research: positivist and interpretive approaches
Seminar 2 Research Design: theory, methodology and interdisciplinarity - some case studies
Seminar 3 Research Ethics and Empirical Research in Law: Issues, Codes and Implications
Seminar 4 Data gathering and data protection: from court records to cyber space and beyond
Seminar 5 Quantitative methods in socio-legal research: techniques (e.g. structured interviews, questionnaires) validity (including sampling), presentation and case studies
Seminar 6 Qualitative methods in socio-legal research: ethnographic techniques (e.g. semi-structured interviews, interpretive biographies, focus groups, participant observation, action research) validity, presentation, case studies, new developments
Workshop 1 Practical research design exercise plus group presentation and presentation feedback
Workshop 2 Practical research exercise on qualitative methods, e.g. questionnaires/interviews/ethical issues
Seminar 7 Modes of Analysis, e.g. thematic analysis, content analysis and responsive recent developments
Workshop 3 Two Practical research exercises on qualitative analysis involving use of N6/NVivo and quantitative analysis involving use of SPSS.
Seminar 8 Further methodological issues: cross-cultural and cross-jurisdictional data
Workshop 4 Student-led oral presentation.
Seminars (with web-based support where appropriate) will first introduce the methodological issues (including issues arising from an interdisciplinary approach) in socio-legal research. They will then consider how the collection/generation of data should fit within a broader research agenda and be sensitive to issues such as privacy and research ethics. This will lead to a consideration in depth of a number of key sources and methods of data collection and analysis routinely employed by social scientists including those conducting empirical research in law. These issues and methods will be explored through case studies and exposure of students to a variety of methods and appropriate practical work, incorporating group work and independent practical exercises which will be interspersed with the staff-led seminars
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
---|---|---|
30 | 270 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 20 hours | 8 (2.5 hour) staff-led seminars |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 10 hours | 4 (2.5 hour) practical workshops |
Guided independent study | 270 | Private study |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|
Oral presentation on essay plan | 15 minutes | 1-14 | Verbal feedback |
Practical data exercies | x 2 | 1-14 |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
---|---|---|
100 | 0 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|---|
3 reflective logs | 25 | 1,500 - 3,000 words each | 1-14 | Written feedback |
Essay plan | 25 | 1,000 words | 1-14 | Written feedback |
Essay | 50 | 3,750 words | 1-14 | Written feedback |
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
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3 reflective logs | 3 reflective logs (1,500 - 3,000 words each) | 1-14 | Next reassessment period |
Essay plan | Essay plan (1,000 words) | 1-14 | Next reassessment period |
Essay | Essay (3,750 words) | 1-14 | Next reassessment period |