Postgraduate Module Descriptor


LAWM687: Socio-Legal Research Skills

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Overview

NQF Level7
Credits30 ECTS Value15.00
Term(s) and duration

This module ran during term 1 (11 weeks), term 2 (11 weeks) and term 3 (0 weeks)

Academic staff

Professor Liz Trinder (Convenor)

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Available via distance learning

No

This module builds on the generic research training modules provided by the Graduate School in Social Science Research Skills, Philosophy of the Social Sciences, Data Sources and Data Collection in the Social Sciences, Social Science Data Analysis and the subject specific module Approaches to Research in Law (ESRC remit students). 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 raise your awareness of the methodological and technical demands of research at an advanced level – addressing skills that subsequently will be exercised through their MRes dissertation. Through the practical workshops, the module aims to provide you with data presentation and dissemination skills by giving individual and group feedback as appropriate.

Module created

01/10/2007

Last revised

31/08/2012